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Breastfeeding, Prenatal Nutrition Classes Lactation Consult
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Lactation Consults

 

Breastfeeding can be challenging at first. The good news is that all breastfeeding problems have solutions! As an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Registered Dietitian, I am expertly trained to support you in meeting your breastfeeding goals. 

Reasons for seeking assistance from me may include:

Sore or Damaged Nipples

Breast Pain / Plugged Ducts / Mastitis

Low Supply / Oversupply

Unable to Latch / Poor Latch

Assessment of Oral Structure and Function

Suspected Tongue Tie

Sleepy Infant

Poor Weight Gain

Previous Breast Surgery

Suspected Food Allergies

Weaning from Nipple Shield

Weaning to Solids

Reassurance

Nursing with Diabetes Mellitis, Insulin Resistance, PCOS, Thyroid Dysfunction or Nutrient Deficiencies

 

initial LACTATION CONSULTATION

I can offer you an office visit at my Lee’s Summit location or a home visit to help you meet your personal breastfeeding goals.  I will observe a feeding, assist you in improving latch and help you problem solve whatever concerns you may be having.  Full consultation includes:

  • Evaluation of medical history that may impact lactation

  • Evaluation of nutrition intake that may impact lactation

  • Feeding observation and assessment

  • Infant weight check and weighted feed if desired 

  • Assessment of reflexes needed for optimal nursing

  • Assessment of infant oral structure and function

  • A detailed care plan to help you meet your goals.

  • A customized meal plan if requested (if food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities are suspected).

  • Direct messaging as needed for 2 weeks. If problem continues beyond 2 weeks or a new problem emerges, a new or follow up consult is recommended.

Initial full lactation consultation is scheduled for 60-90 minutes, although sometimes it may take longer to work through more complicated issues.

FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATIOn

In some cases, one or more follow-up visits may be necessary to measure progress, improve latch, deal with related issues or provide confirmation of improvement (weight gain, milk transfer, oral function, etc.). 

Telehealth/virtual LACTATION CONSULTATION

Telehealth consults are also available. It is ideal to have another person with you to change the angle of your camera if needed. If not, we can get creative with the positioning of your device so that we can have the best viewing angle for assessment. I can observe and assess a feeding through your device camera. I will walk you through a digital exam of your baby’s mouth and use specific questions to assess your baby’s oral structure. I may walk you through a self breast exam if needed. I will use dolls and props to teach helpful positions and adjustments.

Guided Pumping meditation

This pumping relaxation guide is part meditation and part guided imagery.  There is a psychological aspect to breastfeeding and the amount of milk we let-down while pumping can be affected by stress, fear and anxiety. This is because stress hormones can interfere with oxytocin, the hormone that triggers let-down. Research tells us that moms can pump slightly more milk at each session, if they listen to relaxing music or use some sort of relaxation protocol. Meditation and deep breathing help the body to relax. Deep exhalations activate the vagus nerve which slows the heartrate, relaxes the body and can increase oxytocin levels. Visualization activates the unconscious mind, motivating it to create a current reality that matches the one we have envisioned. A vivid thought can prompt the brain to send imperceptible signals to that part of the body and can influence muscle movement and hormone secretion. Image visualization can be used to improve let-down and milk output in conjunction with a plan of frequent milk removal by baby or pump or combination of both. The following exercise can be used while pumping to attempt to relax and improve output.

TRAVEL

If my travel is more than 20 miles to reach your home, there will be a minimum $30 travel fee to cover gas and time. If I have to travel outside of the KC Metro area there will be a travel charge of $2 per mile.

Helpful Links and Resources Regarding All Things Lactation

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What is a tongue tie? Almost all infants are born with lingual frenulums (a fold of mucous membrane under the base of the tongue that helps to anchor the tongue in the mouth). Frenulum thickness, elasticity and where it is attached to the tongue and
Power Pumping is a method of increasing your milk supply. Emptying more frequently increases milk supply. Add a power pump in once a day for a few days to boost your supply. Massaging at the same time can help produce more milk. Contact me for a con
#lactationconsultant #lactation #breastfeed #breastfed #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #ibclc #dietitian #breastfeedingmom #breastmilk #pumping #latch #tonguetie #postpartum #pregnancy #prenatal #pumping #milksupply #breastfeedingsupport #breast
Learn how nutrients can improve fertility, lower pregnancy risks and improve brain development in my online video course. Link in bio. #dietitian #lactationconsultant #lactation #ibclc #breastfeedingmom #ttc #pregnancy #prenatal #pregnant #preggo #
When you are ready to wean, slow, gentle weaning is the best option for both you and your baby. Read about gentle weaning strategies in my latest blog post. #lactationconsultant #lactation #breastfeed #breastfed #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney
Babies with jaundice or babies that are preterm are often very sleepy babies. They can be difficult to wake and can fall asleep after a few minutes of nursing. It is often the root cause of low wt gain. When we can keep the baby alert at feeds, weigh
In Baby Led Weaning, babies learn to eat what the rest of the family is eating rather than to expect separate meals. Offering separate meals to babies often sets a pattern of short order cooking different meals for children throughout childhood. Set
Everyone has a different breastmilk capacity. It has nothing to do with the size of your breasts. Depending on your stage of lactation, you may have a different capacity. Regardless of capacity, you can nourish your baby by feeding them whenever they
Nutrient Highlight Folate. Folate is an important nutrient to consume before, during and after pregnancy. Folate taken preconception, improves fertility and decreases risk of birth defects. During pregnancy, it continues to reduce risk of defects and
How to know your baby is getting enough milk: Watch wet and dirty diapers. Babies should have 5-6 wet diapers and at least 3 yellow, dirty diapers per day by day 5. Normal Weight gain: Up to 7% weight loss is normal in the early days and a return
Babies like all other mammals are born with the innate ability to get to the breast or chest, attach to it and transfer milk. When born without labor medications and immediately placed on mom’s belly, babies go through a predictable sequence of
Baby Led Weaning is a method of introducing solids that promotes adventurous eating with a full sensory experience of textures and flavors before the age of one. Babies learn to self-regulate and eat family meals. Learn why this is important for li
#lactationconsultant #lactation #breastfeed #breastfed #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #ibclc #dietitian #breastfeedingmom #breastmilk #pumping #latch #tonguetie #postpartum #pregnancy #prenatal #pumping #milksupply #breastfeedingsupport #breast
Check out my new blog post discussing Iron and how it impacts pregnancy, infant brain development, postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. Learn which foods are high in iron and how to increase absorption of iron. Link in bio. #dietitian #lactationc
Check out my recorded online courses that support nutrition for fertility, healthy pregnancies, boosting baby's brain power, baby led weaning, growing adventurous eaters (preventing picky eating) and my Nourishwell Signature Course for overall wellne
Know Your Lactation Insurance Benefits! Did you know in 2010, the ACA required most insurance plans to cover prenatal and postpartum lactation consults and classes? Coverage varies among plans. I take many types of insurance including Aetna, BCBS, Ci
 

Insurance Information

I am a network provider for many Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and United Healthcare plans. If you have any of these plans, you may qualify for up to 6 covered lactation visits at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Contact me to verify coverage for Aetna and United Health Care Plans.

You may verify coverage for Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna through The Lactation Network.

For all other insurance companies, I can provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. I cannot guarantee reimbursement.

CANCELLATION POLICY

There will be a $25 cancellation fee if canceling within 24 hours of appointment.

Virtual Lactation Consult

Vitrual Lactation Consults are available.

NourishWell services Lee’s Summit, MO and surrounding areas. In-Person and telehealth options are available for consults and classes.