Find confidence and compassionate care to nourish your baby and yourself.
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it’s not always intuitive. For many families in Eagle and the Treasure Valley, the early days of feeding can bring unexpected challenges, from painful latching to concerns about milk supply. You are not alone in this. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we provide expert, holistic lactation support to help you and your baby thrive, ensuring this precious bonding time is a positive and successful experience.
Understanding Lactation Support and When to Seek It
A lactation consultant is a certified health professional trained to help with all aspects of breastfeeding. They provide crucial support, education, and personalized solutions to overcome feeding obstacles. While every breastfeeding journey is unique, certain signs indicate that professional guidance could be beneficial.
Consider reaching out for support if you experience:
- Painful Nursing: Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. Persistent pain, cracked, or sore nipples often point to an incorrect latch or other underlying issues.
- Latch Difficulties: If your baby struggles to attach to the breast, makes clicking sounds, or frequently detaches, it can be frustrating and lead to poor milk transfer.
- Concerns About Milk Supply: Many mothers worry if they are producing enough milk. A consultant can assess your baby’s intake and provide strategies to manage your supply effectively.
- Low Infant Weight Gain: If your pediatrician has concerns about your baby’s weight, a lactation consultant can help identify the root cause and create a feeding plan for healthy growth.
- Fussy Baby or Frequent Feedings: A baby who seems constantly hungry or is overly fussy at the breast may not be feeding efficiently.
- History of Breast Surgery or Medical Conditions: Certain conditions can impact breastfeeding, and a lactation expert can provide specialized guidance.
The Connection Between Tongue-Tie and Breastfeeding Challenges
One of the most common, yet often overlooked, causes of breastfeeding difficulty is ankyloglossia, or 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.
A tongue-tie can prevent a baby from creating the proper seal and suction needed to effectively draw milk from the breast. This can lead directly to many of the issues listed above, such as nipple pain for the mother and inadequate milk intake for the baby. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, our approach is comprehensive. Our lactation consultants work closely with specialists who can diagnose and treat oral restrictions. We believe in getting to the root of the problem, which may involve an infant tongue-tie release, a gentle procedure that can dramatically improve feeding for many babies.
Did You Know?
A lactation consultant doesn’t just focus on latching. They offer a wide range of support, including helping with pumping and bottle-feeding, creating plans for returning to work, and managing conditions like mastitis or plugged ducts. Their goal is to help you meet your personal feeding goals, whatever they may be.
A Holistic Approach to Feeding and Development
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand that successful feeding is connected to whole-body wellness. Our lactation support is integrated with a range of specialized services to address all underlying factors. This collaborative care model sets families up for long-term success.
Our integrated services include:
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy helps correct muscle function of the face and mouth, which is vital for proper swallowing, breathing, and feeding.
- Feeding Therapy: If challenges persist beyond latching, our feeding therapists can help with issues related to oral motor skills and sensory aversions.
- Craniosacral Therapy: This gentle, hands-on technique can release tension in the body, which may have resulted from birth or is related to tethered oral tissues, improving comfort and function for the baby.
By looking at the complete picture, we can address the root causes of breastfeeding issues, not just the symptoms. Our expert team collaborates to create a personalized care plan for you and your child.
Lactation Support for Families in Eagle and the Treasure Valley
For parents in Eagle, Boise, Meridian, and across the Treasure Valley, accessing comprehensive and compassionate care is essential. The Center for Orofacial Myology is dedicated to serving our local community, providing a single, trusted place where families can find answers and support. We understand the unique needs of parents here and are committed to helping your family build a healthy foundation from the very start.
Ready to Find Your Confidence in Breastfeeding?
You don’t have to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone. Our team of specialists is here to provide the expert guidance and support you and your baby deserve. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a more comfortable and rewarding feeding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my first lactation consultation?
Your consultant will review your health history and your baby’s, discuss your concerns, and observe a feeding session. They will offer gentle guidance on positioning and latch, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a personalized feeding plan. The goal is to leave you feeling more confident and equipped with actionable steps.
How do I know if my baby has a tongue-tie?
Common signs include a heart-shaped tongue tip when crying, difficulty lifting the tongue or moving it side-to-side, and trouble latching deeply onto the breast. A professional evaluation by a trained specialist is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis.
Can I still benefit from lactation support if I’m pumping or supplementing with formula?
Absolutely. Lactation consultants support all feeding goals. They can help you optimize your pumping routine, ensure a proper flange fit, manage milk supply, and develop a plan that works best for your family’s needs and lifestyle.
How long does it take to see improvement after a consultation?
Many families notice improvements right away after implementing new techniques. For issues related to tongue-tie or more complex feeding challenges, it may take several sessions and a collaborative approach with other therapies to see significant, lasting progress.