Navigating your breastfeeding journey with confidence and expert care.
The first few weeks with a new baby are a time of immense joy and significant adjustment. For many mothers in Meridian and across the Treasure Valley, breastfeeding is a central part of this experience. While it can be a beautiful bonding opportunity, it often comes with unexpected hurdles. From painful latching to concerns about milk supply, these challenges are common—and you don’t have to face them alone. Professional lactation support can provide the guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions needed to help you and your baby thrive.
Recognizing When You Need Support
Every mother and baby pair is unique, and so is their breastfeeding journey. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure if what you’re experiencing is “normal.” Seeking help from a professional is a sign of strength and a proactive step toward meeting your feeding goals. Consider reaching out for lactation support if you encounter any of the following:
- Painful nursing or damaged nipples
- Concerns about your baby’s weight gain
- Difficulty with latching or staying latched
- Frequent, short feedings or very long feeding sessions
- Low milk supply or, conversely, oversupply issues
- Recurring plugged ducts or mastitis
- Fussiness, clicking sounds, or milk leakage from the baby’s mouth during nursing
These are not just minor inconveniences; they can be signs of underlying issues that, when addressed, can transform your breastfeeding experience. An experienced breastfeeding consultant helps identify the root cause of these problems, which can sometimes be related to oral function.
The Role of an Orofacial Myology-Informed Approach
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we offer more than traditional lactation support. Our specialists understand the intricate connection between the muscles of the mouth and face (orofacial complex) and successful feeding. Challenges with breastfeeding are often linked to how a baby’s tongue, lips, and jaw function.
For instance, a condition known as ankyloglossia, or infant tongue-tie, can restrict the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult for a baby to latch deeply and effectively extract milk. This not only causes pain for the mother but can lead to poor milk transfer and feeding frustration for the infant. Our comprehensive approach includes thorough airway and oral function evaluations to ensure we’re addressing the fundamental cause of your feeding struggles, not just the symptoms.
Did You Know?
Proper tongue posture and function are crucial not only for feeding but also for facial development, proper breathing, and even future speech patterns. Early intervention can have lifelong benefits.
A lactation consultant can do much more than help with latching. They can create personalized feeding plans, offer guidance on pumping and milk storage, and provide emotional support during a vulnerable time.
Bodywork, such as craniosacral therapy, can be a gentle and effective complement to lactation support, helping release tension in an infant’s head, neck, and jaw that may be impacting their ability to nurse comfortably.
What to Expect During a Lactation Consultation
Your first consultation is a comprehensive, supportive session focused entirely on you and your baby. We create a calm, judgment-free space where you can share your concerns and experiences openly. Here’s a general idea of the process:
1. Health History & Goal Setting
We’ll discuss your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience, as well as your baby’s health history. We’ll also talk about your personal breastfeeding goals.
2. Oral and Functional Assessment
Our specialist will gently examine your baby’s mouth, assessing the tongue, palate, lips, and jaw for structure and function that could impact feeding.
3. Feeding Observation
The core of the consultation involves observing a full feeding session. This allows us to assess latch, positioning, milk transfer, and your baby’s behavior at the breast.
4. Personalized Care Plan
Based on our findings, we’ll develop a customized plan with you. This may include new positions, latching techniques, exercises, or recommendations for other integrated therapies like feeding therapy or physical therapy to provide holistic support.
Local Support for Meridian & Boise Families
Living in Meridian, Boise, or the surrounding Treasure Valley communities means you have access to specialized, integrated care close to home. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure your family receives comprehensive support under one roof. We understand the unique challenges new parents face and are dedicated to providing the expert, compassionate lactation support you deserve. You are not just another patient; you are a valued member of our community, and we are committed to helping you achieve a positive and successful feeding experience.
Ready to Find Your Confidence in Breastfeeding?
Don’t let breastfeeding challenges diminish the joy of your postpartum experience. Our expert team is here to provide the answers, solutions, and support you need to move forward. Reach out to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable and rewarding feeding relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a lactation consultant?
It’s never too early or too late! Many mothers benefit from a prenatal consultation to prepare for breastfeeding. Postpartum, it’s ideal to seek help as soon as a challenge arises to prevent it from escalating. However, we can provide effective support at any stage of your journey.
Will my insurance cover lactation support?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many plans are required to cover lactation counseling under the Affordable Care Act. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify your benefits. Our office can provide you with the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
What if my problem is identified as a tongue-tie?
If a tongue-tie is identified as the root cause of feeding issues, our team is equipped to help. We provide comprehensive care that includes evaluations for a potential infant tongue-tie release (frenotomy) and the essential pre- and post-procedure therapy to ensure optimal function and healing.
Can you help if I am supplementing with formula or exclusively pumping?
Absolutely. Our goal is to help you meet your individual feeding goals, whatever they may be. We provide expert guidance on combination feeding, developing a pumping schedule to protect your supply, transitioning back to the breast if desired, and ensuring your baby is thriving.