• 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.

  • There are many wonderful lactation professionals — CLCs, CLEs, postpartum doulas, nurses, and experienced parents — and each can play an important role in supporting families.

    Before becoming an IBCLC, Emily supported feeding families for years, carrying a full caseload and providing care grounded in evidence, continuing education, and clinical mentorship. The IBCLC credential simply added a formal layer of medical training to the work she was already doing every day.

    That said, it’s important for families to know that not all IBCLCs have the same depth of experience or clinical focus.

    The pathway to certification has limitations:

    • Many IBCLCs earn their hours in hospital settings where they focus on basic newborn care, not complex feeding concerns.

    • Candidates take a 175-question exam that does not measure hands-on skill.

    • Unless randomly audited, IBCLCs are not required to prove their hours or training were completed as reported.

    These gaps mean that while the credential is the highest in lactation, the clinical competency behind it can vary widely.


    We hope the IBLCE continues to strengthen and modernize its certification process so families have clearer assurance of who is truly equipped to provide advanced feeding care.

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

  • 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 finally connect all the dots that other providers often miss.

    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
    Comfortable, low-stress, and ideal for seeing how feeding works in your real environment. Perfect for latch, positioning, and routines.

    In-Office Visits
    Structured, distraction-free, and great for oral function assessments, bottle refusal, and babies who need a little more focus or support.

    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: ~90 minutes

    • Follow-up visits: ~60 minutes

    • Oral function + bottle refusal assessments: ~60 minutes

    • Pumping/Return-to-Work consults: ~90 mins

    We never rush care.


    You will always have time to ask questions, practice new techniques, and feel confident before the visit ends.

  • At this time, I am an out-of-network provider, which means payment is due at the time of service.


    Superbills are available upon request for families interested in submitting for possible insurance reimbursement.

    One thing you will never experience here is surprise billing.


    Pricing is transparent, straightforward, and communicated clearly before your appointment.


    No hidden fees, no confusing statements — just honest, high-quality care.

  • Travel within 20 miles of the office (1240 Warrior Lane, Bowling Green) is included in the visit fee.
    For families outside this radius, a small mileage-based surcharge applies.

    We also offer in-office and virtual care options for families who prefer not to travel or who live farther away.

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

  • Not at all — but both are always welcome. Anyone involved in feeding is encouraged to join, and many partners appreciate learning the techniques and understanding how to support the feeding plan.

    If one parent can’t attend, that’s completely fine. We’ll make sure everyone involved knows what to do moving forward.

    For in-office visits:
    To maintain a calm, focused environment for feeding assessments, the office space allows one parent/support person only.
    We are not able to accommodate siblings or additional guests during office appointments.
    (You're welcome to book an in-home visit if you prefer for the whole family to be present.)

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 surgery.

    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 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