In-Home Breastfeeding Support
In-Home Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding
For the first six months of life your baby needs nothing aside from your milk. Breastmilk offers the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to provide their optimal nutrition. It is a living substance with a multitude of antibodies and cellular components to protect your baby and help develop her immune system. As your baby grows, your breastmilk will change to support baby's changing needs. No substitute can match what your body naturally produces for your baby. This is the ideal food to support your baby's growth and brain development. Additionally, the time you spend holding your baby close to nurse further helps her brain development while increasing bonding and teaching your baby how to trust that she is safe in the world.
why do I need an ibclc?
why do I need an ibclc?
WHAT IS AN IBCLC?
IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. To obtain this certification an IBCLC must receive extensive education in breastfeeding and complete numerous hours of clinical experience working specifically with breastfeeding issues. After meeting these requirements, we are eligible to sit for the international board exam to verify knowledge and competence. Additionally, we must meet regular continuing education requirements to maintain the certification. IBCLC is the only lactation certification that requires this extensive education and clinical expertise.
WHY DO I NEED ONE?
Breastfeeding is an emotional experience for parents. You may need or want to see an IBCLC for any number of reasons. Most frequently moms seek a specialist when they encounter challenges in their breastfeeding relationship but many just want some support and assurance. Your breastfeeding relationship with your baby is always evolving and you may want guidance through those transitions. In a culture where women frequently grow up without seeing breastfeeding or knowing anyone who has done it, it can be difficult to feel adequate support from those around you. Positive support is one of the greatest factors impacting success.
About Me
About Me
KRISTI DOWD, RN, BSN, IBCLC
I became a nurse because I want to support moms and babies throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. It is a magical time and always an honor to witness. I have worked in home birth and hospital settings, as well as, hospice. These experiences have allowed me the opportunity to work both directly with patients and as a project manager changing practices to better support women in breastfeeding. I fell in love with lactation while assisting in home births. I see breastfeeding support as the perfect blend of traditional and conventional... where preventative health care begins. Besides working directly with moms and babies, I have worked with organizations to change the culture of infant feeding in our country. I love what I do and I want every baby to have their best possible start. Besides offering my service as an IBCLC, I want this site to serve as a resource for good breastfeeding related information.
