As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I am a breastfeeding expert.

I know a lot about:

• How breasts and nipples work and help you get your baby feeding well
• How milk is made
• How babies should be positioned and what to do if it still hurts

I can help:

• Answer your breastfeeding questions
• Get breastfeeding working better, for you, and your baby
• Find you specialists, suppliers, information and buddies.
• With when you might need a breast pump, what kind to get and how to comfortably express your milk.

How do I know if I need a Lactation Consultant?

In my experience, if you fit one or more of these situations, you could use some extra help:

• Your nipples are raw, bleeding, cracked, or hurting
• You have mastitis
• You think, or have been told, that you are not making enough milk
• Your baby is 5 days old and your milk has not come in or is 14 days and has not regained birth weight
• Your baby is colicky or fussy or you think that your baby hates you and/or breastfeeding
• You are crying more than 2 hours in a day or think you are not cut out for motherhood
• You can't pump the amount of milk you need
• Your baby is biting

Or, you may have one of these less-immediate problems:

• You are back at work or going back soon and you have questions
• You are thinking about introducing solids
• You want to know how to wean
• Your bra leaves marks or is tight
• You are wondering if something, you or your baby does, is normal

What if I am crying all the time?

A big part of my role as a Lactation Consultant is to help mothers and fathers handle difficult situations and feelings of parenting babies and children. Most women, and some men, cry during an appointment. I am compassionate--mothering is hard! I will do my best to listen and help you find a way so that you can feel better.

What if I don't have enough milk?

While this may be the #1 worry of all new mothers, research shows that only 1 or 2% of women should worry about it! The secret to bountiful supply of milk is to offer your baby the breast frequently and allow your baby to drink as much milk as he can. If you are worried, ask for guidance so that you can be really sure your baby is getting enough milk.

What if I think it's a hopeless cause?

In my experience, the biggest cause of giving up breastfeeding is giving up hope after receiving inaccurate information. If you want to breastfeed, you probably can. It helps if you have a support network including your partner, family, medical professionals and friends, but these are the essentials:

• Determination and the desire to breastfeed
• Guidance from a breastfeeding expert
• Patience to keep trying when things don't go right
• Tissues - Long challenges can be very emotional!

It's a lot of money. Can't I do it on my own?

Of course you can. Many women do. The difference is this: When you work with me, you have someone who will listen to what you are going through, understand you, answer your questions, and coach you through your difficulties, in an hour or two. Your pain and/or confusion can be over in a very short time. Like today, or tomorrow. And it doesn't stop there. We follow up together until you feel confident.

What if I just don't have the money?

It is overwhelming to be in that position! I've been there. Here's what other families have done: Put it on their credit card; ask their parents for money' spread the payments over time; and juggle other household payments until your insurance reimburses you.

To make an appointment or ask a question: call me at (845) 750-4402

Or you can send me an email and I will get back to you within 24 hours.