The title IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It is the gold standard for breastfeeding specialists.
As an IBCLC, I provide assistance, encouragement and resources for a multitude of breastfeeding issues. A consult can take place at any time from right after birth through weaning. At a typical consultation, I will:
take a medical, birth and breastfeeding history
learn about your breastfeeding goals
perform an assessment of both mother and baby
observe at least one feeding
weigh your baby before and after the feeding with a pediatric scale
leave you with a written care plan
support you after the visit by email, text or continued consultations
Consultations provide you with evidence-based, concrete strategies to implement, opportunities to practice what you’ve learned, encouragement and reassurance. As your baby’s mother, you are the expert on your baby; I respect your observations and knowledge and will integrate them into your care plan. Our time together will be grounded in discussion, not directives.
Breastfeeding is certainly a learned skill, so knowledge is essential. At the same time, it requires mothers to slow down and be in touch with their instincts. We will balance absorbing new information with learning to shut out the immense amount of material available online and from well-meaning loved ones and strangers.
Additionally, as a mother-baby/postpartum Registered Nurse, I understand the challenges that can come with your recovery process after birth. I have a deep knowledge of the resources available in our community and can point you in the direction of many types of assistance for both you and your baby.
when to call
Painful latch
Slow weight gain
Fussy baby at the breast
Sore/injured nipples
Tongue-tie or other oral tethering issues
Questions about supplementation
Milk supply concerns (too much or too little)
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation or reduction
Questions about pumping and storage
Assistance with night feeding plans
Feeling like feedings are too long
Introduction of solids
