• An IBCLC is the highest credential in lactation, specializing in clinical breastfeeding and infant-feeding care.
    IBCLCs complete extensive health-science coursework, 500–1,000+ supervised clinical hours, and a rigorous board exam.

    Fun fact: Unless an IBCLC is randomly selected for audit, the entire certification process is based on self-reporting — meaning most IBCLCs are never asked to provide proof or validation of their clinical hours, education, or training. Their submissions are accepted without verification unless they’re one of the few chosen for audit.

    Emily was audited, and every hour, every course, and every piece of documentation was reviewed and fully verified.


    You can trust that her education, clinical integrity, and training history have been independently confirmed, not just self-reported.

    IBCLC care is evidence-based, medically informed, and focused on the whole feeding relationship — the parent, the baby, and the emotional wellbeing of the entire family.

  • Families often encounter many different titles in lactation and breastfeeding support, which can understandably feel confusing. The National Lactation Consultant Alliance (NLCA) recognizes three distinct categories of lactation personnel, each with different training and roles in care.

    1. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®)

    IBCLCs are clinical lactation care providers trained to assess and manage breastfeeding and infant feeding concerns, including complex or high-risk situations.

    Clinical lactation care may include:

    • Taking an individualized maternal, infant, and feeding history

    • Performing clinical breastfeeding and lactation assessments

    • Analyzing findings using clinical reasoning and judgment

    • Developing an individualized feeding and lactation care plan

    • Providing instruction, demonstration, and parent education

    • Recommending and training families on assistive feeding devices

    • Communicating with and referring to other healthcare providers as needed

    • Conducting follow-up and documenting care in the medical record

    IBCLCs complete college-level health sciences coursework, lactation-specific education, supervised clinical training hours, and must pass an independent board certification exam.

    2. Breastfeeding or Lactation Educators and Counselors

    These professionals provide breastfeeding education and counseling, such as teaching basic feeding concepts and offering guidance and support. Training requirements vary by credential, and these roles do not include clinical lactation assessment or medical decision-making.

    3. Breastfeeding Peer Supporters

    Peer supporters offer encouragement, shared experience, and emotional support based on lived breastfeeding experience. While peer support is valuable, it is not a substitute for clinical lactation care when medical or feeding concerns are present.

    What you can expect here

    Emily’s training, case volume, advanced coursework, and audited verification help ensure that the care you receive is evidence-based, clinically thorough, functional, and rooted in real-world experience.

    This information is informed by the National Lactation Consultant Alliance (NLCA) Knowledge Brief: Orientation to Lactation Personnel, which clarifies lactation roles for families, healthcare providers, insurers, and policymakers.

    👉 Read the full knowledge brief here:
    https://nlca.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Knowledge-Brief-Personnel.pd

  • Many families wait until they're overwhelmed — but you don’t have to.
    A lactation consult can help if you’re experiencing:

    • discomfort or pain

    • questions about latch or positioning

    • low supply or oversupply

    • bottle refusal

    • pumping challenges

    • concerns about oral function

    • slow weight gain

    • returning to work

    • and more…

    A consult is simply expert guidance tailored to your family — no pressure, no judgment, just support.

ABOUT IBCLC CARE:

  • An initial visit is where we slow things down, look at the full picture, and help connect all the dots.

    We start by talking through pregnancy, birth, feeding history, challenges, and your goals.
    Then we observe a feeding (breast or bottle), assess latch, positioning, oral function, muscle tension patterns, pump setup if applicable, and overall feeding mechanics.

    You’ll leave with a clear, personalized plan that fits your real life — whether that’s breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusive pumping, inducing lactation, navigating low supply, or helping a baby who refuses the bottle.

    The goal is simple: You understand why things are happening and exactly what to do next.

  • Each visit type has its own strengths, and we help you choose the option that makes the most sense for your family.

    In-Home Visits
    A comfortable, low-stress option that supports feeding in your natural home environment. Perfect for hands-on help with latch, positioning, and routines, and ideal if you’d like siblings or family members involved.

    In-Office Visits
    A structured, distraction-free option that works well for a wide range of feeding concerns.

    Virtual Visits
    Shockingly effective for latch coaching, supply issues, pumping, combination feeding, and follow-ups.
    Most families are surprised by how much we can assess by watching a feeding on camera — the only things we cannot do virtually are hands-on oral exams and weighted feeds.

