Confused about breastfeeding?
Ask an expert and get expertise!
Parents will get unsolicited advice from anyone. Expert advice is a careful combination of science, cultural humility and a respect for everyone's goals. The support system and plan for a parent must be tailored to their personal situation, goals and lifestyle.
Catherine Belonogoff IBCLC will meet you wherever you are on your journey and guide you to where you want to go, while listening to what's important to you.
Catherine Belonogoff IBCLC will meet you wherever you are on your journey and guide you to where you want to go, while listening to what's important to you.
She made what could have been a very awkward experience extremely comfortable. - Kayla J.
My baby is not latching since we came home from the hospital. What can I do?
Well, I am happy you've reached out. You can set up an office or telehealth visit on my appointments page. Know that an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is an important distinction because it represents the only credentialed lactation professional. An IBCLC has a comprehensive health sciences education, received lactation specific education and training, accrued hundreds of hours of clinical experience, and passed a board exam to become a certified health professional.
Can you help me increase my milk supply?
Yes, I can *help* you, but no one can do it for you. While I do dream about having a magic wand that can fix all problems without any effort, it's just not happening. Increasing milk supply is usually down to increasing the frequency of milk removal. So it's not about harvesting the milk and getting all focused on that (at first at least). It's about frequent emptying of the breast with the baby or the pump or a combo of both. There are things called galactogogues that can help, but just like you buying new running shoes, you actually have to use them and go running to increase your running abilities. Galactogogues are like running shoes - they look nice, they feel nice, and they help you look awesome, but you still have to run to reap the benefits. So take some oats, or fenugreek (as long as you don't have a thyroid issue) and get to removing milk (ie running in this metaphor) and you will make more breastmilk in about 3-5 days. Don't worry about how much you are harvesting, worry about how frequently your are pumping. Realize that at first it's thankless work, but you are putting in the time to get the benefit - it just takes longer than anything these days. Amazon, you've spoiled us! More frequent stimulation = more milk in about 3-5 days. As with everything, there are exceptions and that's where expertise comes in to play and I can help you design a plan to increase production or help you evaluate what you are doing that's beneficial. Hit me up for a visit.
This baby latches on, but it hurts so bad! OUCH. Help!
I am going to tell you to book a visit, but in the meantime check out this ace video from the good people at the fantastic non-profit Global Health Media Project and if you end up not needing my help, consider donating to them.
Well, I am happy you've reached out. You can set up an office or telehealth visit on my appointments page. Know that an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is an important distinction because it represents the only credentialed lactation professional. An IBCLC has a comprehensive health sciences education, received lactation specific education and training, accrued hundreds of hours of clinical experience, and passed a board exam to become a certified health professional.
Can you help me increase my milk supply?
Yes, I can *help* you, but no one can do it for you. While I do dream about having a magic wand that can fix all problems without any effort, it's just not happening. Increasing milk supply is usually down to increasing the frequency of milk removal. So it's not about harvesting the milk and getting all focused on that (at first at least). It's about frequent emptying of the breast with the baby or the pump or a combo of both. There are things called galactogogues that can help, but just like you buying new running shoes, you actually have to use them and go running to increase your running abilities. Galactogogues are like running shoes - they look nice, they feel nice, and they help you look awesome, but you still have to run to reap the benefits. So take some oats, or fenugreek (as long as you don't have a thyroid issue) and get to removing milk (ie running in this metaphor) and you will make more breastmilk in about 3-5 days. Don't worry about how much you are harvesting, worry about how frequently your are pumping. Realize that at first it's thankless work, but you are putting in the time to get the benefit - it just takes longer than anything these days. Amazon, you've spoiled us! More frequent stimulation = more milk in about 3-5 days. As with everything, there are exceptions and that's where expertise comes in to play and I can help you design a plan to increase production or help you evaluate what you are doing that's beneficial. Hit me up for a visit.
This baby latches on, but it hurts so bad! OUCH. Help!
I am going to tell you to book a visit, but in the meantime check out this ace video from the good people at the fantastic non-profit Global Health Media Project and if you end up not needing my help, consider donating to them.
How do I get to see you?
Online scheduling is fast and easy. You can see me in person in my office in Montclair, NJ or you can see from the comfort of your own couch via telehealth. If you need more information before scheduling, message me with your questions.
Online scheduling is fast and easy. You can see me in person in my office in Montclair, NJ or you can see from the comfort of your own couch via telehealth. If you need more information before scheduling, message me with your questions.
