Hello there! Welcome to our website. We are currently running childbirth classes and lactation clinics ONLY, at this time. Unfortunately, we are not accepting new birth or postpartum clients for the foreseeable future. Please visit our Classes and Events page for a list of current classes and clinics. Thank you and be well!

Lactation & Feeding Support

lactation support

Lauren Franzen, IBCLC is currently available to provide customizable, in-person, virtual, or group consultations 

In-Home or Virtual Private Consultations

In-home consultations are an opportunity to get detailed support, information, and assessment from an IBCLC, whether you are just starting out on your breast or chestfeeding journey or hoping to address specific issues along the way. Visits typically last 1-2 hours and include a general health history for both parent and infant and an assessment of current health, anatomy, feeding position, and latch. A hospital-grade infant scale will be used to assess milk transfer by doing pre- and post-feed weights. The IBCLC will thoroughly discuss your feeding goals and concerns and make a written plan of care for moving toward those goals. Unlimited phone and text support post-visit is included in this pricing. The IBCLC is additionally able to report and communicate with your care providers upon request.
Email Lauren: laurenfranzen@gmail.com and you will receive a response within 48 hours.

 

Weekly Drop-in Lactation Clinic

Third Coast Birth & Baby’s weekly drop-in lactation clinic is a space to check in with an IBCLC about general breastfeeding problems such as latch, weight gain, supply, pain or soreness, transitioning to work, or other persistent feeding-related issues. There will be an infant scale available for pre- and post-feed weight checks.

Please note: the drop-in clinic is not intended for complex feeding issues.

More Info
birth doulas

IBCLC Scope of practice

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have clinical expertise in human lactation and breastfeeding and work within the professional and ethical framework defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE). The IBCLC integrates knowledge and evidence-based practice from a myriad of disciplines and maintains expertise and skill via continuing education.

The IBCLC has the duty to protect, promote and support breastfeeding by: advocating for breastfeeding as the child-feeding norm; educating families, health care workers, and the community-at-large about breastfeeding and human lactation; providing comprehensive and evidence-based information to families from preconception through weaning; supporting policy development that further promotes and protects breastfeeding (Scope of Practice for IBCLCs 1 Dissemination and Effective Date: December 12, 2018).

The IBCLC serves clients and families by supporting parental and child mental and physical health in regards to breastfeeding; providing comprehensive maternal, child, and feeding assessments related to breastfeeding; creating and implementing a unique feeding plan with input from the client. All information provided in regards to human lactation and the use of medications (over-the-counter and prescription/alcohol/tobacco/ drugs/herbs/supplements/complementary and/or alternative therapies will be evidence-based and supported by direct sources. The IBCLC has a holistic approach, considering cultural, psychosocial, interpersonal, and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding and tailoring recommendations in order to meet the client’s breastfeeding goals. Services should be collaborative and supportive of the family, utilizing effective counseling skills and principles of adult education in all settings (with families, health care workers, and community).

The IBCLC will truthfully and accurately record all relevant information to the care provided and (when appropriate) retain records for a minimum of ten years, in compliance with Illinois law. When necessary, the IBCLC will truthfully and fully report to the client’s health care provider, system, and/or pertinent social services. The IBCLC respects the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of the client and will work collaboratively and interdependently with the client and all members of their health care team, referring to other care providers or social/community support services as necessary. No conflict of interest will skew the information provided to clients and the IBCLC will provide in-person or virtual follow-up services when required or upon the client’s request.