Lactation Support Program

• We believe that breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful gifts that you can give to your baby

• Breastfeeding difficulties may indicate an underlying feeding problem which may surface when solids are introduced

• When infants and mothers are experiencing feeding challenges, ABC is here to provide assessment, education, and supportive techniques


Goals and Purpose of the Program:
• To provide holistic and comprehensive breastfeeding assessment and intervention techniques to mothers and infants with feeding challenges
• Provide early, timely treatment to infants with breast feeding difficulties
• To prevent further difficulties with feeding and speech production as the child matures
• To provide families with breastfeeding and lactation education, recommendations, and a plan of action
• To provide a comprehensive service to the community, including a referral for further in-depth assessment of oral motor and feeding problems by ABC's qualified speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists
• To promote early identification and referral to other related therapies of benefit to infants and young children

What is a lactation consultant and how can they help?
1.) An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with clincial and hospital experience working with mothers and babies assists with solving both basic and advanced breastfeeding problems.
2.) The lactation consultant (LC) is also an experienced therapist who can identify and refer infants with feeding problems for further evaluation.

• An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant will assess your baby in the following areas:
-Oral/motor skills before and during breastfeeding
-Bottle Feeding if needed
-the LC will also address any problems the mother may be experiencing related to breastfeeding including pumping
-A plan of care will be provided which includes education and supportive techniques

Follow-up Care:
• A referral to the ABC Comprehensive Infant Feeding Team for a more extensive assessment of your baby's feeding skills may be part of the recommendations
• The lactation consultant works in conjunction with your baby's physician and other specialists, sharing results of the assessment and recommendations for the best plan to address both mom and baby's feeding issues
• Follow-up lactation appointments are scheduled as part of the treatment plan to: 1) ensure progression toward baby's safe and effective feeding 2) establishing and maintaining mother's milk production

Indicators that you and your baby may be right for the program:

• Does your baby have difficulty breastfeeding?
• Does your baby have problems with weight gain?
• Is your baby able to take a bottle, but not breastfeed?
• Is your baby having trouble breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding?
• Is breastfeeding painful?
• Do you have sore/cracked nipples?
• Do you have pain in your breast(s)?
• Are you having difficulty producing milk?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact ABC to schedule a lactation evaluation. The earlier you address the problem, the better. To schedule a lactation and breastfeeding evaluation, give us a call at (513) 755-6600.