Lactation
Breastfeeding is instinctual and often occurs without any special help, especially after a gentle birth. Even with an optimal birth, though, breastfeeding challenges can come up. Using a client-centered approach, I offer home and office visits for latch issues, low milk supply, infections and complex problems.
I have 30 years of lactation experience and have been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2010. I follow the Institute of Breastfeeding Medicine guidelines.
All consultations are provided by Aszani Stoddard, Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Depending on the complexity of the issues, first visits usually take about 2 hours. We will develop a written care plan for you to take home with you. I am a prescriber and can write prescriptions as needed. Referrals to other specialists can be made when these would be helpful.
Follow-up support is done at office visits. I am also available by phone and email and I do virtual visits. Clients are encouraged to keep in touch until feeling fully confident that problems are resolved and breastfeeding Is enjoyable and comfortable.
Home Visits
Staying in the comfort of your own home is especially important when there are nursing issues in the early postpartum period. Home visits are also helpful for people who have other young children, or because the lactating person prefers to be seen at home. When doing a home visit, I will arrive with a well-stocked bag that includes basic and specialized breastfeeding supplies and a high quality digital baby scale. I serve the greater Twin Cities Metro area. Due to clinic scheduling, I am sometimes not the best choice for urgent lactation visits, but you can always reach out. If I cannot help you, I will refer you to someone who can.
I work closely with pediatric dentists, craniosacral therapists, physical and occupational therapists as needed.
The first consultation includes:
Time to talk about your pregnancy and birth
Review of your breastfeeding and health history
A chance to explain your current concerns
A gentle oral exam of your baby, a suck assessment using expressed milk, a nursing assessment and assessment of you, the lactating person.
What Do I Bring to My Appointment?
You and your baby
Pumped milk for the suck assessment
Your partner or support person, if desired
Your list of questions and concerns
Your pump if you want me to help or assess pumping (not required)
Lactation Pricing (starting October 1, 2024)
$130/hr in Office
$185/hr in Home
When to Seek Lactation Help
Nursing Person Issues: low or high milk supply, sore nipples/breasts, history of hormonal issues/infertility, lactation support for an adopted baby or for lesbian couples, past breast surgery, medical issues/illness, past breastfeeding problems, planning to return to work/school, not enjoying breastfeeding, lactation support after infant loss, pregnancy/tandem nursing, pumping issues, weaning support, post-lactation breast health, chest-feeding, other unresolved breastfeeding concerns (pre-conception, prenatally or postpartum).
Baby/Child Issues: weight gain concerns, latch issues, suck dysfunction, tongue/lip tie, prematurity, multiples, traumatic birth, jaundice, unresolved fussiness/colic, medical/anatomical issues that impact feeding, food allergy/sensitivity concerns, baby being supplemented or using specialized feeding tools, sleep/growth/solid food concerns, adoption, older breastfeeding baby/child concerns, tandem nursing and other unresolved feeding concerns.
Resources
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The Infant Risk Center
Dr, Thomas Hale’s Site for Lactation and Medication Safety. This is the gold standard resource for medication safety during breastfeeding. The hotline number is on this webpage under the Resources tab.
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Hand Expression
Hand expression is an important skill to know for every lactating person. This link shows how to effectively hand-express your own milk.
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Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping reduces SIDS risk and enhances breastfeeding. Here are links from the Mother-Baby Behavorial Sleep Lab at the University of Notre Dame to teach you how to safely co-sleep with your baby.