Birth and Mother's Milk Doula and Mothercare Services Lactation Counseling Traditional Mother Care For Today's Woman" For services, please email or call Ellen at (315) 462-3394

 What is a Certified Lactation Counselor?

A certified lactation counselor (CLC) is a woman experienced and specially trained to help mothers and babies that are having difficulty nursing.  She answers simple questions and helps solve more complicated problems.  Certification happens through a 45 hour training program and a 3 part test must be passed.  Keeping herself in the learning process and up to date with information is part of staying certified.

      Women who get into the field of breastfeeding usually do it because they have a sincere desire to help others and because breastfeeding is close to their own hearts. 
 

When do I need help?

      Most women have questions about breastfeeding during the first few weeks, around 6 months, and when they are thinking of weaning the baby.  Lactation counselors can be a big help during these times, especially if you are the first person you’ve known to breastfeed, or if the others you’ve known to breastfeed experienced unresolved problems, nursed a shorter period of time than you, or just don’t know how to help.  Sometimes moms get conflicting information from different people.

• If you are having sore nipples.  Slight tenderness is normal the first week, more pain than this, or painful nipples coming after a period of painless nursing, is not.
• If your breasts are red, streaked, painful, or you are running a fever with a tender breast.
• If your breasts are so full the baby can’t get on or you can’t seem to get much milk out.
• If your baby has only rapid, shallow, nibbling type of sucking.
• If your baby is not gaining weight.
• If baby falls asleep at the breast and wakes soon after, asking to nurse.
• If baby is not nursing at least every 2-3 hours and falls asleep at the breast and doesn’t wake.
• If in the first 3 weeks baby is not having at least 3-4, $1-coin-size stools in a 24 hour period.  (After 3 weeks baby may go 10+ days without a bowel movement.)
• If baby still has dark green stools after 5 days of age.
• If baby is having less than 5 good, wet diapers after 5 days of age.
• If you are were told to supplement and now you are using more formula than you would like, or the baby is starting to refuse the breast, or your baby is not tolerating the formula you started.

If you have questions about your milk supply at any time during the first year If you or your baby are struggling with your return to work and breastfeeding If you have questions about breastfeeding while you are pregnant If you aren’t sure how to go about weaning (cold turkey is not the right way!)

What will the CLC do to help me?

When I first work with a mom she is usually on the phone with me.  I find out everything I can about what is going on:  from how she is feeling, to how old the baby is, and what the trouble is, any history, and I ask a lot of questions to clarify.  I offer reassurance and solutions to the problem.

      If I can answer your question in 10 -15 minutes then I probably don’t need to see you.  But, if it sounds like a latch-on or position problem it’s usually best if we talk in person. I meet you at home or you can come to my home and we spend an hour or more together. 

      I look at how your baby is latching, see how you are holding her/him, show you some new ways to do things to make nursing easier, teach breast care, and review how to tell that the baby is getting enough.  And I’ll praise you for all you’ve been doing.  Sometimes a kind word and knowing that you are doing everything right makes all the difference.  I’ll usually follow up with you or ask you to call in a day or so to find out how you and your baby are doing. 
 

Why ask Ellen for the help you need?

I learned the true value of support when my first daughter was born.  Without the daily in-person encouragement and support from my own mother, I would probably have quit.   My nipples were very sore, it seemed that just about the time she was done nursing it was time to start over again, I was so tired, and my breasts were so engorged  I didn’t know what to do with them.  I didn’t have anyone to ask for breastfeeding help.  With the support from my Mom, my own determination to succeed, and a couple a good books, I got through those first tough 6 weeks and went on to nurse my daughter for 2 years.

      I had some obstacles myself after those first weeks and even with my kids who were born later, such as too frequent night waking, biting problems, thrush, and plugged ducts.  I had questions like:  How do I manage breastfeeding while I’m out and about?, When is the right time to wean?, and How can I help my baby concentrate on nursing, she’s so distracted?  I even wondered if I had enough milk to keep nursing at 3 and 6 months. 

      I really understand how confusing it can seem, all the while you just want to do your best for your baby.  Moms worry, we examine details, sometimes we over think, sometimes we just get overwhelmed.   I’ll help you get it all sorted out, pointed in the right direction, and settled in with the knowledge you need to succeed.

I started helping women with breastfeeding via the WIC program in 2000 after my 3^rd baby was born.  WIC helped me become certified in lactation counseling through the Center For Breastfeeding and I’ve helped hundreds of women become successful with breastfeeding.   I’ve helped moms with a wide variety of problems and situations.  I have people and texts I turn to if your problem requires some additional thinking through.  I will refer you to a Lactation Consultant, your physician, or pediatrician, or other professional if your problem is beyond my ability to help.    
 

      I’ve got a soft touch and a warm heart.  I really care if you are doing well.  It is such a rewarding experience to see a mom find her balance and become successful nursing her child.   
 
 
 

Nursing Necklaces

      For moms with an easily distracted baby or a very playful baby something to attract baby’s attention while keeping him/her turned toward the breast can be a big help.   That’s where my nursing necklaces come in handy! 
 

      Brightly colored, non-toxic beads on a woven string will keep your 4-18 month old baby focused on nursing during those easily distracted phases.  Simply slip the necklace over your head and baby can happily play and nurse at the same time.   
 

      The sturdy string is unlikely to break, ends are over lapped and sewn with double threads for security.   Sewn ends are lodged through the bore hole of the nearest bead to reduce opportunity for breakage.   Approximately 34” in length, beads hang to the bust line, in easy reach for baby and are easy for mom to put on and off with one hand. 
 

      Do not leave children under 3 years old unsupervised with the necklace.  Beads and string can pose a choking hazard.  This is not a toy and is intended for adult use with infants and toddlers.   
 

      Pretty and affordable, and mother-made you can purchase one with a check or money order for $8.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling.  Please email or phone orders to me.  Contact information at the top of the page.

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