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Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey, filled with moments of profound connection and joy. Yet, for many new parents, it also comes with unexpected challenges. From painful latching to concerns about milk supply, these early hurdles can be stressful. The good news is you don’t have to navigate them alone. Professional lactation support provides the expert guidance and compassionate care needed to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and foster a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. For families in Middleton, Boise, and across the Treasure Valley, specialized help is close to home.

While breastfeeding is natural, it’s a learned skill for both mother and baby. Many women experience difficulties, especially in the first few days and weeks. Recognizing the signs that you may need support is the first step toward finding a solution. Common challenges include:

• Painful Latching: Breastfeeding should not hurt. Persistent pain, cracked, or bleeding nipples are often signs of an improper latch.
• Low Milk Supply Concerns: Many mothers worry their baby isn’t getting enough milk. A lactation consultant can assess milk transfer and help optimize your supply.
• Baby’s Difficulty Nursing: Signs like falling asleep quickly at the breast, making clicking sounds, or seeming frustrated and fussy during feeds can indicate an underlying issue.
• Slow Weight Gain: If your baby is not meeting their weight gain milestones, an evaluation of feeding effectiveness is crucial.
• Frequent or Prolonged Feedings: While newborns eat often, unusually long or clustered feeding sessions without satisfaction can point to inefficient milk transfer.

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They provide evidence-based care, education, and support to help families achieve their feeding goals. During a consultation, an IBCLC will typically:

• Review your health history and your baby’s.
• Observe a feeding to assess latch and positioning.
• Perform a gentle oral examination of your baby.
• Create a personalized care plan to address your specific concerns.
• Offer emotional support and build your confidence.

At the Center for Orofacial Myology, our approach integrates lactation support with a deep understanding of oral function, ensuring we address the root cause of any feeding difficulties.

Sometimes, breastfeeding challenges stem from structural or functional issues in a baby’s mouth. A common culprit is ankyloglossia, more widely 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 or tight, restricting the tongue’s range of motion. This restriction can make it difficult for a baby to create a proper seal and use the wave-like motion necessary to effectively draw milk from the breast.

An integrated evaluation is key. Our specialists look beyond the latch to assess the entire system. An airway evaluation can ensure there are no underlying breathing issues impacting feeding. In cases where a tongue-tie is identified as the cause of difficulties, a simple and gentle infant tongue-tie release, or frenotomy, can be performed to free the tongue’s movement. This procedure often provides immediate relief and improvement in nursing. Additionally, gentle therapies like craniosacral therapy can help release tension in the baby’s head, neck, and jaw, further supporting comfortable and effective feeding.

For parents in Middleton, Eagle, Boise, and surrounding communities, finding comprehensive care under one roof is a significant advantage. Instead of navigating separate appointments with different specialists, the Center for Orofacial Myology offers a collaborative approach. Our team of experts works together to provide lactation support, tongue-tie assessments, feeding therapy, and other related services.

This holistic model ensures that we see the full picture of your child’s health. We understand that feeding, breathing, and oral development are all interconnected. By addressing the root cause of breastfeeding challenges, we help you and your baby build a foundation for lifelong health and wellness.

When should I see a lactation consultant?

It’s a good idea to connect with a lactation consultant any time you have questions or concerns. Seeking help early—if you’re experiencing pain, your baby struggles to latch, or you’re worried about milk supply—can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems. Consultations can be helpful both before birth to prepare and any time after your baby arrives.

What is a tongue-tie and how do I know if my baby has one?

A tongue-tie is a condition where the frenulum under the tongue is too short, restricting its movement. Signs in your baby can include difficulty latching, a shallow latch, clicking sounds while nursing, poor weight gain, and a heart-shaped tongue tip when crying or trying to stick it out. Mothers may experience significant nipple pain. A professional evaluation is the best way to get a definitive diagnosis.

Is a tongue-tie release painful for my baby?

An infant frenotomy is a very quick and minimally uncomfortable procedure. Our clinic uses a state-of-the-art laser that minimizes bleeding and discomfort. Infants typically show very little distress and are often able to nurse immediately afterward, which provides comfort. Most babies handle the procedure extremely well.

What other services support a successful breastfeeding journey?

An integrated approach offers the best outcomes. Beyond lactation support, services like feeding therapy can help babies re-learn how to use their tongue and mouth muscles effectively after a tongue-tie release. Additionally, physical therapy can address any related body tension or torticollis that might be affecting positioning and comfort during feeds.