Through Lactation, You’ll Support Your Baby with Natural Nutrition
Breast/chestfeeding your child can be a wonderful experience for both parent and baby. Providing this natural nutrition through lactation is a great start in creating a lifelong emotional bond. Whether you are new to this or have experience with natural milk feeding, challenges can come up especially in the early days.
Lactation is your body’s amazing process of producing and secreting milk from the breasts. But ensuring your child gets enough nutrition through breastfeeding includes so many factors, like the time commitment and environment, baby latching, nipple pain, alternating bottle feeding, transition to solid foods, and much more.
If you’re having breastfeeding challenges, we’re the ones to call.
Book a Lactation Support Visit
Metro patients have access to our board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) for one-on-one coaching and hands-on assistance. Some of our lactation consultants are also experienced pediatric care providers who can address both primary care and breast/chestfeeding needs in the same visit. Contact us to help you with nursing, latching, milk supply, pumping, or formula-feeding transition.
Beaverton with Lara Greenberg, IBCLC
Bridgeport with Dr. Allison Baynham, Pediatrician, IBCLC
Gresham with Keyra Peraza, IBCLC
Happy Valley Sunnyside with Irma Sulejmanović-Bordeaux, PNP, IBCLC
Johnson Creek with Megan Dunn, IBCLC
NW Portland with Bryna Hayden, IBCLC
Professional Support for Your Breastfeeding Success
We completely understand how important it is to feel successful with breast/chestfeeding. Count on us to support you with all your newborn care. It takes time for both parent and baby to get into the rhythm of nursing successfully. We encourage you to be patient, take care of yourself with plenty of fluids and a healthy diet, and give us a call if we can help you.
What is an IBCLC?
IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It is the highest level of certification for lactation consultants. To become an IBCLC, lactation consultants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, medicine, or a related field.
- Complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education.
- Complete 1,000 hours of clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies.
- Pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of breastfeeding.
Typical Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Challenges
Here are some areas where our lactation consultants have experience and can help a patient:
- Latching problems, nipple pain, bleeding and/or cracked nipples
- Slow weight gain in babies and increasing supply
- Assessing for tongue tie and lip tie symptoms along with post-frenotomy care
- Oversupply, plugged ducts, mastitis, thrush
- Pumping issues and return-to-work planning/troubleshooting
- Weaning from the nipple shield (and fixing the issues that led to nipple shield use in the first place)
- Straight, lesbian, gay, queer, poly, and trans families – LGBTQ2IA+ friendly
- Nursing after breast reduction or augmentation
- Safe sleep and safe co-sleeping practices
- Medications and procedures that may affect lactation
Please contact your baby’s primary care physician with any of these concerns, or make an appointment with a lactation consultant.
In this companion article, Metro lactation consultants offer tips and solutions for parents’ top concerns with breast/chestfeeding.
Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
Lactation Support FAQs
Starting your breastfeeding journey often comes with many questions and unexpected challenges. To make sure you feel confident and supported, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about how to schedule, prepare for, and benefit from a lactation visit.
What does a lactation consultant do?
A lactation consultant is a trained professional who supports breastfeeding parents and infants. They help with latching difficulties, low milk supply, nipple pain, pumping techniques, and feeding positions—making breastfeeding a more comfortable and successful experience.
When should I see a lactation consultant?
You can schedule a visit anytime you have questions or challenges with breastfeeding—ideally within the first few days after birth. Early guidance can help prevent soreness, improve milk flow, and promote confidence for both you and your baby.
Is a lactation consultation covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover lactation services, either fully or partially. Our staff at Metro Pediatrics can help you verify coverage and guide you through the scheduling process.
Can I schedule a virtual lactation consultation?
Yes. For convenience, Metro Pediatrics offers both in-office and telehealth lactation visits, allowing you to connect with our experts from the comfort of your home.
How many lactation sessions will I need?
The number of visits depends on your individual needs. Some families achieve their goals in 1 or 2 visits, while others benefit from ongoing follow-ups as their baby grows and feeding patterns change.
What should I bring to my lactation appointment?
Bring your baby, feeding supplies (such as bottles, breast pump, or nipple shields), and any questions or notes about feeding challenges. This helps the consultant provide personalized support.
What if breastfeeding is painful or my baby won’t latch?
Pain or a poor latch is a common challenge. Your consultant will observe a feeding, identify what’s causing discomfort, and provide guidance on positioning or latch techniques to make feeding smoother and pain-free.
Can I still meet with a lactation consultant if I use formula or pumped milk?
Absolutely. Lactation consultants support all feeding choices. They can help with mixed feeding, pumping schedules, and safe milk storage—ensuring your baby is nourished in the way that works best for your family.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Your baby should have regular wet diapers, appear satisfied after feeding, and gain weight steadily. During your visit, your consultant will weigh your baby before and after a feeding to confirm milk transfer.
How does lactation support benefit my baby and me?
Professional lactation support helps you feel confident and relaxed while feeding your baby. It also promotes healthy growth, bonding, and long-term breastfeeding success.
What resources (apps, hotlines, websites) does your team recommend for breastfeeding support?
Here is a list of trusted apps, hotlines, and online resources recommended by our lactation team to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Hotlines & Direct Support
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: Available for immediate support.
- Call: 877-452-5324
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Free, confidential support for new and expecting parents.
- Call: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
- BabyLink (Clackamas County): Connects expectant families in Clackamas County with information and community resources via text or phone.
- Call or Text: 971-400-7832
Apps & Books
- BreastBeginnings App: A great resource for learning about breastfeeding before the baby arrives and during the first few months. Features include a tracker (feed times, breast/bottle feeds, output) and access to age- or topic-sorted resources and how-to videos.
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (Book): A classic and comprehensive guide, including helpful advice for working mothers, those nursing multiple children, and new tips and stories from real moms.
Online Education & General Support
- General Breastfeeding Information:
- Mental Health and Support Groups:
- Postpartum Support International: Directory to find therapists trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, plus free online support groups.
- Legacy Health Baby and Me Group
- Baby Blues Connection
Specific Techniques & Safety
- Latching, Pumping, and Feeding:
- Droplet: Latching and Hand Expression
- How to Hand Express Breastmilk Video
- Cue-Based Bottle Feeding
- Responsive Bottle Feeding Video (Carolyn Honea, IBCLC)
- Exclusive Pumping
- Pumping Breastmilk Calculator
- Tongue Ties
- Babywearing Videos (@Wrapyouinlove)
- Global Health Media (Helpful videos on many breastfeeding topics)
- Medication and Safety:
Policy & Public Health
- State and Federal Protections for Lactating Parents:
- COVID-19 Guidance: