For families receiving Early Intervention services and who are lactating or providing human milk to their infant/child, partnering with a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) can be beneficial. From breastfeeding initiation through weaning, a specialist can provide encouragement, support and reassurance throughout the mother’s breastfeeding journey.
With over twenty-five years of experience, our Developmental Specialist III, Eligibility Evaluator for Early Intervention, and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Marisa Van Dommelen, MS, is providing families breastfeeding support, education and resources. With her health background, she provides nutrition counseling to improve overall health and feeding outcomes for mom and baby.
Breastfeeding can be challenging for some mothers who may experience physical pain, supply concerns, or latching difficulties that may be resolved with support and guidance. Infants who are born premature the “suck-swallow-breath” reflux has not developed, lacking coordination to breathe and eat simultaneously until near their due date. Discussing with parents of pre-term or late preterm infants in establishing and maintaining a milk supply can be beneficial for the dyad.
Infants may have trouble latching, are fussy and frequent cries because of a prolong complicated birth, or are born with a tongue-tie or side tie, making breastfeeding difficult.
Parents of new arrivals face many challenges, and breastfeeding is reported by many women that it is harder than they expected. Many lack confidence in producing adequate milk supply, are unaware of local resources and may need to select a pump as they need to return to work. Other mothers who are on medications may be unaware of contraindicators or alternatives before selecting to discontinue to provide breastmilk.
By partnering with a breastfeeding specialist, mothers can work through concerns to ensure their baby’s health is not compromised.
Empower your breastfeeding journey with a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. Early intervention helps overcome challenges, prevents long-term feeding difficulties, and promotes the wellbeing of both mother and baby.
To learn more about incorporating a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist into your family’s early intervention journey, call (575) 522-6682 or visit https://www.aitkids.com/early-intervention.
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