Lactation Counseling at MaMassage Brooklyn

What is lactation counseling and why might it be beneficial for you during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period?

Lactation counseling provides education and support for nursing and infant feeding. If your goal is to bodyfeed your baby, it may be helpful to do some prenatal training to help optimize that goal. Going into your birth and early postpartum with an understand of how to breastfeed can help the process occur more seamlessly. Many of us don’t really know how the body prepares for lactation and what we can do to best support it.

Additionally, lactation counseling can be useful in the early postpartum period when the new parent is acclimating to nursing and the breast/chest feeding process. If you are experiencing pain, cracked nipples, engorgement and/or other discomforts, do not hesitate to reach out to a lactation counselor for support.

Even later in the postpartum period as the parent and baby go through shifts ( like the 4 month sleep regression, starting solids around the 6 month age mark, or beginning baby led weaning or parent returning to work ) lactation counseling can be supportive and educational.

In 2022, Kiera completed her Lactation Counselor Certification, passed the National exam, and became a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). She has loved offering lactation counseling services ever since! 

Kiera is currently offering in-office counseling services that can be supplemented by a package of brief phone/zoom calls as needed. The 60 min in office session can be booked during pregnancy or anytime thereafter.

When you are pregnant, the time can be used for you (and if relevant, your partner) to learn about the benefits of lactation and tools for success. It can be a time to ask questions, express concerns, and get support.

Once your baby is born, an early counseling session can help to ensure that you begin the process of nursing with optimal practices for comfort and sustainability. Counseling services may also be booked if an issue or concern arises at any time during the nursing process. Evidence supports that working with a CLC can increase likelihood of initiating and sustaining lactation.

Lactation counseling services can also be booked together with breast/chest massage, or separately. Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation, or TBML can assist with common lactation concerns, such as engorgement and discomfort.

We look forward to seeing you for your usual massage sessions or lactation counseling services as needed.