Lactation Medicine Consults

Why do I need a lactation consult?

You need to be sure your are feeding your baby enough milk. You need to be sure that you are comfortable nursing. You need the emotional support to feel confident that breastfeeding is going well. 

How are lactation consults different at Woven Pediatrics? 

IBCLCs are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. IBCLCs cannot make diagnoses, order labs or prescribe medication.

Many pediatricians have fewer than 10 hours of breastfeeding education. Even if they are an IBCLC, they do not have time in their schedules for a full 90 minute consult.

At Woven Pediatrics, Dr. Stephanie Dunn is your primary (only!) contact, and she is both an IBCLC and a pediatrician. Vists run 90 minutes because there is so much to discuss! Dr. Stephanie can help diagnose your breastfeeding problems and make evidence based recommendations to improve your lactation experience. Visits, lab tests, diagnoses and medications are focused on breastfeeding and lactation.

When do I reach out for help during my breastfeeding journey?

Breastfeeding is different for everyone. It can be a challenge in the first hour of life or maybe as the milk comes in or maybe further down the road. You're welcome to ask for help at any point. If you have a lactation problem, please get help as soon as possible!

Is my baby growing?

Rule #1: FEED THE BABY!! Pediatricians can evaluate a baby's growth better than a person who is ONLY trained in lactation. Woven Pediatrics shares an electronic medical record with Children's Hospital Colorado and many of the local general pediatricians. Your baby's growth and weight gain patterns can be viewed and compared to their previous growth. 

Am I making enough milk? Do I have low supply?

Low supply: 100% of breastfeeding parents wonder about this! How are you producing? Do you need to stress the supply-demand system a little more? Are you constantly feeling engorged? At Woven Pediatrics, your low supply can be diagnosed, medically investigated (with a detailed history and labs), and treated (sometimes with prescription medication).

Low milk supply catches many moms off guard. For more information on low supply, please see the BLOG. Please do not triple feed away for weeks on end. You need help to make sense of your low supply. You need sound medical advice and a plan.

Is my latch deep enough? What position is best? 

Almost all dyads need some help with their breastfeeding positioning. The baby's latch is evaluated, and all Woven babies are checked for tongue tie. Dr. Stephanie loves to teach side-lying breastfeeding in the office.

OMG, what is up with the pumping?

This can be an adventure on its own! Your pump needs to fit like a bra needs to fit. Do you need to pump? Yes. No. Maybe sometimes. Let's talk about it!

Pumps are machines that your place on delicate body parts. Pumps can cause breast trauma. Before adding a pump routine to your lactation journey, please schedule with Woven Pediatrics to discuss what is appropriate.

Can I breastfeed and take this medication safely?

There are a few medications that do not jive with lactation. Some are unsafe for the baby, some are unsafe for the mom, and some will damage milk supply.

In general, Dr. Stephanie wants moms on all the same medications that they needed prior to pregnancy. As a PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health - Certified) prescriber of medication, Dr. Stephanie is the rare lactation professional that can make sure that mom is on the medication that she needs! 

Get help now! Schedule a lactation support appointment at Woven Pediatrics by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

Cost? 

Insurance is accepted. Lactation consults at Woven Pediatrics are billed (to the insurnace company) for time, like most physician office visits. Your out-of-pockey cost depends on your deductible and any co-insurance.