Lactation & Breastfeeding Support for New Moms

Feed your baby your way — with help from a Detroit area and virtual lactation educator

After you have your baby, you have a choice: Breastfeed or supplement your baby’s milk intake with formula or donor milk. The process of lactating — secreting breast milk — can be difficult for some women. On top of that, there isn’t a lot of education about breastfeeding and what it requires for moms and families. 

If you want to breastfeed and you want help from someone who knows both the science + the ancient wisdom of this process, I want to help!

What is lactation support? How can it help you breastfeed your baby?

As a lactation educator (currently earning my certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners), I have the skills and training to educate you, your family, and supporting partners through the lactation and breastfeeding process.

We often hear that breastfeeding is a “natural process,” but we aren’t given the tools we need to make our efforts successful. I support new parents with education around breastfeeding, as well as explain how to troubleshoot common challenges.

With my services, I also assist with breast pump set up and use, measure the nursing mom for a nursing bra, and provide education around baby positioning and how to ensure your baby latches properly.

All of that means your breastfeeding efforts will be more successful, and you’ll feel confident that you’re giving your baby what they need!

Should you work with a lactation specialist?

 

Did you know?

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.

Studies show that, after birth, about 84% of babies are breastfed — but by the time they reach 6 months, only about 58% of babies are breastfed. Those numbers decrease even more for Black, Hispanic, and babies from other marginalized groups. 

Unfortunately, women and families often wait until they’re facing lactation or breastfeeding challenges to ask for additional resources. Most doctors and obstetrical teams aren’t trained in lactation or breastfeeding, which means the support women get after giving birth isn’t enough to help them confidently feed their baby when they head home. 

Lactation support and breastfeeding coaching are for any lactating person who wants to feed their baby (whether from the breast or bottle). Working with a lactation specialist can help you confidently increase your baby’s weight after birth and manage feedings without pain or discomfort.

In-person or virtual options

I mainly serve the Detroit Metro Area, but I also offer virtual lactation support and breastfeeding coaching sessions! Below, you can find my packages and pricing information. To learn more, or if you have questions, inquire here.

 

In-person lactation services

Starting at $150

2-hour in-person consultation

Access to Breastfeeding 101 training

Positioning and latch support

Measuring for nursing bra

Breast pump setup and tutorial

Connections with community resources

Referral to IBCLC for more complex concerns

Virtual lactation support

Starting at $75 for 1 hours

2-hour virtual consultation

Access to Breastfeeding 101 training

Positioning and latch support

Breast pump setup and tutorial

Connections with community resources

Referral to IBCLC for more complex concerns

 

What to expect when working with a lactation specialist

 
 

Once you say “Yes!” to hiring a lactation specialist…

You’ll receive a contract and will submit a non-refundable deposit. We’ll get an appointment on the calendar, whether it’s in your home or virtually. You’ll also have time to state your concerns if you have any, and you’ll get access to my Breastfeeding 101 training. This includes the benefits of breastfeeding, how to position baby, how to get support when you meet challenges, and how to pump. We can also create a back-to-work pumping plan.

 
 

for virtual visits…

You’ll receive a link to a safe, private video platform. We’ll address concerns or offer lactation and breastfeeding education over video. You’ll also have access to Breastfeeding 101.

 

Common questions about breastfeeding and lactation

 

  • The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer. While some new moms have difficulty lactating (secreting milk) to feed their babies, those who are able should absolutely breastfeed!

    Breastmilk offers so many benefits to your baby, especially in the first 6 months of their life. Breast milk is the perfect designed nutrition for infants, it contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, and can even help prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

    Studies also show that women who don’t breastfeed after giving birth have increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, retained gestational weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and even heart attack.

  • There are definitely situations where a family will need to provide formula, such as if the mother is sick or absent in the early days of a child’s birth. However, the Academy of Pediatrics does recommend breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life.

    While formula is incredibly helpful if a mother isn’t able to breastfeed, formula feeding has been associated with elevated risks of childhood obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and even sudden infant death syndrome.

  • Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt! Without proper instruction and latch support, you may notice discomfort if you go too long between feedings or if your child is improperly latched. This is why lactation and breastfeeding education is so important!

  • Yes, as a lactation educator, I can help with that! I will help you understand lactation, latching, and breastfeeding techniques that help you keep baby fed. For more complex issues, I will also refer you to an IBCLC lactation specialist.

Keep your baby happy, fed, and healthy

I know that you’re a strong, capable woman who wants to learn everything you can about how to feed your baby with the tools nature you equipped you with. I’ll help you with education, troubleshooting support, and resources to help you and your little one thrive.

Inquire about my lactation services and availability here.