I am very excited to announce that I will be providing in-home, office and online lactation consults beginning March 25, 2019. This service will significantly impact our rural community by providing health services to moms and babies that are not currently available.

Lactation consults in Southwestern Ontario are available in Port Elgin, Kincardine, Walkerton, Goderich, and surrounding areas.

What Can I Expect From a Lactation Consult?

Initial lactation consults are typically 1.5 hours in length. Once your appointment is booked, a comprehensive health history intake form will be emailed to you so that you can complete it before our appointment. I will read over the form prior to the meeting, and start the appointment by going over all of the information with you.

During the appointment, I will make assessments of the following:

• Pregnancy, labour, birth, postpartum and previous breastfeeding experiences
• Infant health history and current feeding experiences. We will discuss breastfeeding goals, and your feeding concerns
• An infant oral assessment, looking at sucking function, asymmetries, tongue movement and restrictions
• A pre/post-feeding weight – this can be a great tool to help us understand how much breast milk your baby has transferred during one feed. I use the best scale on the market that has the accuracy to 2 g under 12 lbs and 5 g under 33 lbs
• Nipple trauma and breast anatomy
• Observation of a complete breastfeed on both sides from start to finish
• We may look over some videos, practice techniques and read over educational resources
• Trial new positions and breastfeeding devices

With these assessments, together we will come up with a plan of care that recognises your feeding goals while ensuring your baby receives enough milk to thrive.

At the end of the appointment, we will make a follow-up plan, and I will provide a list of recommended providers for local referrals.

With your consent, I will then create a consultation note which will be emailed to you and faxed to your primary care provider so that every one is on the same page.

Who Should Have a Lactation Consultation?

Babies/toddlers of all ages are welcome!

While this is not a comprehensive list, here are some common reasons moms seek out support from a lactation consultant:

• Prenatal breastfeeding education
• Latching difficulties
• Failure to thrive
• Weight checks
• Plugged ducts, blebs & mastitis
• Pumping, safe handling & storage of breast milk
• Sizing, using & discontinuing nipple shields
• Post tongue-tie revision breastfeeding follow-up
• Assistance with tube feeding devices, syringe, spoon & cup feeding
• Information on medications & breastfeeding
• Nipple trauma (cracks, blisters, sores) & nipple pain
• Jaundice in the newborn
• Breastfeeding multiples
• Induced lactation & relactation
• Nursing strikes
• Starting solids
• Returning to work
• Mother-led & child-led weaning

It is important to note that I am formula-friendly. I have personal experiences preparing and giving formula, and I understand that it is sometimes necessary for mom & baby. I can help with paced bottle-feeding techniques, supplementation with milk supply in mind, and safe formula preparation if requested.

What Should I Bring to our Appointment?

Your baby, of course!

Kidding aside, along with your baby you are welcome to bring any paperwork that you may have such as feeding/output records and recent weights. You can bring your own breastfeeding pillow, though I always keep one handy. If you are using any feeding devices or want some help with your pump, please bring them along.

Ready to learn more and book your session? Book here.