Won’t my baby know how to breastfeed?
Your baby knows how to breastfeed at birth. In fact, when a baby is not breastfeeding well, even with prone positioning and deep latch techniques, all healthcare providers involved on the baby’s team should be concerned. Breastfeeding is a normal, neurological function of a human infant. Lactation is a normal, healthy function of breasts. That being said, we all know every heart and lung doesn’t always function perfectly, so sometimes breasts and tiny newborn mouths have problems too. When you work with an IBCLC you’ll learn how to identify when breastfeeding is not going well, and how to fix it. You’ll learn feeding techniques like positioning your baby prone, comfortably, and ready for a deep latch. You’ll be confident when baby latches because it will be comfortable, and you’ll know how to spot nutritive sucking and milk transfer throughout the breastfeed. If breastfeeding directly isn’t working, you can learn how to express your milk to cup, syringe, bottle or finger feed, or supplement with formula at the breast with a SNS. There are so many options to feed your baby comfortably and confidently. IBCLCs have the skills to help you get creative with feeding options when baby needs a little more time to learn.
What is an IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) provides comprehensive breastfeeding support and lactation care to breastfeeding families. IBCLCs have accrued hundreds to thousands of hours supporting breastfeeding families, completed college and post grad courses specifically about human lactation, and passed a board exam to demonstrate competency in solving complex breastfeeding problems. To continue providing current and evidence-based care, IBCLCs re-certify with specific lactation related continuing education every five years. We are the breastfeeding experts, and most of us work in this field because it is our passion, not just our job. IBCLCs work around the world; in hospitals, pediatric offices, private practice, public health offices and more.
Do I need a consultation with a private practice IBCLC?
Breastfeeding is a learned behavior that takes time. If you haven’t seen many friends or family breastfeed, you may be wondering if what you’re doing, or how your newborn is feeding, is normal. Many moms struggle with breastfeeding simply due to unrealistic expectations set in place by our surroundings, or lack of support from a non-breastfeeding friendly culture. Check out our local LLL group, to connect with other breastfeeding mothers, and gain helpful insight into normal breastfeeding.
If you are unsure if your baby is breastfeeding well, have concerns such as nipple pain, low milk supply, latching difficulty, tethered oral tissues, feeding management with infant cleft lip or torticollis, infant weight gain concerns, combo(breast and formula feeding), breastfeeding a preemie, breastfeeding twins or oversupply, you should be seen by an IBCLC right away. These problems can be minor at first but lead to long term or irreversible problems if not addressed early on. An IBCLC will provide you with the expert lactation care and continuous follow up you’ll need while navigating these challenges.
FAQ from physicians
Are you wondering what are some reasons you might need to refer to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant? IBCLCs are highly trained to assess and manage breastfeeding challenges, from newborn to older infant stages. See the link above for the vast difference between being Internationally Board Certified versus a week long or “I’ve done it long enough” training within breastfeeding. We provide support for feeding difficulties like poor latch, low milk transfer, slow weight gain, or persistent fussiness during feeds. We take the time to address maternal concerns like pain during nursing, concerns about milk supply, or previous breastfeeding challenges that were not addressed. We manage lactation related medical concerns, like when baby or mom has a medical condition impacting feeding(tongue tie, prematurity, cleft palate, or hormonal issues). We also guide through transitions, providing support with pumping, returning to work, introducing bottles or solids, weaning, or supplementing with formula or donor milk. Time and time again, the evidence shows IBCLC care gives improved health outcomes for your patient and their family. As you can imagine, when this level of support is provided postpartum, families feel confident in feeding their baby. Let’s be the leader in comprehensive support for families in the postpartum period.
How does payment work?
For some insurances, I am in-network and families get a minimum of three visits, covered! For out of network insurances, families might ask you to fill out a letter of neccessity to see me for lactation difficulties. This can help them get reimbursed for self pay visits, and is a simple form I’m happy to provide to you. Although sometimes out of pocket, IBCLC care leads to faster resolution of feeding problems. Timely, expert care can prevent prolonged feeding issues, reducing stress and additional medical visits(another potential cost). IBCLC care also carries long-term cost-effectiveness. While self-pay may feel like a barrier, early resolution can reduce costs associated with formula, treatment of feeding complications, or specialist visits. IBCLC support helps promote exclusive and sustained breastfeeding, linked to better health for both baby and parent. Don’t forget the individualized care for families. Families receive dedicated time, hands-on support, and education. This is often beyond what can be provided in a standard medical visit.
For more information, please call or e-mail:
Office hours are by appointment only
606 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL. 34471