At M Health Fairview, we offer support for all breastfeeding, chest feeding, and human milk feeding families. We will care for you in a way that promotes and supports lactation if that is what you choose, and support is also available for families unable to give their babies human milk or who choose not to.

Our lactation specialists and consultants are trained providers who specialize in breastfeeding and infant feeding support.

What is a Lactation Consultation?

A lactation consultation is a personalized visit with a trained lactation consultant. At M Health Fairview, our certified lactation consultants assess feeding challenges, provide hands-on guidance, and develop care plans tailored to each family’s needs.

Whether preparing to breastfeed, managing pain, addressing milk supply concerns, or navigating pumping and bottle feeding, families receive evidence-based, compassionate care. You can schedule a consultation to receive individualized support at any stage of your feeding journey.

Common Lactation & Feeding Challenges

Breastfeeding and infant feeding support play an important role in a baby’s nutrition, growth, and early bonding. While feeding is biologically natural, many families experience challenges in the first weeks or during transitions such as returning to work. With guidance from a certified lactation consultant, most concerns can be identified and addressed early. 

These concerns might include:

Latch & Positioning Issues

• Shallow or painful latch: A shallow latch can lead to nipple pain, cracking, or bleeding when a baby does not take in enough breast tissue. Contributing factors may include positioning, muscle tension, or oral differences. Correcting alignment and latch technique often improves comfort and milk transfer. 
• Difficulty getting baby to stay latched:  Prematurity, jaundice, certain medications, or structural concerns such as tongue-tie can affect a baby’s ability to maintain suction. Weak coordination of sucking and swallowing may also reduce feeding effectiveness and lead to frustration.
• Clicking sounds or poor milk transfer: Clicking during feeding may signal loss of suction. When milk transfer is inefficient, feeds may be prolonged or frequent. Causes can include tongue restriction, low muscle tone, or positioning challenges.
• Baby falling asleep quickly during feeds: Newborns, especially premature or recovering infants, may tire quickly at the breast. Incomplete feeds can affect intake and weight gain. Gentle stimulation and latch adjustments often improve feeding stamina.

Milk Supply Concerns

• Low milk supply or delayed production: Hormonal conditions, certain medications, birth complications, infrequent feeding, or ineffective milk removal may reduce supply. Early, consistent breast stimulation and evaluation of latch or pump technique help support production.
  Oversupply or forceful let-down: A rapid milk flow may cause coughing, choking, or pulling away. Babies may swallow air or appear fussy. Position adjustments and feeding strategies can regulate flow and improve comfort.
• Concerns about baby’s intake: Feeding patterns vary, and short or frequent feeds do not always indicate low supply. Weight gain, diaper output, and milk transfer provide more reliable measures. A lactation consultant can assess and provide reassurance or targeted recommendations.
• Maintaining supply when pumping or returning to work: Regular stimulation is essential for continued milk production. Inconsistent schedules, pump fit issues, or stress may affect output. A certified lactation consultant can help optimize routines during transitions back to work.

Nipple & Breast Discomfort

• Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples: Nipple trauma commonly results from shallow latch or friction. Persistent discomfort often indicates positioning issues. Addressing the root cause promotes healing and prevents recurrence.
• Engorgement or blocked ducts: Engorgement may occur when breasts become overly full, especially in early milk production or after missed feeds. Blocked ducts cause localized tenderness when milk flow is restricted. Gentle milk removal typically relieves symptoms.
• Mastitis or recurring breast inflammation: Mastitis involves inflammation of breast tissue and may include redness, swelling, fever, and flu-like symptoms. It can occur when milk remains trapped or bacteria enter through cracked skin. Prompt evaluation and continued milk removal are important to prevent complications.

Baby-Related Feeding Challenges

• Premature or late-preterm infants: Babies born early may have immature sucking, swallowing, and breathing coordination. They may fatigue easily or struggle to transfer milk efficiently. Specialized feeding strategies and close monitoring can support safe, effective nutrition.
• Tongue-tie or oral motor difficulties: Restricted tongue movement or other oral motor differences can limit a baby’s ability to maintain suction and remove milk effectively. This may cause prolonged feeds, nipple pain, or poor weight gain. 
• Poor weight gain or slow feeding: If feeds are lengthy but weight gain is slow, milk transfer may be inefficient. Causes include latch problems, supply concerns, or underlying medical issues. Early evaluation supports healthy growth.
• Reflux, gas, or fussiness during feeds: Air intake, rapid milk flow, or digestive sensitivity may cause discomfort. Adjusting feeding positions and pacing strategies often improves comfort and feeding efficiency.

Feeding challenges are common and do not mean something is wrong. With support from M Health Fairview’s lactation specialists, families can improve feeding effectiveness and gain greater peace of mind.

For more information, explore these tips on successful breastfeeding. 

What to Look for in a Lactation Consultant

When choosing a lactation consultant, it’s important to look for credentials, clinical experience, and a commitment to ongoing, personalized support. At M Health Fairview, our specialists meet high standards across all of these areas, ensuring families receive trusted, comprehensive care.

Key factors to consider include:

• Board certification: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) meet rigorous clinical and educational requirements and pass a comprehensive certification exam. This credential, overseen by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), represents the highest standard in lactation care.
• Evidence-based approach: IBCLCs use current research and established clinical guidelines to inform care, combining scientific evidence with personalized, compassionate support tailored to each family’s needs.
• Experience with a wide range of feeding challenges: Lactation consultants should be equipped to support both common concerns and more complex situations, including prematurity, oral differences, and medical conditions that impact feeding.
• Ongoing support and follow-up care: Feeding needs can change over time, so access to follow-up visits and continued guidance is an important part of effective lactation support.

At M Health Fairview, our board-certified lactation specialists meet all of these criteria—bringing advanced training, clinical expertise, and a commitment to ongoing support for every family we serve. To connect with our team, visit our care team and locations page to request an appointment with a lactation specialist.
 

Who Our Breastfeeding Specialists Help 

• New Parents Beginning Their Feeding Journey: The early days of feeding often raise questions about latch, milk supply, newborn behavior, and feeding frequency. Our specialists provide structured guidance and practical support to help establish effective feeding patterns from the start.
• Experienced Parents Facing New or Ongoing Challenges: Each baby feeds differently. Even families with prior breastfeeding experience may encounter changes in supply, comfort, or feeding dynamics. Our lactation consultants assess new concerns and provide updated strategies tailored to your situation.
• Families Using Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, Pumping, or Combination Feeding: Feeding goals vary. Whether breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, supplementing, or combination feeding, our team offers individualized support aligned with your family’s needs. Learn more about different feeding approaches.