Question 1

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for the baby's growth and development, and it helps fight against infections and illnesses. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and lowers the baby's risk of developing allergies, asthma, and obesity. For the mother, breastfeeding releases hormones that promote bonding with the baby and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More information can be found here.(https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm) We are committed to helping mothers successfully breastfeed their babies and provide them with the support and resources they need to navigate the breastfeeding journey.

Question 2

What is a lactation consultant, and why might I need one?

Accepted Answer

Our lactation consultant (IBCLC) is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in helping mothers breastfeed their infants. Lactation consultants can provide a range of services, including hands-on support with breastfeeding positions and latch techniques, help with common breastfeeding challenges like engorgement or nipple pain, and guidance on how to pump and store breastmilk. We believe that every mother has the right to access high-quality lactation support, regardless of their background or circumstances. If you're struggling with breastfeeding, feeling overwhelmed, or just want to make sure your baby is getting the nourishment they need, a lactation consultant can be a valuable resource. We take a compassionate, personalized approach to lactation support, and we're committed to helping you succeed on your breastfeeding journey.

Question 3

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist and why might I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication and feeding/swallowing disorders.  In the context of breastfeeding, an SLP can play a crucial role in addressing issues that may arise for both the breastfeeding mother and the infant. Such as:

Feeding Difficulties in Infants:
 • SLPs can assess and address feeding difficulties in infants, such as challenges with sucking, swallowing, and coordinating the movements necessary for effective breastfeeding.

Oral Motor Concerns:
 • Infants with oral motor difficulties may struggle with the coordinated movements required for breastfeeding and eventually transitioning to solids. SLPs can work on exercises and strategies to improve oral motor skills and acceptance.

Tongue Tie or Oral Structural Issues:
 • An SLP can identify issues like tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or other oral structural concerns that may impact a baby's ability to latch onto the breast and breastfeed effectively.

Swallowing Difficulties in Infants:
 • If an infant experiences difficulties with swallowing, an SLP can assess the underlying causes and work on strategies to improve the swallowing function, ensuring safe and efficient feeding. Signs/symptoms of difficulty may include: 
    • Choking, coughing, or gagging while eating
    • Weak sucking
    • Fast or stopped breathing while feeding
    • Hoarse voice or cry
    • Noisy breathing or wheezing
    • Slight fever after eating
    • Reflux/Regurgitation
    • Recurring lung or airway infections
    • Apnea, bradycardia, or cyanosis 
    • Excessive salivation

Transitioning from Tube Feeding to Breastfeeding:
 • Infants who have been tube-fed or have had other feeding interventions may need support transitioning to breastfeeding. SLPs can assist in this process.

Breastfeeding After Medical Interventions:
 • Infants who have undergone medical procedures or interventions may need specialized support when transitioning to breastfeeding. SLPs can work with the mother and infant to address any challenges.

Communication and Support for Mothers:
 • Breastfeeding involves communication between the mother and infant. If there are challenges in this communication, such as understanding the baby's cues or concerns with responsiveness, an SLP can offer guidance and support.

Lactation and Pediatric Oral Dysfunction Consultants, LLC is a fully licensed and insured business in the state of Tennessee doing business as The Lactation Company. Catherine Quintero is a licensed speech language pathologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. HIPAA compliant.

Question 4

What is a Pediatric Feeding Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is a condition that impacts a child's ability to eat and drink and they are more common than you might think. In infants, they can be caused by a variety of factors such as prematurity, anatomical variations, medical conditions, or sensory issues. PFDs can encompass a range of difficulties with feeding, such as difficulty with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, coordinating sucking and swallowing, aversion to textures or tastes, and difficulty transitioning to solid foods. We understand the importance of early intervention and individualized care for these infants and work closely with medical providers to create a personalized plan for each child. If you suspect that your child may have a feeding disorder, it's important to talk to your pediatrician as soon as possible. You can read more about PFDs here (https://www.feedingmatters.org/what-is-pfd/)and are encouraged take this questionnaire (https://questionnaire.feedingmatters.org/)if you have concerns about your child's eating.