    No matter the format, you will receive the same level of attention, expertise, and support.

  • Feeding challenges are rarely “quick fixes,” which is why we protect the time needed for a thorough and calm evaluation.

    • Initial visits: ~60 minutes

    • Follow-up visits: ~45 minutes

    We never rush care.
    You will always have time to ask questions, practice new techniques, and feel confident before the visit ends.

  • Yes, we are “in network” with most major insurance plans.

    We believe clinical lactation and specialty infant feeding care should be accessible to every family. That’s why we offer multiple pathways to care, with services available in-office, in-home, via telehealth, and in the hospital, when appropriate.

    Please check out the Insurance tab for more information.

    Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at (270) 938-3404.


    Superbills are also available upon request for self pay families.

  • Our goal is always to make care accessible and realistic for your situation.

    Home visits are available for families who prefer care in the comfort of their own home. Travel fees are not covered by insurance or eligible for insurance reimbursement and are therefore the responsibility of the family. These fees reflect the time required for travel and the impact on appointment availability for other families.

    Travel Fee Schedule

    (Based on distance from our Bowling Green office- 1111 Shive Lane, Suite 103)

    • 0–10 miles: $50

    • 10–20 miles: $100

    • 20–30 miles: $175

    • 30–40 miles: $250

    • 40–50 miles: $325

    • 50–60 miles: $400

    For insurance visits: travel fees are due at the time of scheduling and are separate from any insurance-processed visit charges.

  • Not at all, you are welcome to bring one support person with you if you would like them to be part of your visit, education, or care planning.

    Because appointments are most productive when we can focus closely on your concerns, assessment, feeding goals, and questions, we kindly encourage you to arrange childcare for siblings or additional children when possible.

    We understand that this is not always realistic. If you do need to bring another child with you, please make sure they are not sick and bring anything they may need to stay comfortable and quietly occupied during the visit.

    For everyone’s safety, children will need to remain with you during the appointment and should not freely roam the office. While the space is warm and welcoming, it is still a healthcare setting with medical equipment and supplies that cannot be touched, climbed on, or explored. Thank you for helping keep the space safe, clean, and calm for all patients.

VISIT TYPES, BOOKING, & WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Yes — bottle refusal is one of our most-requested services, and truly one of our clinical specialties.

    Babies rarely refuse bottles “just because.” There is almost always a reason:
    a mismatch in nipple flow, tension patterns, oral motor challenges, overwhelm, negative associations, or feeding mechanics that simply don’t feel right to them.

    During your visit, we take a slow, gentle, step-by-step approach to understand why your baby is refusing and create a plan that is realistic, calm, and doable at home.

    Most babies can learn to take a bottle comfortably — they just need support that understands the full picture.

  • Absolutely.
    Low supply is rarely caused by one single factor. It’s usually a combination of hormones, feeding patterns, anatomy, pump setup, timing, tension, latch mechanics, and more.

    We look at your entire feeding ecosystem — not just one piece — to uncover the real cause of your supply concerns.

    Together, we create a plan that supports your goals, whether that’s:

    • increasing supply

    • stabilizing supply

    • combo feeding

    • exclusive pumping

    • preparing to return to work

    • or making feeding feel more manageable

    You’ll leave understanding why supply has been a struggle and exactly what to do next.

  • Yes — oral function is a major part of our work. But unlike many providers who only look for “ties,” we look at function, tone, muscle patterns, tension, compensations, feeding mechanics, and how everything works together.

    Because we do not perform procedures, we have no financial incentive to recommend a release. Our assessments are neutral, evidence-based, and focused solely on what your baby actually needs.

    If a release is appropriate, we help you prepare, choose a skilled provider, and support healing afterward. If a release is not necessary, we guide you through other approaches that can improve feeding without release.

    Families consistently tell us this is the most thorough oral function evaluation they’ve ever experienced.

  • Yes — pumping support is one of the most transformative parts of lactation care.

    We help with:

    • finding pain-free, correctly fitted flanges

    • optimizing pump settings for your specific physiology

    • exclusive pumping

    • return-to-work planning

    • building a freezer stash

    • protecting supply when supplementing

    • managing oversupply or pumping discomfort

    A well-fitted flange and personalized pumping plan can dramatically improve comfort, output, and overall confidence.

  • Yes, combination feeding can be safe, sustainable, predictable, and so much less stressful with the right plan.

