NICU & Medically Fragile Infant Breastfeeding Support FAQ |

Yes! Feeding in the NICU may look a little different, but the majority of infants are capable of learning both breast and bottle feeding with the right support - especially early on. This is where I come in. With experience in both the NICU and as a lactation consultant, I can guide your breastfeeding journey in the NICU and continue supporting you as your. needs evolve. 

Babies with feeding tubes can still receive breastmilk through proper breastfeeding support. With the guidance of a lactation consultant and the encouragement of family support, these infants may safely work toward oral feeding, depending on their condition and the recommendations of their medical team.

Hospital lactation consultants do an incredible job, but NICU babies often require ongoing, medically informed, specialized support that extends beyond what short hospital visits can offer. This is where my NICU experience becomes essential, particularly as families transition home and navigate breastfeeding, ensuring proper infant care and fostering strong family support. Connecting with a women's network can also provide valuable resources during this journey.

Anytime, whether you're still in the NICU or have just been discharged, early support is essential for successful breastfeeding. It helps protect your milk supply and ensures that you can confidently feed your infant at home, with the guidance of a lactation consultant and the strength of a family support network.

My NICU background allows me to combine my expertise as a lactation consultant with a solid medical understanding, which is essential for providing family support to babies with complex feeding needs, developmental differences, or those requiring specialized equipment in their infant care.

Great! As a lactation consultant, I can help you create efficient pumping routines to support your breastfeeding journey, improve output, adjust flange sizing, and offer guidance on combination feeding, all while emphasizing the importance of family support and infant care.

Yes. I provide family support services, including breastfeeding and infant care, to families in Central West Florida. My service areas include Tampa, Tampa Bay, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, MacDill Air Force Base, Brandon, Valrico, Lutz, Land O'Lakes, Dade City, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and more. As a lactation consultant, I also connect families to a supportive women's network.

Yes. Many babies with Down syndrome successfully engage in breastfeeding. While they may require additional family support due to lower muscle tone, tailored positioning and pacing, possibly with the guidance of a lactation consultant, can significantly enhance the experience for both the infant and the mother. This approach is vital in ensuring effective infant care and fostering a strong women's network for shared experiences.

Yes. Many NICU babies begin their journey with NG/OG tubes or a MIC-KEY button, and transitioning to oral feeds requires time, patience, and a customized plan. With my NICU background as a lactation consultant, I provide family support by helping families recognize feeding readiness cues, understand safe pacing, and offer oral motor support. I also share strategies to gradually introduce breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while honoring medical guidance, ensuring that every aspect of infant care is addressed.

Preemies typically begin practicing latching around 32-34 weeks corrected age, depending on their breathing stability, strength, and oral readiness. Your baby's care team, including a lactation consultant, will inform you when your baby can start breastfeeding. Family support is crucial during this time as you navigate infant care together.

Babies with isolated cleft lip may breastfeed directly, while those with cleft palate often need alternative feeding methods. However, breastmilk remains highly beneficial and can be provided through adaptive bottles. Family support is crucial during this time, and consulting with a lactation consultant can enhance infant care. Engaging with a women's network can also provide valuable resources and encouragement for mothers.