Integrative Lactation & Feeding Specialist
Whole Soul Doula is certified as an Integrative Lactation & Feeding Specialist (ILFS). An Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist takes a whole person, whole family approach to assisting new parents with learning to feed their newborns. With current recommendations in mind about exclusive nursing, the ILFS recognizes that the health and adjustment of the person doing the feeding is not included in the current recommendations. Therefore, Integrative lactation and Feeding Specialists work with each family as its own specific, individual case. They help the family to discover and overcome their unique challenges to have the healthiest possible, most satisfying feeding relationship between parent(s) and baby(s).
Most lactation training identifies “normal” and then identifies “variations.” The ILFS recognizes what is normal to a medical organization may, in fact, be a variation to any family. Each family is the expert on their own set of “normal.” It is the goal of the ILFS to assist families in becoming experts in how their own new or growing families’ work.
The ILFS has completed a 50-hour training program offered by Manhattan Birth, with knowledge of current recommendations for infant feeding and lactation. The ILFS has:
passed an examination based on evidence, evaluation, and assessment and planning for case studies
presented a variety of cases to their peer cohort and mentors
under supervision, assisted at least two families with ongoing lactation and feeding of a new baby and written reports on them
The ILFS:
Recognizes human milk, formula, breast/body/chest feeding, bottles, syringes, cups, and SNS are all normal ways to accomplish feeding a baby that are dependent upon the lactating parent(s) individual health considerations.
Uses inclusive language and assessment; there is no “other.”
Makes no assumptions about anyone
Always use ethical and clear business practices
Have effective techniques for creating connections with their clients, to fully understand them and their changing needs by accepting where they are at the current moment and providing ongoing support.
Have the knowledge necessary to begin, expand, and end a feeding relationship including nursing, pumping, supplementing, solids, and weaning.
Are inclusive and individualized in the clinical language they use, including type of feeding, pronouns, type of family, all taken from the family’s own description.
Meet people where they are.
Provide supportive, non-judgmental resources and follow up for their clients, with the only agenda being the healthiest possible family.
May assess the physical, nutritional, and mental health needs of a new family.
May use lactation and feeding tools to assist with feeding.
Have extensive knowledge and can apply evidence-based information to each individual family, based on their individual goals, keeping in mind the evidence exists within a patriarchal, racist system. Individual cultures and backgrounds of families are always included in the whole picture.
Know the rights of lactating people, and lactating working people.
Meeting for a lactation & feeding consult.
As your ILFS, I work for you. Not the hospital or your care provider. I am here to support you (and your partner, if present) during this very special time.
My goal is to assist you in creating the most enjoyable feeding experience you and your baby/babies can have while also listening, supporting, and empowering you along the way. I will be here to ensure you have your needs met.
Packages may differ from client to client based on needs, assessment, and wants. The lactating parent and infant will meet at an agreed-upon location (either the client’s home or the ILFS’ home).
Standard Lactation Consult: Initial consult (two hours), with an evaluation of baby and lactating parent, two one hour follow up sessions (or a single two hour follow up session)
Standard Lactation Consult + one month of weekly, 45-minute visits
Standard Lactation Consult + two months of weekly, 45-minute visits
Hourly consultations are available and can be done in person or via Zoom/FaceTime
Zoom sessions can be purchased as a package based on clients’ needs