Meet Maria, IBCLC
Hello! My name is Maria, and I am a Certified Lactation Counselor, Postpartum Doula, former EMT, and IBCLC student. I began working with postpartum families in 2022 after 8 years in the child care field and quickly realized the additional need for infant feeding support. Well-meaning friends and family often provide anecdotes and advice for infant care and feeding, but many struggling new parents need expert and evidence-based advice to start off on the right foot. Our lactation program understands that you are more than your baby’s food source. You are a new parent on top of all of your other responsibilities. Let us come to you. Our in home visits promise to provide you with the support you need from the comfort of your home. No judgement, no expectations, just support.
My education:
I have witnessed so many amazing infant feeding sessions where mom and baby are calm, comfortable, and are wildly successful, but also feeds where baby is hungry, mom’s nipples are cracked and bleeding, and everyone is crying. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, I’m here for you.
One of the most common pitfalls I see is that everyone prepares for birth but forgets about postpartum life. Booking a prenatal appointment to learn all about feeding your baby, the do’s and don’ts, and what to realistically expect can dramatically improve your breastfeeding success and help you to meet your goals. Did you know that your baby will only eat ~5mL meals on their first day of life? That means your baby’s stomach will be roughly the size of a marble at birth! Feeling insecure about the amount of milk you have is normal when all you are able to get out is drops, but trust me, you are producing liquid gold.
The most common reason that a lactation consultant is contacted is because there is an issue with latching. This may seem like a pretty basic concept, but an improper latch can cause all kinds of issues from poor milk transfer to nipple damage and pain.
How does a lactation consultant help? I first start by assessing your positioning. Breastfeeding is a whole body activity for a baby, so that means that while they are feeding at the mouth, something like their feet may be preventing a comfortable feed. Some of the key things I look for are mom’s comfort while feeding, the angle of baby’s body, and what reflexes have been utilized to begin the feed. Did you know there is actually a reflex in your baby’s chin that can make them automatically open their mouth wide to latch? It is called the gape reflex and engaging this reflex is key to getting a good latch. A good latch will look like flanged lips, maintaining a seal, and breast tissue in the baby’s mouth rather than just the nipple. Education is a huge part of what I do as a lactation counselor.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or ready to wean, I would love to meet with you to help you reach your goals. I look forward to meeting you!
