Lactation Counseling

As a certified lactation counselor (CLC) through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice I am trained to offer breastfeeding support and evidence-based information for a variety of issues including the following:

• Trouble with latch, positioning, and suck
• Sore nipples, plugged ducts, engorgement
• Milk supply issues
• Questions about nursing frequency, appropriate weight gain, and baby's elimination
• Finding comfortable breastfeeding positions
• Sleeping and nursing
• Nursing and going back to work
• Nursing, pumping, hand-expressing, and bottle-feeding expressed milk
• Questions about whether to use nipple shields, pacifiers, and other "gadgets"
• and more

The first two hours, two days and two weeks of your baby's life are all critical periods for establishing a good milk supply and good breastfeeding relationship. If you have any concerns that something may not be right (with the baby's latch, your milk supply, etc) do not hesitate to reach out for support, as many breastfeeding problems can lead to a dwindling supply that can be very challenging to reverse if you delay seeking help to correct the underlying issue.

Breastfeeding Support Services

Lactation Counseling Home/Hospital/Office Visit

I offer home visits in Brooklyn and some of Manhattan. I will meet with you for about 2 hours so there will be plenty of time to answer questions and address all of your concerns. I will observe your infant nursing and help you assess how breastfeeding is going, how is the latch, positioning and suck, and help you make any necessary adjustments. I will address any problems or concerns you are having and help you come up with a plan for a solution. I will help you consider the optimal set-up for you in your home for nursing during the day and at night. I will follow up with you by phone within few days to see how everything is going and if any further support is needed. The fee for this visit is $250* ($200 as an office visit).

Prenatal Preparation for Breastfeeding: Private Consult

Preparing prenatally for breastfeeding is one of the best ways to get breastfeeding off to a good start. We will talk about optimal birth practices, optimal practices for establishing breastfeeding in the first 1-2 hours after birth, keys to a good position and latch, preparing for pumping and storing milk, sleeping and feeding, and more. This consult will last about 2-3 hours and costs $125 per hour* (or $100 per hour for an office visit).

*Many insurance companies are now covering lactation visits by CLCs so check with your insurance company to see if it is covered. If it is not covered you may be able to use a flex spending (FSA) or health savings (HSA) account to cover the cost. Payment for your visit is due in the form of cash or check at the time of your visit and and I can provide you with receipts to submit for reimbursement.

Why is professional support needed for breastfeeding? Isn't it a "natural instinct"?

Breastfeeding, while natural, is a learned behavior on the part of both the mother and the baby. Many women in modern Western cultures find it to be challenging for two main reasons. First, in the modern West, breastfeeding is still not a cultural norm -- most parents breastfeeding today did not grow up seeing family members and parents in their communities breastfeeding as the last few generations in the US were actively discouraged from breastfeeding by the medical community. As a result we have lost a significant amount of cultural knowledge about breastfeeding. Second, many modern birth practices (especially cesarean sections, labor medications, and routine separation of birth parent and baby following birth) interfere with the breastfeeding relationship. For these two reasons, many parents can benefit from extra support around breastfeeding. Although it can be a challenge for some parents and babies to get the hang of in the beginning, it becomes exponentially easier as time goes on. In fact, while the first few weeks may initially be a bit more challenging than formula feeding, after that, many parents find breastfeeding to be much easier, more convenient and cost-effective than formula feeding. Not to mention that the health benefits for both the breastfeeding parent and baby are profound.

What is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)?

Definition from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice: "Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) are individuals who have successfully completed the Healthy Children Project’s Certified Lactation Counselor Training Program, an Accredited ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program™ and are also certified by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). CLCs have successfully completed a 45-hour training based upon the footprint of the World Health Organization/UNICEF Breastfeeding Counseling Training Course, have successfully passed a criterion-referenced examination, and demonstrated the competencies and skills required to provide safe, evidence-based counseling for pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding women."

Contact Lena about Breastfeeding Support