I Want You To Get The Care You Deserve
Choosing the Right Lactation Consultant
When it comes to breastfeeding support, there are several types of lactation consultants, each offering valuable assistance. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your family’s needs.
Our Services
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Prenatal Consultation
A prenatal breastfeeding consultation at any time during pregnancy. In-home or virtually.
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Postpartum Consultation
Comprehensive support to navigate feeding and recovery during the postpartum period.
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Postpartum Follow-up Support
Ongoing guidance to ensure continued breastfeeding success and address any evolving challenges.
Types of Consultations
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In-Office Pre or Post Natal Lactation Consultation
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In-Home Pre or Post Natal Lactation Consultation
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Virtual Lactation Consultations (Follow Up Only)
Types of Lactation Consultants
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International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Scope of Practice:
Conduct comprehensive assessments of breastfeeding issues.
Develop individualized care plans for families.
Provide evidence-based education and support in various settings (hospitals, clinics, private practice).
Address complex breastfeeding challenges and conditions.
Limitations:
Cannot diagnose medical conditions or perform medical procedures.
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Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Scope of Practice:
Provide basic breastfeeding education and support.
Assist with common challenges like latch issues and feeding cues.
Refer families to IBCLCs or healthcare providers for complex issues.
Limitations:
Cannot conduct in-depth clinical assessments or provide advanced care.
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Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)
Scope of Practice:
Educate parents about breastfeeding fundamentals.
Offer support for common breastfeeding concerns and challenges.
Facilitate discussions and group support.
Limitations:
Cannot perform clinical assessments or address complex issues.
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Lactation Educator (LE)
Scope of Practice:
Provide education on breastfeeding basics and best practices.
Facilitate support groups and informational sessions.
Help parents understand resources available to them.
Limitations:
Cannot provide clinical care or handle complex breastfeeding challenges.
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Registered Nurse (RN) with Lactation Training
Scope of Practice:
Offer breastfeeding support as part of nursing care.
Conduct assessments related to breastfeeding.
Integrate lactation education into patient care in clinical settings.
Limitations:
Cannot practice as a lactation consultant without IBCLC certification.
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La Leche League Leader (LLL)
Scope of Practice:
Provide peer support and education on breastfeeding.
Facilitate support groups and share resources.
Offer personal experience and community-based advice.
Limitations:
Cannot provide clinical assessments or medical advice; focus is on peer support.
Why an IBCLC Might Be the Right Choice for You
While every type of lactation consultant plays a vital role in supporting breastfeeding families, IBCLCs offer some distinct benefits:
In-Depth Expertise: IBCLCs have specialized training and experience in managing both common and more intricate breastfeeding concerns, such as low milk supply, painful latch, and anatomical issues.
Advanced Clinical Skills: With comprehensive clinical hours and advanced education, IBCLCs provide expert-level care and personalized solutions tailored to your unique situation.
Holistic Support: IBCLCs consider all aspects of your breastfeeding experience, including physical, emotional, and environmental factors, to offer well-rounded support.
Evidence-Based Care: IBCLCs stay updated with the latest research and best practices to ensure you receive the most current and effective advice.
Collaborative Approach: IBCLCs often work with other healthcare providers to offer coordinated care, addressing any additional needs you or your baby may have.
Finding the Right Consultant for You
All lactation consultants bring valuable skills and knowledge to the table. Choosing the right one for your needs depends on the level of support you require:
Consider Your Needs: For straightforward concerns, a CLC can be a great fit. If you face more complex issues or need extensive support, an IBCLC might offer the advanced expertise you’re looking for.
Research and Compare: Look into the qualifications and areas of focus of different consultants to find the best match for your situation.
Trust Your Choice: Select a consultant who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to support your breastfeeding journey.
Every lactation consultant plays an important role in supporting breastfeeding families, and there is value in each level of certification. By understanding these distinctions, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs and ensures the best possible care for you and your baby.
Reasons To Hire an IBCLC
Low Milk Production: Strategies to boost and manage milk supply to ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment.
Overproduction of Milk: Guidance on managing oversupply and balancing milk production to prevent discomfort and complications.
Engorgement: Solutions to alleviate engorged breasts and relieve associated pain.
Painful or Difficult Latch: Techniques to improve latch and reduce pain during breastfeeding.
Sore, Cracked, or Bleeding Nipples: Support and treatment options for healing and preventing nipple damage.
Tongue Tie, Lip Tie, or Other Anatomical Issues: Assessment and management of anatomical challenges affecting feeding.
Frequent Nursing and Low Satisfaction: Advice on managing frequent nursing and ensuring that your baby is feeding effectively.
Pumping Challenges: Assistance with effective pumping techniques and managing milk storage.
Jaundice: Support for feeding strategies to help manage and alleviate jaundice in your baby.
Medical Issues for Mom or Baby: Tailored care considering medical conditions that impact breastfeeding.
Previous Breastfeeding Issues: Help overcoming past breastfeeding difficulties and building a successful experience.
Returning to Work: Guidance on maintaining breastfeeding while transitioning back to work.
Slow Infant Weight Gain: Strategies to address and improve infant weight gain.
