What is an Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist (ILFS)?

From the Manhattan Birth ILFS Workbook: “The 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.”

How does an ILFS provide lactation and feeding support?

My support is tailored to your family’s needs. My services include but are not limited to the following:

• Discussion of different feeding options if you are unsure how you would like to feed your baby

• Reviewing normal newborn hunger cues

• Latch assessment and assistance if breast/chest/bodyfeeding

• Help with nipple pain

• Help with human milk supply issues

• Formula feeding

• Pumping

• Bottle feeding

• Return to work preparation and guidance

• Phone, text, email, and virtual (FaceTime or Zoom) support

• Resources and references to other lactation support professionals, such as our local IBCLC, as needed
  

How much does it cost?

I offer two packages for lactation and feeding support:

• An hourly package priced at $30 per hour, no minimum hours, with phone/text follow-up

• A flat rate package priced at $450 for all lactation and feeding services for 3 months