Question 5

What services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our dual specialty lactation and speech-language pathologist is experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. Our services include:

Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes 
 • Our class helps expecting mothers and families prepare for breastfeeding and provides them with practical tips and advice before their baby arrives. 
In-person and Virtual Lactation Consultations
 •  Consultations address any breastfeeding challenges or concerns. Our consultations are individualized, evidence-based, and non-judgmental, allowing us to tailor our advice to each mother's unique situation.

Weight checks and Personalized Feeding Plans 
 • Check-ins and follow ups to ensure that babies are growing and thriving-we make adjustments as we go to ensure optimal intake and safety.

Back-to-work Consultations 
 • Help families plan and prepare for their return to work while managing their breastfeeding journey.

Comprehensive Assessment and Support for Pediatric Oral Dysfunction 
 • Evaluation of nursing and overall oral function. Our practitioner is trained to identify any issues that may be impacting your child's ability to breastfeed (and to eventually transition to solid foods) and to provide personalized care to address their unique needs. Through a combination of observation, physical examination, and assessment tools, our SLP/IBCLC will work with you and your child to develop an individualized plan to both improve feeding and strengthen oral functioning.

Our licensed Speech-Language Pathologist provides therapy in the following areas:

• Speech Sound Development: Support for articulation, phonological processes, and motor speech coordination to improve clarity and confidence.
 • Language Development: Helping children understand and use language effectively, including vocabulary growth, sentence structure, and comprehension.
 • Early Communication Skills: For infants and toddlers, therapy focuses on building foundational skills such as joint attention, gestures, imitation, and early word use.
 • AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Assessment and ongoing support for children who benefit from communication devices or picture systems. We help families and caregivers learn to use AAC tools confidently and integrate them into daily routines.
 • Parent & Caregiver Coaching: We believe in empowering families. Each session includes hands-on coaching and practical strategies to support communication at home and in everyday interactions.

Here, we prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and baby, striving to provide inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-based support to all families. Explore and book services here.(https://lactationpodconsultants.clientsecure.me/)

Question 6

Do I have to wait for my baby to be born to see a lactation consultant?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't have to wait until your baby is born to see a lactation consultant. We offer prenatal consultations to help prepare expectant parents for breastfeeding. During these consultations, our lactation consultants will provide you with information on breast anatomy, breastfeeding basics, latch techniques, and more. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about breastfeeding while pregnant, our consultants are here to support you and offer guidance. We believe that early preparation and education can greatly improve breastfeeding success and overall satisfaction for new parents. So, whether you're an expectant parent or have already given birth, our lactation consultants are here to support you every step of the way.

Question 7

What should I expect during my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Our dual specialty speech-language pathologist and board certified lactation consultant will provide personalized breastfeeding support to make sure each mom-baby pair receives the care they need. During your visit, we will begin with an assessment of your breastfeeding goals, your medical history, an anatomical review for mom and baby and your baby's feeding patterns. We will then observe a feeding session and assess any pain, latch, or positioning issues. Based on our findings, we will offer tailored advice and recommend a care plan to establish successful breastfeeding.

Question 8

Can I see a lactation consultant if I choose to exclusively pump or bottle feed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! At Lactation and Pediatric Oral Dysfunction Consultants, LLC, we believe that every parent deserves access to lactation support, regardless of their chosen feeding method. Our lactation consultant is dual certified as a speech language pathologist who is knowledgeable in all aspects of lactation and infant feeding/oral motor function. She can provide valuable guidance no matter how you choose to feed your baby. We can help you establish a pumping routine, troubleshoot any issues or concerns you may have with bottle feeding, nipple selection, weaning/introduction of solids and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your breast milk production. Our goal is to empower and support you on your feeding journey, and our services are tailored to meet your individual needs. We encourage you to reach out to us for support and guidance, no matter what your feeding path may be.

Question 9

Can fathers and partners play an active role in breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Fathers, partners, family, and support people can all contribute to the success of breastfeeding in multiple ways. We encourage all support people to be a part of the breastfeeding journey and offer education and resources for them. So, please feel free to bring them along to your visit!

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Lactation and Pediatric Oral Dysfunction Consultants, LLC