Lindsay Scheerle - The Mama Nurse

Hi everyone! ❤️❤️❤️

My family and I are making a few gift baskets for pediatric patients and their parents at Guelph General Hospital for drop off on Dec. 8th. My daughter has been hospitalized there many times, and during her last stay around last Christmas, she received a couple of small gifts that really brightened her time - so we wanted to give back in the same way.

If you have ever spent time in the hospital with your child, you know how long and uncomfortable the days are for the kids and for parents. The smallest comforts can make a difference.

We are making a few as a family, but I thought I would open it up in case anyone else in the community would like to be a part of it. If you are interested in contributing, you can help out in whatever way feels right:

-Donating items (I can pick up around Guelph/surrounding areas)
-Monetary donations (can DM me for my email, or again, can pick up in Guelph/surrounding areas)
-Gift card donations (thinking Tim’s or Uber eats)
-A small note or art (my daughter will be making some art and motivational messages, so this would be very welcome if you wanted to get your kids involved - a wonderful way to get involved without any cost!)

I am happy to assemble and deliver everything and can make a post once I deliver! Thank you for helping to brighten a hard time for these families!

As a Lactation Consultant, RN, and mom of two - I know how stressful it can feel wondering if your baby is getting enough to eat. Here are 5 reassuring signs to look for:

1️⃣ Weight Gain – On average, babies gain about 5.5–8.5 oz per week until around 4 months of age.

2️⃣ Wet Diapers – From day 5 onward (4 months+), babies should have at least 6 wet diapers. How can you tell if it's wet? Many diaper brands have indicators that change color when wet, but the true test is weight—when you pick it up, it should feel heavier and the diaper will feel squishier.

3️⃣ Frequent Feeds – In months 0-2, babies should be feeding 8-12 times per 24 hours. As babies reach 2+ months, the number of feeds typically decrease slightly.

4️⃣ Relaxed + Content after feeding – Watch your baby’s hands: clenched fists often signal hunger, while soft, relaxed hands show that they are satiated. Baby's mood may also go from tense or fussy, to relaxed and alert.

5️⃣ Swallowing Sounds + Rhythm – Babies often follow a pattern (suck–swallow during letdown, or suck, suck swallow as feeding slows). You may also hear a little “kah” sound as your baby breathes out after swallowing.

✨ If you are ever worried your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

✨Over 90% of new moms experience noticeable hair loss (or diffuse alopecia) in the months after birth
✨70% of those new moms experience a sense of stress and anxiety surrounding the hair loss

During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep hair in the growth phase (anagen) longer. This is why many people notice fuller, thicker hair while pregnant.

After birth, estrogen levels drop sharply. This hormonal shift causes more hairs to enter the shedding phase (telogen) all at once.

This shedding usually starts around 3–4 months postpartum, peaks around 4–6 months, and typically resolves by 8-12 months.

💕Just remember: most moms go through it so you are certainly not alone in feeling sad or anxious about your hair loss, but also keep in mind that it is temporary and you hair will eventually return to its normal growth cycle 💕

Did you ever worry that your breast size would affect your ability to breastfeed? You're not alone—it's one of the most common myths I encounter!

​Let's get the facts straight: Breast size has no impact on milk production. A bigger cup size doesn't mean more milk, and a smaller cup size doesn't mean less.

Breast size is determined by the amount of fatty tissue you have, but your milk supply is determined by your glandular tissue, which develops during puberty and, most importantly, expands and grows during pregnancy.

​If you noticed your breasts getting bigger, feeling fuller, or becoming more sensitive while you were pregnant, that's a fantastic sign that your body was preparing to make milk.

📢 MATERNITY LEAVE NOTICE 📢

As we settle into life as a family of four, I will be taking a maternity leave.

If you are in need of resources or referrals to other amazing perinatal professionals in the community, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am happy to connect you!

"Why did no one tell me? Why isn't this talked about?"

This morning I have been reflecting on how often we hear this sentiment from new mothers.

While a quick google search tells me that there are at least 2 billion mothers worldwide, why do so many of us come out of the experience feeling blind-sided or shocked or ill-informed?

So often I hear, "why didn't anyone talk about this part of pregnancy/delivery/postpartum?"

If you are willing to share your story with me, I’m curious to hear what made you think,

“Why did no one tell me?”

Accepting new clients for private/group prenatal classes or lactation sessions. Please reach out to schedule!

Not currently accepting new clients for counselling but please reach out if you are in need of resources or support!

After 4 years of hard work, countless hours of studying, and balancing a chaotic schedule of home-work-school-life, I am thrilled to announce that I have completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree! On May 31st, I successfully wrote my licensing examination with the College of Nurse of Ontario, and as of June 1st, am officially licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Transitioning from an RPN to RN has been an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey. I am very proud of this accomplishment and am eager to continue to provide the highest level of care to all of my clients!

I would not be here without the support of my family, my parents and in laws, my sisters and sister-in-laws, and particularly my husband who has always supported my dreams. And of course, my daughter, who is my reason and motivation for everything!

Signed, Lindsay Scheerle, BScN, RN!! 🎉

These are distressing statistics.

Despite 23% of mothers and 10% of fathers suffering...
Despite su***de being one of the LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH in perinatal individuals...
Despite PMAD's being the NUMBER ONE medical complication in the perinatal period.....

Routine screening for all perinatal individuals is NOT RECOMMENDED by the Canadian Task Force of Preventative Health. That means, your doctor may only provide you with screening tools for depression or anxiety if you decide to disclose symptoms to them..

How many parents are falling through the cracks of the healthcare system?

A lot.

Parents often do not openly admit to symptoms because of the stigma or feeling shame or embarrassment because they want to hold up the illusion that "everything is perfect".

Parents are fiercely protective of their babies, meaning they often fear getting help because they fear that there would be repercussions of admitting they are struggling "could my baby be taken away from me if I admit this?"

Many signs are missed by healthcare providers because lack of sleep, stress, and hormone swings are present in nearly all perinatal patients and can sometimes be dismissed as a "normal" part of parenthood.

If you are struggling, or you know someone who seems like they may be struggling:

You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
There is help and support available.
Healing is possible and you can be well again.💕

Happy mother's day!!

🌻 All the Mama's and Mama's to be
🌸 To the new mom's and the empty nester moma
🌼 The mom's who are grieving lost babies
💐 To those grieving lost mother's and lost grandmothers
🌹 To single moms
🌺 Fur baby moms
🪷 Stay at home moms and working moms
🏵️ Those yearning to be moms
🌷 To grand-moms, and great grand-moms

Sending love to all Mama's out there 💛💛💛