Prematurity or Late Preterm Infants: Specialized support for feeding premature or late preterm infants.
NICU to Home Transition: Assistance with feeding challenges during the transition from the NICU to home.
Breastfeeding Twins or Multiples: Strategies and support for breastfeeding more than one baby.
Re-Lactation: Help with re-establishing milk production and breastfeeding after a break.
Fussy or Frustrated Baby: Tips for calming a fussy baby and improving feeding comfort.
Reflux Management: Support for managing and feeding a baby with reflux.
Supplementation Needs: Guidance on supplementing breastfeeding while maintaining a good milk supply.
Mastitis or Thrush: Solutions for dealing with common breastfeeding-related infections.
Breastfeeding After Surgery: Care tailored to breastfeeding after previous breast surgeries.
Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby: Support for adoptive breastfeeding and building a milk supply.
Nursing an Older Baby: Strategies for continued breastfeeding with an older child.
Tandem Nursing: Guidance for breastfeeding multiple children of different ages.
Introducing Solid Foods: Advice on incorporating solids while continuing breastfeeding.
Weaning: Support for transitioning away from breastfeeding or resolving any unresolved feeding issues.
Confusing Advice: Clarification and guidance to cut through confusing or conflicting advice about breastfeeding.
Feeling Unsure: Emotional and practical support for building confidence and addressing concerns about breastfeeding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
For Babies:
Optimal Nutrition: Provides all essential nutrients and vitamins needed for healthy growth and development.
Enhanced Immune Protection: Boosts the baby’s immune system with antibodies and other immunological factors, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.
Healthy Weight: Supports a healthy weight and reduces the risk of childhood obesity.
Improved Digestion: Easier to digest compared to formula, leading to fewer digestive issues like constipation and colic.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Lowers the risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers.
Better Bonding: Promotes skin-to-skin contact and emotional bonding between mother and baby.
Enhanced Brain Development: Contributes to better cognitive and neurological development.
Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
For Mothers:
Faster Postpartum Recovery: Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Weight Loss: Can aid in postpartum weight loss by burning extra calories.
Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Bone Health: May help protect against osteoporosis later in life.
Natural Contraceptive: Provides a natural, though not foolproof, method of contraception during the postpartum period.
Enhanced Bonding: Strengthens the emotional connection with the baby through physical closeness.
Cost-Effective: Saves money compared to purchasing formula and feeding supplies.
Convenience: Always available, requires no preparation, and is at the right temperature.
For Families and Society:
Reduced Healthcare Costs: Lower overall healthcare costs due to fewer illnesses and medical visits.
Environmental Benefits: Decreases waste and environmental impact as there is no packaging or disposal associated with breastfeeding.
Supports Family Bonding: Can be a shared experience with partners and family members, promoting a supportive environment for the mother.
What To Expect From Your Consultation
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Intake Forms: Once we schedule your appointment, I'll send you intake forms electronically through my HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Feeding Coordination: To make the most of our time together, try to time your baby’s feeding so they are not fed within an hour before my visit. This helps ensure they are hungry and ready to eat during our consultation.
Dress Comfortably: Please dress your baby in comfortable, easily removable clothing to facilitate a smooth consultation.
Prepare Your Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have beforehand so we can address them during our session.
Consultation Environment: Expect a close and personal experience. I will be with you in the room where you usually nurse, ensuring you and your baby are as comfortable as possible.
Have Baby Gear Ready: Keep your breast pump, bottles, and any other baby gear you use (such as wraps or carriers) accessible in case we need to review them.
Older Siblings: Older siblings are welcome to join. To help keep them engaged and minimize distractions, consider planning an activity and snack for them during our consultation.
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Personalized Experience: During our session, we’ll work closely together to address your specific breastfeeding needs. I’ll join you in the room where you typically nurse to ensure a comfortable and relaxed environment for both you and your baby.
Feeding Schedule: To maximize our time, please aim to have your baby feed within an hour before our appointment. This helps ensure they are hungry and ready to nurse during our consultation.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress your baby in soft, easily removable clothing to make the process smoother and more efficient.
Questions Ready: Bring along any questions or concerns you’ve prepared. This will help us cover everything you need during our time together.
Baby Gear: Have your breast pump, bottles, and any other feeding equipment or baby gear (like wraps or carriers) handy. We may need to review these items to provide the best support.
Older Siblings: If you have older children, they are welcome to be present. To keep them engaged and minimize interruptions, consider preparing a special activity and snack for them during our consultation.
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Personalized Care Plan: You will receive a customized Care Plan outlining the next steps and recommendations tailored to your needs.
Referrals: If necessary, I may refer you to other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Follow-Up Visits: If needed, we will schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Ongoing Communication: Please keep me updated on your progress, any changes, or any new issues that arise. Your feedback helps us ensure the best possible care.
Addressing New Issues: If a new problem emerges, we might need to arrange a full consultation to assess and address the issue thoroughly.
Additional Support: If you feel things are improving but want reassurance, we can schedule a shorter follow-up consultation or a weight/intake check.
Continuous Support: Remember, I’m here to assist you in achieving your breastfeeding goals and providing the support you need throughout your journey