Find Confidence and Compassionate Care for You and Your Baby
Welcoming a new baby is a profound experience, filled with moments of joy and a steep learning curve. For many parents in Meridian and across the Treasure Valley, breastfeeding is a central part of this new chapter. While it’s a natural process, it doesn’t always come naturally. Challenges like painful latching, concerns about milk supply, or feeding difficulties can be stressful. You are not alone, and expert help is available. Professional lactation support provides the guidance and reassurance needed to navigate these hurdles, fostering a successful and positive feeding experience for both you and your infant.
Understanding the Role of a Lactation Consultant
A lactation consultant is a certified health professional trained to help with the clinical management of breastfeeding. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, our lactation specialists offer personalized, evidence-based care to address your unique needs and goals. Whether you are an expecting parent preparing for your baby’s arrival or a new parent facing unexpected challenges, our team is here to empower you with knowledge and practical solutions.
Common issues a lactation consultant can help with include:
- Painful Latching or Nipple Discomfort: Pain is a common reason parents seek help. A consultant can assess your baby’s latch and suggest positioning adjustments to make nursing more comfortable.
- Concerns About Milk Supply: Many mothers worry if their baby is getting enough milk. We can help assess milk transfer, provide strategies to boost supply if needed, and offer peace of mind.
- Infant Weight Gain Issues: Slow weight gain can be a sign of feeding difficulties. Our team works collaboratively to identify the root cause and create a supportive feeding plan.
- Fussy Baby or Refusal to Nurse: When a baby is consistently fussy at the breast or refuses to nurse, it can be distressing. We investigate potential causes, from physical discomfort to feeding mechanics.
- Managing Engorgement or Plugged Ducts: These painful conditions can often be resolved with the right techniques and guidance.
- Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Assessments: A restricted frenum can significantly impact a baby’s ability to latch and feed effectively.
What to Expect During a Lactation Consultation
Your first visit is a comprehensive, compassionate, and judgment-free session. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and observe a feeding. A typical consultation at our Boise-area clinic involves:
1. Detailed History: We will discuss your health history, your pregnancy and birth experience, and your baby’s health since birth.
2. Infant Oral Assessment: Our specialist will gently examine your baby’s mouth, checking the palate, tongue movement, and suck coordination to identify any physical barriers to successful feeding, like a potential tongue-tie.
3. Feeding Observation: You’ll be asked to breastfeed your baby as you normally would. This allows the consultant to assess latch mechanics, positioning, and milk transfer in real-time. We may weigh your baby before and after the feeding to measure intake precisely.
4. Personalized Care Plan: Based on the assessment, we will develop a customized feeding plan with you. This plan will include practical techniques, positioning adjustments, and any recommended therapies to help you meet your goals.
An Integrated Approach: The Connection to Orofacial Myology
What sets the Center for Orofacial Myology apart is our integrated, full-body focus. Breastfeeding is a complex motor skill that involves the coordinated use of the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles. Sometimes, challenges with nursing are linked to underlying orofacial myofunctional disorders or structural issues like ankyloglossia (tongue-tie).
Our team understands this deep connection. When a lactation consultation reveals limited tongue mobility, our experts can provide a seamless transition to further evaluation and, if necessary, treatment. An infant tongue-tie release (frenotomy) is a gentle laser procedure that can dramatically improve an infant’s ability to latch and breastfeed effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that the root cause of the feeding issue is addressed, not just the symptoms.
Beyond lactation and tongue-tie, our clinic offers comprehensive services that support your child’s overall development, including feeding therapy, speech therapy, and craniosacral therapy, providing a true one-stop resource for families in Meridian and Boise.
Lactation Support for Families in Meridian, ID
For parents in Meridian, finding expert care close to home is essential. Juggling the demands of a newborn leaves little time for long commutes. The Center for Orofacial Myology is conveniently located to serve families throughout the Treasure Valley, offering a supportive environment where your concerns are heard and your goals are honored. We are committed to providing the resources and expert guidance that help families in our community thrive.
You don’t have to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, in pain, or simply want reassurance that you’re on the right track, our team is ready to help. Investing in expert lactation support is an investment in your well-being and your baby’s healthy development.
Ready to Find Your Confidence in Breastfeeding?
Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to get the personalized lactation help you and your baby deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a lactation consultant?
You can see a lactation consultant at any point in your journey—during pregnancy to prepare, in the first few days after birth, or months later if new challenges arise. Early support often helps prevent more significant issues from developing.
How do I know if my baby has a poor latch?
Signs of a poor latch can include nipple pain or damage, clicking sounds while nursing, the baby frequently pulling off the breast, and inefficient milk transfer leading to slow weight gain or low diaper output.
My baby seems to be feeding constantly. Is this normal?
Frequent feeding, often called “cluster feeding,” is very normal, especially during growth spurts. However, if you are concerned it is due to ineffective feeding or it’s causing you distress, a lactation consultant can help assess the situation and provide guidance.
What is the difference between a lactation consultant and a peer support group?
Peer support groups provide valuable emotional support and shared experiences. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional with specialized clinical training to diagnose and treat complex breastfeeding issues. Both play important, but different, roles in a parent’s support network.
Will you help me if I want to supplement with formula or pump?
Absolutely. Our goal is to help you meet your personal feeding goals in a way that works for your family. We provide support for all feeding methods, including combination feeding, exclusive pumping, and weaning, without judgment.