Your Feeding Support Village: A Guide to Perinatal Supoort

Every feeding journey deserves a dedicated team of specialists working together to ensure success. Understanding who these professionals are and how they contribute to your feeding goals can make a difference in your experience. Let's explore the key members of your feeding support village:

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)

As the gold standard in lactation care, IBCLCs undergo rigorous training and certification to provide expert feeding support. They can perform detailed feeding assessments, create customized care plans, and address complex challenges like low milk supply, painful nursing, or difficulty gaining weight. IBCLCs often serve as the primary coordinator of your feeding support team.

Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs)

CLCs offer valuable front-line breastfeeding support and education. They excel at providing basic troubleshooting, emotional support, and helping families navigate common feeding challenges. While their scope is more focused than IBCLCs, they play a crucial role in early intervention and ongoing support.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs)

These specialists are invaluable when addressing structural or functional oral issues affecting feeding. They assess suck-swallow-breathe coordination, evaluate oral motor skills, and provide specialized therapy for challenges like tongue thrust or difficulty transitioning to solids. SLPs often collaborate closely with other team members to ensure comprehensive care.

Pediatric Feeding Specialists

These professionals focus specifically on helping babies and children develop healthy feeding patterns. They're particularly valuable when dealing with feeding aversions, sensory issues, or the transition to solid foods. Their expertise spans both bottle-feeding and breastfeeding challenges.

Craniosacral Therapists

Using gentle touch therapy, craniosacral practitioners can address tensions or restrictions that may impact feeding. This can be particularly helpful for babies who experienced challenging births or show signs of oral tension patterns. Their work often complements other bodywork approaches.

Pediatric Chiropractors

Specialized in gentle adjustments for infants, pediatric chiropractors can help address biomechanical issues that affect feeding. They work to optimize nerve function and body mechanics, which can significantly impact a baby's ability to feed comfortably and effectively.

The PRC Team