Mom breastfeeding her newborn in a chair. Portland lactation consultants

Breastfeeding Support: Here are 5 Compassionate and Professional Portland Lactation Consultants

Motherhood

Portland lactation consultants can be an absolute lifesaver if you are experiencing breastfeeding challenges. Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to nourish your baby, but it’s not always easy. Many new moms struggle with latching issues, low milk supply, or other breastfeeding difficulties.

On the blog, you will learn about local lactation consultants and hear from a few of them personally about their take on common misconceptions and how they help families with their breastfeeding journey. Moreover, I will focus on five lactation consultants in the Portland, Oregon, area. But first, let’s discuss why lactation consulting is so important.

A lactation consultant is a trained professional who can help you navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding. They can assist with everything from latching techniques to milk supply issues and pumping advice. They are also an excellent resource for general breastfeeding education and support.

When I had my second baby, I thought I would start breastfeeding again easily. I was wrong. My daughter had a tongue tie and was not getting enough to eat. It was incredibly stressful! I relied on lactation consults to guide me through her first weeks of life and help me to get her going. I appreciated them immensely, and they were so caring, kind, and patient with us.

Mother breastfeeding newborn in chair | Portland Lactation Consultants Mom breastfeeding her newborn in a chair. Portland lactation consultants

Portland Lactation Consultants

Full Milk Moon

Full Milk Moon is a private lactation consulting practice that supports families in Portland, Oregon. Kate Rutledge, BA, CLC, offers assistance with lactation, breastfeeding, and baby feeding, considering the entire family’s needs when addressing everyday challenges.

Full Milk Moon Lactation Consultants offers in-home consultations, virtual consultations, and infant craniosacral therapy.

This is a reputable lactation consulting practice in Portland, Oregon. If you want lactation support, don’t hesitate to contact her for more information about their services and availability.

Kate firmly believes there is always a solution to every challenge and is committed to working closely with you and your family to find the best possible path forward. Your well-being and success in your breastfeeding journey are her utmost priorities.

1. What common misconceptions about breastfeeding have you encountered in your practice, and how do you address them? 

If I had to choose one misconception that would just disappear, it would be the idea that “my nipples will toughen up, and I’ll get used to the pain.” I don’t know why this one won’t just go away-pain is never OK-and; there are so many reasons you may be experiencing pain or an uncomfortable latch, but the pain is your body’s way of telling you something is off!
In practice, I’m always checking in with the nursing parent to see how it feels. If a latch doesn’t feel good, we take the baby off and try again. Aside from latch, there are other clues and reasons for pain, and it takes a full consult to sort out what the cause may be and how to address it. You’d be surprised at how many issues can cause pain, and only a few of them have to do with the baby’s latch!

2. How do you work with families to develop a personalized breastfeeding or feeding plan that considers the unique needs and preferences of both the parent and the baby?

My care plans are always family-driven. Each family has a unique dynamic, needs, and goals, and so while I might have my own thoughts and opinions, it’s up to the family to implement their care plan.
When families are all-in, I see such great results, but it has to be something they believe they can do. Check-ins by text message or virtual follow-ups are a great way to see how things are going since the last visit and modify the plan if something needs to change. I truly believe there’s a solution to every problem, and I’m by your side to get you there.
Mom breastfeeding baby in a pink dress in the primary bedroom on bed. Mom breastfeeding baby on bed in pink dress. mother breastfeeding newborn on bed in pink dress with toddler sitting next to her.

Luna Lactation & Wellness

Luna Lactation and Wellness is a healthcare practice that provides personalized, client-centered care to families and individuals struggling with feeding concerns. Unlike larger healthcare practices, their micro-practice model enables them to prioritize individualized care and focus on their client’s needs and goals.

They understand that feeding and lactation issues can be challenging and emotionally draining for families. Thus, offering comprehensive care that addresses these issues’ physical and emotional aspects.

In addition, they are committed to providing nurturing and inclusive support for all aspects of infant feeding and lactation.

Luna Lactation and Wellness strives to support families in achieving their feeding goals while providing compassionate care throughout their journey.

If you are struggling with feeding and lactation issues, contact them for help.

