Lactation Consultant FAQs | Home visits in Corvallis

What kind of breastfeeding issues can an IBCLC help with?

I am trained to address a range of newborn and older baby feeding challenges, including:

  • Persistent nipple pain

  • Difficulty latching

  • Milk supply (low supply or oversupply)

  • Infant weight loss

  • Slow infant weight gain

  • Pumping & bottle feeding

  • Triple feeding (nursing, pumping, bottle feeding)

  • Supplemental feeding (baby needs some additional milk or formula)

  • Mixed feeding (bottle and breast)

  • Weaning from a nipple shield

  • Transitioning away from triple feeding

  • Exclusive pumping

  • Fussy, uncomfortable infant

  • Sense that something is off with nursing

Can I get help with pumping and bottle feeding?

Absolutely.

Trying to increase your milk supply?

Choosing to exclusively pump and need some guidance?

Returning to work and wondering how to create a pumping plan?

Looking for guidance on simplifying your pumping routines?

These questions are all within the scope of practice of an IBCLC. Whether your baby is 4 days old, 4 months, or older, if pumping is part of your reality you can get support from an IBCLC. 

Can an IBCLC help with clogged ducts, mastitis, and breast pain?

Yes indeed. I can help lactating folks develop a treatment plan for recurrent clogged ducts, acute and/or chronic mastitis, and other breast concerns. If your concerns are outside of my scope I will refer you to your PCP. 

I think my baby has a tongue tie. How can you help?

I get this question a lot.

An infant oral exam and an oral-motor functional assessment are one part of how I assess your baby’s unique anatomy and sucking skills. I also observe nursing and/or bottle feeding, and assess infant body tension, alignment, and positioning. If I suspect your baby has oral tension and/or oral ties (tongue and/or or lip tie), I will provide information and instructions on options for how to proceed. Depending on your situation, this may include infant bodywork, oral exercises, a referral for further assessment/diagnosis, or all three. It is not within my scope to diagnose a tongue or lip tie, but I can help you understand how your baby’s anatomy and skillset may be contributing to feeding issues. 

How do you know if you should call for lactation help?

People contact me at all stages and for all manner of reasons. Some folks reach out prenatally to line up support before they need it, others take a wait and see approach, and some call only when shit has really hit the fan.

I work with babies of all ages, from hours old to weeks, months, and even years old. Here’s what I can say: if you are struggling, in pain, or feeling uncertain, please reach out. The same goes for your baby— if they seem uncomfortable or disoriented with feeding, please reach out. The earlier the better—nobody should be struggling on their own with breastfeeding when there is good help to be had. 

Are all lactation consultants pushy?

Gosh I hope not. I’m here to help you build confidence and skills in whatever area of infant care and feeding you want help with. I’m also here to understand your baby, to notice what’s going on for them, and to help them get as comfortable and healthy as possible. I’m not going to push any type of agenda on you; that’s not my jam.