Breastfeeding Support

Lactation visits last 60-90 minutes and include a comprehensive review of your health history. We address all your questions and concerns. During the visit, we conduct a full feeding assessment while you breastfeed, including a weighted feed, and perform an oral assessment at the end to evaluate function. You’ll leave with an individualized care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Here are some signs to look for:

• Watching your baby during a feed is the most important tool for evaluation. Do you see the jaw moving in a downward motion? Do you notice the ear wiggling and movement up by the temple? You should also be able to hear swallows.
• Tracking wet and dirty diapers is a great way to gauge if your baby is getting enough milk.
• Are they satisfied after breastfeeding or always wanting to eat? Or, do they fall asleep immediately at the breast? These are signs that you might want to seek out care.
• Weight checks with the pediatrician or in our office are another effective way to monitor intake.
• During lactation consults, we perform a weighted feed to help you understand how much milk your baby transfers from the breast in one feed. This is just one valuable metric we use.
• Notice if your baby relaxes and seems more content after feeding.

Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful! If you’re experiencing pain while breastfeeding, it’s important to seek care from a skilled lactation provider like an IBCLC. They can help identify the root cause of your discomfort. Often, pain is due to how the baby is latched at the breast. If the latch seems correct but it’s still painful, a deeper assessment of your baby’s mouth may be needed. Sometimes, oral ties can contribute to significant pain and damage during feeding.

Most breastfed babies thrive on being fed on demand, especially during the early newborn days. It’s crucial to feed your baby at least every 3 hours or wake them to eat until they regain their birth weight. Once they reach their birth weight, you can follow their cues for feeding times. Typically, breastfed babies will eat 8-10 times a day throughout their breastfeeding journey, though feeding sessions will become more efficient and shorter as they grow older. During periods of cluster feeding or growth spurts, your baby might eat more frequently, which is completely normal.

For a good latch while breastfeeding, make sure your baby’s mouth covers both the nipple and a significant portion of the areola, aiming for a deep latch that minimizes discomfort. Position your baby’s nose level with your nipple, and gently touch their upper lip to encourage a wide-open mouth before bringing them to the breast.

If you’re struggling to make enough milk for your baby, there are several strategies to help increase your supply. The best first step is to see an IBCLC lactation consultant who can perform a full assessment and review your medical history to identify the root cause of the low supply.

Before your consult, ensure you are removing milk at least 8 times a day through direct breastfeeding or pumping. If your baby is very sleepy at the breast or if you are providing supplementation, it’s important to pump after each breastfeeding session. If you’re already doing this, then it’s time for a consult!

Absolutely! Many moms successfully navigate returning to work while continuing to pump and breastfeed. It’s important to discuss accommodations with your employer or HR and have a plan for your pumping times and schedule. Still have questions? We offer return-to-work consults to help you prepare.

We’re here for you every step of the way—from prenatal consults to initial visits and follow-up care—to ensure you feel fully supported in reaching your breastfeeding goals.