  1. What common misconceptions about breastfeeding have you encountered in your practice, and how do you address them?

    1. This is a great question.  I feel like misconceptions about breast or chest feeding (Bf/Cf) tend to change through the years.  Some current misconceptions include the following:
      1. Bf/Cf is always best.  This can misconception does not allow for the fact that there is great variability and what is sustainable for families, particularly when mental health issues are involved.
      2. All parents can Bf/Cf if they try hard enough.  This misconception points to old ideas that if a person wants to lactate, they just have to try enough.  There are many genetic, environmental, anatomical, and physiological reasons why apparent may not produce enough milk for their baby despite trying everything.
      3. Bf/Cf is natural.  While this is not exactly a misconception, it certainly is not 100% true.  While the act of human milk feeding is biologically natural, it does not mean that it comes naturally to all parents and babies.  In fact, it is very much a learned skill for many.
      4. There is no value to breast milk or breastfeeding after 1 year of age (insert any arbitrary timeframe).  However, human milk always has significant value, immunological benefits, and bioactive properties that we are just beginning to discover.  In fact, it can even be medically prescribed for adults as a medical food in cases of severe illness because that is exactly what it is, a food!

  2. How do you work with families to develop a personalized breastfeeding or feeding plan that considers the unique needs and preferences of both the parent and the baby?

    1. The whole entire approach to my practice is around finding sustainable ways to help families work toward their personalized feeding goals.  The preference of the parent, and the ability of the baby, are always my first and foremost priorities.  I actually will outright tell people I have no agenda for their breasts or their baby; I simply want to help them work toward their goals.  I do strive to be an excellent detective and help families uncover the root cause(s) of feeding issues at hand so that we can implement personalized care plan strategies.

Mothers sitting on bed with newborn baby and toddler on bed in primary bedroom. Moms are sitting on bed in primary bedroom with newborn and toddler. | Portland Lactation Consultants. Mother holding newborn baby while kissing baby on head.

Bliss Lactation

At Bliss Lactation, consultants are certified by the board to offer high-level expertise in assisting parents in achieving their breastfeeding and feeding objectives. They provide reliable parental resources by providing accurate, evidence-based information and hands-on support. With their knowledge and experience, the lactation consultants assess your situation to create a plan tailored to meet your needs and goals.

They prioritize relationship-based care that respects and responds to your unique goals, preferences, and values. During meetings, they will discuss your current situation and feeding plans and work collaboratively to devise a maintainable plan that meets your needs.

Their primary focus is providing practical and evidence-based support that helps you build confidence and feel empowered in your relationship with your baby.

Cascadia Lactation

At Cascadia Lactation, their mission is to help you succeed in your feeding journey. They know what a rewarding experience can be that can deepen the bond between a parent and their baby. However, it can also be a complex and tiring process that requires patience and persistence.

At Cascadia Lactation, certified lactation consultants offer compassionate and expert support to help you achieve your feeding goals without judgment or pressure.

Further, they offer prenatal, postpartum, and back-to-work consultations to help you throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Black and white photo of new mom feeding her baby in the nursery. Portalnd Lactation Consultants Dad holding newborn in lap on floor.

Nurture

Robin Nunez, IBCLC, Owner of Nurture, offers sincere, genuine, and individualized care to families in the Portland metro area. She offers a tailored approach to meet each family where they are in their parenting and infant feeding journey. In addition, she delivers medical care that feels like something other than a clinical setting.

There are numerous ways to feed a baby, and there is no right or wrong approach. The most important thing is to find what works best for you.

Offering lactation consulting and postpartum doula care, you will have a comprehensive approach to your postpartum journey with Robin.

Portland Lactation Consultants

In conclusion, having professional support during the early days of parenthood can make all the difference.  Thus, ensuring a smooth transition into this new chapter of your life. From lactation consultants to postpartum doulas, Portland is fortunate to have a wealth of resources available to support new families.

I also offer a valuable service that captures the beauty and joy of these precious moments that pass by so quickly.  I am a photographer specializing in Portland newborn photography and a Portland maternity photographer.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with you and capturing memories that will last a lifetime!

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