Lactation support could include the following:

​

• Assessment of both parent/mother and infant feeding skills (breast, chest, or bottle)

• Observe and assess for effectiveness of feeding skills and milk transfer

• Coach and educate to parents optimal feeding positions, latch, frequency, and durations of feedings. 

• Educate on normal infant intake and output

• Problem solve and educate on potential adverse outcomes to breastfeeding before they occur or during recovery. For example:

  • Nipple trauma or pain

  • Engorgement and mastitis management / prevention

  • Fatigue or stress to birth parents body

  • Adapting daily activities for vaginal and c-section recovery

  • And more!

• ​Provide anticipatory guidance and education of breastfeeding, bottle or formula feeding, weaning, low supply issues, over supply issues, etc

• Assess infant oral skills to determine if there are sensory processing, tongue tie, or asymmetry are effecting latch and feeding skills

• Educate and coaching through the choice to feed breast milk or formula 

• Assess and review paced bottle feeding and determine best bottle/nipple fit

• Work with parents of preterm and late term infants to educate on the infants developmental differences related to feeding, while helping to establish and maintain breast milk supply

• Counsel and educate on return to work for breastfeeding parents - selecting a breast pump, safe milk storage, maintaining breast milk supply, and communicating to care provider infant feeding preferences