My Viral Post

Late last year, I had a Facebook post go viral. The initial thought came to me as I was enjoying the holiday tradition of decorating our family Christmas tree with my four-year-old. First, she put aside all the fun, toy-like ornaments to play with (and eventually break most of them). Then, she put all the others on the tree wherever she could reach them. All were in the lower left quadrant. All were facing the tree. As amused as I was with the cluster of Santa Claus and Snow Man bums displayed amongst the twinkling lights, I waited until she was happily playing elsewhere and then repositioned every one of them. Here is the post that got me more than 1.3 million views, 8,700 shares and hundreds of thousands of reactions and comments, just in a few days, just from sharing it in a couple of my personal Facebook groups:

It really made me happy that it gave so many people a chuckle. There were so many who said they could absolutely relate. People called loved ones out. It was fun. This experience made me realize that I’m able to spread some joy with this business, even if people don’t want to purchase my goods (which I hope will bring them joy again and again). It also made me realize that this kind of sharing, of observations and personal experiences, is maybe where I should take the majority of my social media posts, and where I should take this blog. I had been hesitant to create another blog for months, because I had envisioned a very educational, research-based resource. I spent a whole Saturday last year at a university conference dedicated to lactation, trying to derive knowledge and wisdom to help convey to my fellow moms and dads. But I just feel like an imposter in that realm. I am not the authority, and never will be. So, I’ll leave the nurse and lactation consultant kind of stuff to the pros. I’ll leave the child behavior stuff to the doctors and researchers and specialists and therapists. When I can share their resources with you, I will. And I’ll be okay with just offering my personal take on navigating this whole parenthood thing.

It’s very freeing to take this pressure off. For me, it’s a really good time to get clarity and move forward unfettered, as the Riggbee satchels and bracelets are going to be launching in just a couple more weeks. I need to focus on getting it out there and connecting with all of you on my own terms. Hopefully I’ll be able to strike a chord again with a viral post or two, and maybe share one of your personal moments of profound joy or reflection.

Is there anything you are trying to force, like I was? Let’s leave our shackles in 2020! We can hang them on my “perfect” Christmas tree.     

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In case a conference on lactation is totally up your alley, here is a link to a Facebook page regarding the upcoming 2021 Lactation Unlocked: https://fb.me/e/3tlxKKl8V

Some of my notes and findings from Lactation Unlocked 2020 (when I was trying to get my expert status for all things breastfeeding):

• Liver and enzymes are just getting up to speed when babies are born. Increased red blood cells in babies… the Bilirubin chemical from broken down red blood cells = jaundice
• Appalachian Breastfeeding Network – have books, DVDs, webinars, help line with IBCLC, CLC or CLS on call 24/7 (888-588-3423)
• Part of the role of a doula is to know the household, community, and environment
• Fourth Trimester Project – an interactive map resource from Appalacian State
• Breastfeeding is more than nourishment – there are social and physiological impacts (how many bottle fed babies get the same arm, same angle, etc.)
• Breastfeeding is not the only thing that makes you a parent
• There is a barrier, in that there is not a lot of time, if any, for nurses to educate and to show, while a mother is in the hospital, as in: “This is how BF could look like…”
• Global Health Media (https://globalhealthmedia.org/) – has good videos for all kinds of things (WHO backed)
• kellymom.com  
• Wound healing – 24-48 hour break; soothies; Ameda hydrogels – Coviden; Lanolin; shells; Medi-honey; peppermint gel
• Issues can arise from a shallow latch, compression, blocked ducts, over production of milk
• Cold therapy first (just like icing any other inflammation)
• Baby scales should be accurate within two grams (Tanita 815 is a brand)
• Making More Milk book by Lisa Marasco
• sweetpeabreastfeeding.com
• OutCareHealth.org – lists lactation professionals that are supportive of lactation in all families (including LGBTQ+)

Riggbee Founder Katie Walton attending the 2020 virtual Lactation Unlocked.