Your Partner in a Successful Nursing Journey
For many new parents in Boise and across the Treasure Valley, breastfeeding is a cherished goal—a way to nourish and bond with their newborn. While it’s a completely natural process, it doesn’t always come naturally. Challenges like painful latching, concerns about milk supply, and infant feeding difficulties can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Professional lactation support provides the expert guidance and compassionate care needed to overcome hurdles and build a confident, successful breastfeeding relationship.
Common Hurdles on the Breastfeeding Journey
Every parent-and-baby duo is unique, and so is their breastfeeding experience. Some common challenges can arise, particularly in the early days and weeks. Recognizing them is the first step toward finding a solution.
Painful Latching
Breastfeeding should not be a painful experience. While some initial tenderness is normal, persistent or sharp pain during nursing often points to a shallow latch. This not only causes discomfort for the parent but can also prevent the baby from getting enough milk.
Milk Supply Concerns
Worrying about whether you’re producing enough milk is one of the most common anxieties for new parents. A lactation consultant can assess milk transfer, review feeding patterns, and provide strategies to support a healthy milk supply.
Infant Weight Gain Issues
Slow weight gain can be a sign that your baby isn’t effectively transferring milk from the breast. This could be related to latch, positioning, or an underlying issue like a tongue-tie that restricts oral movement.
Frequent or Prolonged Feedings
If your baby seems constantly hungry, feeds for very long periods, or is excessively fussy at the breast, it may indicate inefficient feeding. Expert guidance can help make nursing more effective for both of you.
The Role of a Lactation Consultant
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They are trained to help families prevent and solve breastfeeding difficulties. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, our lactation support extends beyond basic advice. We take an integrated, full-body approach to understand the root cause of any challenges.
A lactation consultation involves:
- A thorough review of maternal and infant health history.
- An assessment of the infant’s oral anatomy, including checking for tongue-tie or other restrictions.
- Observation of a feeding session to evaluate latch, positioning, and milk transfer.
- Pre- and post-feeding weight checks to measure how much milk the baby is taking in.
- Creation of a personalized care plan tailored to your specific goals and needs.
Did You Know?
Skin-to-skin contact right after birth helps regulate a baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature. It also stimulates the hormones responsible for bonding and milk production, giving your breastfeeding journey a powerful start.
The Critical Link Between Tongue-Tie and Breastfeeding
One of the most frequently overlooked causes of breastfeeding difficulty is ankyloglossia, more commonly known as a tongue-tie. This condition occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight, restricting the tongue’s range of motion.
For successful breastfeeding, a baby needs to be able to lift and move their tongue freely to cup the breast and create a seal. A restrictive tongue-tie can prevent this, leading to:
- A shallow, painful latch for the parent.
- Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding.
- Poor weight gain or weight loss in the infant.
- Frustration and fussiness at the breast.
- Reflux or gassiness due to swallowing excess air.
Our specialists are highly skilled in assessing for tethered oral tissues. If a restriction is identified as the source of feeding issues, we can provide comprehensive care, including a gentle and effective infant tongue-tie release to improve oral function and make breastfeeding comfortable and successful. This is often paired with other therapies, like feeding therapy, to ensure the best outcomes.
Finding Expert Breastfeeding Help in Boise, Idaho
For families in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and the surrounding communities, accessing holistic and expert care is crucial. Fragmented advice can be confusing and frustrating. The Center for Orofacial Myology offers an integrated approach. Our team of specialists works collaboratively to address not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of feeding challenges.
We understand the exhaustion and emotion that can accompany breastfeeding struggles. Our mission is to provide a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can get the answers and help you need. By combining lactation support with expertise in orofacial myology, we ensure that your child’s oral function, development, and overall wellness are at the forefront of their care plan.
Ready to Find Your Confidence in Breastfeeding?
You and your baby deserve a positive feeding experience. If you’re encountering challenges or simply want proactive support, our Boise lactation specialists are here to help. Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized assessment and a clear path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after birth should I see a lactation consultant?
It’s beneficial to see a lactation consultant within the first week after birth to establish a good latch and address any initial concerns. However, it is never too late to seek help, whether your baby is days, weeks, or months old.
What happens during a lactation consultation?
A consultant will discuss your health history, assess your baby’s oral anatomy, observe a feeding, weigh the baby before and after to measure milk intake, and provide a personalized plan to help you meet your feeding goals.
My baby was checked for tongue-tie at the hospital. Could it still be an issue?
Yes. Many initial screenings may not identify a “posterior” or less obvious tongue-tie that can still significantly impact function. A specialist trained in orofacial myology and tethered oral tissues can perform a comprehensive functional assessment.
Is it too late for lactation support if my baby is several months old?
Absolutely not! Lactation support is valuable at any stage. Whether you’re dealing with new issues, preparing to return to work, or introducing solids, a consultant can provide guidance and support tailored to your baby’s current age and your evolving needs.
Glossary of Terms
Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie): A condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion due to an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Latch: The way a baby takes the breast into their mouth to nurse. A deep, effective latch is crucial for comfortable and efficient milk transfer.
IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant): A healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs): Restrictive tissues in the mouth, including tongue-ties (ankyloglossia) and lip-ties, that can impair oral mobility and function.