Your Questions Answered
What is an IBCLC?
There is a lot of advice out there. Good and bad. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) go through rigorous coursework, clinical hours, and continuing education to maintain the highest standards of lactation and infant feeding.
An IBCLC is trained to assess, educate and refer for some of the most complex lactation and infant feeding situations.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on your situation. Many issues take time to improve, and require multiple follow-up visits. Others may improve immediately with one visit.
I often refer to other practitioners as well - bodyworkers, pediatric dentists, or other therapists to provide comprehensive care. I believe in an holistic approach!
Will you come to my home or can I come to you?
I am based out of West Asheville. I will travel within 20 minutes of my home base. So that includes most of Buncombe county.
Most parents are more relaxed in their own home. Sessions tend to be more productive when everyone is comfortable.
At this time I do not have an office to see clients. Home visits and virtual visits are the only options I provide.
What happens during a visit?
Prior to the visit I will collect an extensive history of the lactating parent, baby and how nursing and feeding are going.
Having this information I come to your home ready to get to work on what matters most to you.
I observe a feeding and may take weights before, during, and after to assess transfer if indicated. I may make suggestions or hands on adjustments for position and latch.
I assess mom. I can do a pump fitting if needed.
I assess baby’s oral function and overall feeding function.
Based on the data gathered I offer tailored suggestions, tools and education to help solve YOUR problem.
I provide you with an actionable care plan and 2 weeks of texting support.
I am not breastfeeding can you still help me and my newborn?
YES! I can work on a variety of infant feeding challenges.
I have advanced training in Bottle Refusal through Rachel O’Brien, IBCLC.
I work with moms who are exclusively pumping. I can do flange fittings and pumping evaluations. I use the latest evidence from the Flange FITS Guide by Jeanette Mesite, IBCLC.
If you are bottle feeding and wanting to start breastfeeding we can work on that.
I can talk about weaning, starting solids and transitioning to cup feeding too!
Why do I need a Lactation Consultant?
A lactation consultant is there to help you overcome feeding and lactation challenges both common and complex. We are guides to help you both meet your infant feeding goals and adapt to changing circumstances.
Becoming a parent is a huge transition and none of it is meant to be done alone. Our Aunties and Sisters may have held the knowledge generations ago, but our culture has fragmented the village, diluted the information and taken away our generational wisdom.
Lactation consultants aim to bring the power back to the dyad and set them up for generations of success.
Reach out and get help!