Empowering Parents with Confidence and Care
Welcoming a new baby is a monumental experience, filled with joy, love, and a host of new challenges. For many families, breastfeeding is a significant part of this early bonding period, but it doesn’t always come easily. From painful latching to concerns about milk supply, the path can be stressful and overwhelming. If you’re feeling uncertain or facing difficulties, know that you are not alone. Expert lactation support is available right here in the Eagle area to help you and your baby thrive, turning challenges into a confident and successful nursing journey.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand that every parent and baby dyad is unique. Our approach is built on over 30 years of expertise, providing compassionate, evidence-based guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals. We believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate feeding with comfort and peace of mind.
Recognizing the Signs You Might Need Support
While breastfeeding is natural, it’s also a learned skill for both mother and baby. Certain signs indicate that professional guidance could make a significant difference. Seeking help early can prevent minor issues from becoming major obstacles.
- ✓ Nipple pain, cracking, or bleeding.
- ✓ Difficulty getting your baby to latch or maintain a latch.
- ✓ Concerns about low milk supply or your baby’s weight gain.
- ✓ Your baby seems fussy, gassy, or uncomfortable after feedings.
- ✓ Frequent or recurring clogged ducts or mastitis.
- ✓ A history of breast surgery or hormonal conditions.
Sometimes, the underlying cause of breastfeeding difficulties is related to the baby’s oral anatomy. A condition like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), where a tight band of tissue restricts the tongue’s range of motion, can make a successful latch nearly impossible. Our integrated approach allows us to not only provide lactation support but also to evaluate for and address these root causes, offering services like infant tongue-tie release when necessary.
What to Expect During a Lactation Consultation
A lactation consultation is a personalized, supportive session focused entirely on you and your baby. Our consultants create a safe and non-judgmental space to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and observe a feeding. We assess both maternal and infant factors to get a complete picture. This may include:
- A thorough health history for both mother and baby.
- An assessment of the baby’s oral anatomy and function.
- Observation of a complete feeding cycle, from latching to satiety.
- Weighing the baby before and after feeding to measure milk transfer.
- Guidance on positioning, latch techniques, and milk expression.
Following the assessment, we will develop a customized care plan with you. This plan provides clear, actionable steps to help you overcome challenges and move toward your feeding goals. Because our clinic offers a wide range of integrated services, we can also coordinate care with other specialists, such as those in feeding therapy or craniosacral therapy, ensuring a truly holistic approach to your family’s well-being.
Did You Know?
- • Breast milk composition changes throughout the day and even during a single feeding to meet your baby’s exact needs.
- • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- • Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth can help regulate a baby’s temperature and heart rate, and can promote successful latching.
Local Lactation Support for Families in Eagle and the Treasure Valley
For families in Eagle, Meridian, Star, and across the Boise area, accessing expert care shouldn’t be another source of stress. The Center for Orofacial Myology provides a central hub where all your feeding and developmental needs can be met. Our collaborative team of specialists works together under one roof, eliminating the frustration of fragmented care and ensuring your child receives comprehensive, integrated treatment.
Whether you are an expectant parent preparing for your baby’s arrival or a new parent navigating the first few weeks, our lactation consultants are here to provide the support and reassurance you deserve. We are committed to helping families in our community build a foundation of health and well-being that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to Find Your Feeding Confidence?
You don’t have to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone. Our compassionate team is here to provide the expert support you need. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a more comfortable and rewarding feeding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a lactation consultant?
It’s never too early or too late! Many expectant parents schedule a prenatal consultation to prepare. Postpartum, it’s ideal to seek help as soon as you experience challenges like pain, latch issues, or supply concerns. Early intervention often leads to quicker resolutions.
What if my baby has a tongue-tie?
Our team is uniquely qualified to help. We conduct thorough airway and oral function evaluations. If a tongue-tie is impacting feeding, our specialists can perform a gentle release procedure and provide integrated lactation and therapy support to ensure optimal function and healing.
Does insurance cover lactation support?
Many insurance plans cover lactation services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage. Our team can provide you with the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
Can my partner attend the consultation?
Absolutely! We encourage partners or other support persons to attend. Breastfeeding success is a team effort, and having everyone on the same page is incredibly beneficial for a positive experience.