    We help you understand how to:

    • protect supply (if that’s your goal)

    • safely introduce and balance formula

    • maintain a rhythm that works for your baby

    • reduce pressure and guilt around feeding choices

    There is no “wrong” way to feed your baby — there is only what works for your family.

  • Absolutely — IBCLCs are infant feeding experts, not just breastfeeding experts.
    Our role is to support how your baby eats, whether that’s breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.

    Many families are surprised to learn that formula feeding comes with its own set of questions and challenges. We help with:

    • paced bottle feeding

    • choosing a nipple flow that fits your baby’s needs

    • reducing gas, gagging, or discomfort

    • understanding formula types and safe preparation

    • creating a predictable feeding rhythm

    • transitions between feeding methods

    • supporting parents emotionally through feeding decisions

    Your feeding journey matters, and you deserve expert support — no matter what’s in the bottle.

FEEDING, ORAL FUNCTION & COMMON CONCERNS

IBCLCs specialize in all aspects of infant feeding—

breastfeeding, pumping, bottle-feeding, formula feeding, oral function, and feeding mechanics.

  • Preparation is simple and low-pressure. A few things help us get the most out of your visit:

    • Try to plan a feeding window so baby will be ready to eat during the appointment

    • Have your pump parts and bottles nearby if they’re part of your feeding plan

    • Complete your intake forms ahead of time so we can dive right in

    • Partners/support people are welcome (in-office visits allow one adult guest)

    • If you’re supplementing, keep any formula, expressed milk, or tools you use nearby

    If things don’t go perfectly — that’s okay. Babies are unpredictable, and we work with whatever the day brings.

    After you book, you’ll receive a private link in your confirmation email with additional, visit-specific instructions to help you feel fully prepared.

  • Yes. With your permission, we can share findings, feeding plans, and recommendations with your pediatrician, dentist, therapist, or any member of your baby’s care team.

    Coordinated care matters — especially for oral function, weight concerns, complex feeding needs, or babies with medical conditions.

    You don’t have to be the go-between.
    We help streamline communication so everyone is moving in the same direction.

  • This can absolutely happen — especially after:

    • latch changes

    • oral exercises

    • bottle transitions

    • post-release healing

    • supply adjustments

    • nervous system reset work

    Feeding patterns can temporarily shift before progress stabilizes. This does not mean you did anything wrong — it simply means your baby is adapting to new motor patterns or feeding mechanics.

    You’re never expected to troubleshoot alone.

    If you feel uncertain, or something genuinely changes, a follow-up visit allows us to reassess and keep things moving in a safe, productive direction.

    Messaging between visits is great for simple check-ins, but new symptoms or setbacks always deserve a full evaluation — and we’ll help you figure out which category your concern falls into.

PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

  • Yes — and it’s one of the things families appreciate most.
    You do not have to remember everything we discuss (hello, mom brain + newborn fog).

    After every appointment, you’ll receive a clear, customized feeding plan outlining:

    • what we observed

    • what’s working well

    • what needs support

    • step-by-step instructions

    • what to expect over the next few days

    • when and how to reach out

    Your plan lives in your client portal so you can return to it anytime.

  • Yes. Feeding is a journey, and ongoing support can make all the difference.

    Follow-up visits are available in-office, in-home, or virtually, and we’ll guide you through:

    • new milestones

    • growth changes

    • supply shifts

    • pumping transitions

    • bottle refusal progress

    • post-frenectomy changes

    • returning to work

    We also offer educational phone calls the day after visits and secure messaging for quick questions between visits, so you never feel alone or unsure.

  • Completely normal — and something we plan for. Babies are unpredictable, and feeding challenges often show up because a baby is overwhelmed, tired, or dysregulated.

    During the visit, we:

    • follow your baby’s cues

    • take breaks

    • reset the nervous system

    • work slowly and gently

    • shift the plan if needed

    There is always a way forward. No visit is “ruined” by fussiness — this is part of the process.

  • You won’t be navigating that alone.
    When a referral is helpful — whether to a pediatric dentist, ENT, SLP, PT/OT, bodyworker, GI, or another specialist — we guide you through every step:

    • who to see

    • what to ask

    • how to prepare

    • what realistic outcomes look like

    • how to follow up afterward

    We also communicate with your pediatrician or specialist if needed to ensure your baby’s feeding care is coordinated and consistent.

AFTER THE VISIT & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS