A Lactation Consultant is an allied healthcare professional, it is not within our scope to diagnose any medical conditions. However, we can help you and your baby optimize your feeding plan, and navigate a tongue tie diagnosis so that you are well informed! More information is available here: Blog Post on Tongue Ties 👈🏻

During your visit we will discuss what your concerns are and your feeding goals. We will review your health history and birth story, and any other important information.

When you are ready to feed your baby, I will watch what you and your baby normally do. Sometimes a breast assessment is important to see if there are any concerns with engorgement, blocked ducts, or mastitis. I will also offer verbal and hands-on assistance throughout your feeding session to provide support as needed.

You will receive a detailed follow up e-mail with resources to support your feeding plan.

The best way to prepare for breastfeeding is while you are still pregnant, ideally in your third trimester (after 28 weeks). A Lactation Consultant can help set you up for breastfeeding success by discussing your goals and concerns, and identify potential feeding challenges. Here is some more information on working with a Lactation Consultant in pregnancy: Blog on Writing a Birth and Feeding Plan 👈🏻

Yes! The Lactation Consultant can help you navigate combination feeding. We can discuss how to incorporate bottles and pumping to support your milk supply and ensure your baby is thriving.

Pumping and bottle feeding can be more work than breastfeeding but is a great way to give your baby breastmilk. An IBCLC can help guide you with: how often to pump, what type of pump to use, sizing your pump flanges, and how to continue to make lots of milk.

Unfortunately MSI does not cover private Lactation Consultations. However, if you have private insurance coverage I can provide you with a bill for a Lactation Consultant, or Registered Nurse visit. You can also claim these consults for income tax purposes. (Also check out my blog post: Does My Insurance Plan Cover Private Lactation Consultant Care? 👈🏻)

Sometimes you are ready to wean before your baby is ready, and that is okay! This can happen for many reasons. We can explore the reasons for weaning, and how to make this a comfortable process for you and your baby. You can also partially breastfeed on your own terms, and supplement with your own breastmilk or formula. Whatever works for you and your baby, I can help!