lactation consultant to wean newborn off nipple shield
I was handed a nipple shield in the hospital within 12 hours of delivery and now my 7 day old newborn won't latch without it. I am looking for a lactation consultant who would come to my house to help me work on the latch without. Recommendations in Berkeley very welcome.
Thank you!
Jun 22, 2021
Parent Replies
Serena Meyer got my preemie, who was on the shield for several weeks, to latch without it during our one session together, and we never used it again. There is no time limit to the visit (if baby is asleep when she arrives or if you have lots of questions), and she is a fount of knowledge.
bayareabreastfeedingsupport.com
I'd recommend both Loving Arms/East Bay Lactation Services (https://www.eastbaylactationassociates.com/) and Happy Milk (https://happymilk.us/). Ellen at Happy Milk is based in Berkeley, and will come to your house or do virtual consults.
My personal experience: I was very stressed about using a nipple shield with both my kids, especially because there seemed to be so much pressure to stop using it in case it was impacting how much the baby was getting, my production, etc. Weighing the babies showed that the shield was not impacting how much they were able to drink in a feeding session. We tried every other day or so to nurse without the shield, but they just didn't get it. Then, around 8-12 weeks both kids seemed to become more coordinated/stronger in their nursing, and very suddenly were able to latch without the shield. Doesn't happen for everyone, but wishing you luck and patience!
Highly recommend Kaitlin at https://www.babykindlactation.com/. She makes house calls and helped us wean from the nipple shield.
I had the same experience. I went to Molly Brannigan and within a week we were done with the nipple shield. She won’t come to you but she is worth the trip. Good luck.
Paula Santi! She was amazing for me after I found 4 other LCs not helpful. Int baby and I were a somewhat challenging case. She served me virtually due to COVID but I believe she is in Walnut Creek. She does home visits during non-COVID times. She really was above and beyond for me and helped me through a very difficult time. You will not be sorry if you contact her. Good luck!
http://www.paulasanti.com
Rosa
Hi new mama, I have a 4 month old who I am breastfeeding full time and while I am not a certified lactation consultant, have been helping other friends with all things breastfeeding with great success. Happy to come over and consult with you. Send me a message!
Paula Santi was recommended to me by my midwives and she was great. She came to our house twice and met with us outside.
http://www.paulasanti.com
I worked with Alexis Harrington Kihn and she was amazing. She came to our house and with her help, we were able to turn breastfeeding into a huge success.
Molly Brannigan!!! She is truely truely wonderful!
also, ask if your insurance will cover her. They have to cover lactation consultants because of the ACA and many don’t have any in-network providers, so they have to cover out of network lactation consultants at the in-network rate.
Paula Santi is amazing in every way. She is so knowledgeable, kind, professional, warm, generous and reassuring. I absolutely love her and don’t know what I would have done without her on my breastfeeding journey.