Lactation Consultation

Breastfeeding should be a comfortable, normal and reassuring process for mother, baby and the family. Even though breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always go as planned. Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be difficult or painful! If it is, seek help! There are a variety of organizations and healthcare professionals who can provide different types of help.

Why would you need to see an IBCLC for breastfeeding assistance?

  • Prenatal information and counseling about risk factors that might affect breastfeeding. (breast surgery, hormonal issues, etc)
  • Positioning and Latch assistance. Are your nipples sore?
  • Prevention and correction of common challenges such as poor latch, inadequate milk supply or transfer, breast or nipple pain or breast refusal.
  • Pumping and milk storage questions and planning
  • Strategies for breastfeeding, pumping and returning to work or school
  • Multiple blessings – breastfeeding multiples
  • NICU, special needs babies, and other “baby issues” that may make breastfeeding challenging.
  • Relactation or adoptive breastfeeding assistance

Ultimately our goal is to help you reach your breastfeeding goals – whatever they are!

If at any point you are not sure if you should get help with breastfeeding, just call and we can let you know if there are some things you can do at home or if the situation needs immediate assistance.

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

An IBCLC is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

All of the 9 Months & Beyond, LLC lactation professionals hold multiple certifications and/or licenses. Our backgrounds include La Leche League Leadership, Public Health clinics, Hospital LDRP and Nursery experience and years of seeing a variety of situations. We believe in personalized care and that you are the expert in your baby. We will work with you to find a workable solution to reach your goals in breastfeeding your precious baby.

Services Offered*

Prenatal Consultation

Great for moms who may be anxious about breastfeeding, or have specific concerns or questions or physical issues that can be addressed prior to birth. Medical/physical history and assessment of nipples and breasts can be done to address anything that might pose challenges to a full milk supply or other breastfeeding issues. Significant other/spouse are welcome to attend. About 1 hour.

In-office Breastfeeding Consultation

Includes thorough medical history, assessment of mom and baby and assessment of current situation. Usually includes evaluation of mother’s breasts and baby’s oral anatomy and observation of a feeding. Baby weight check with a specialized scale. Assessment of milk transfer (baby eating). Recommendations and a care plan developed with the mother to help her achieve her breastfeeding goals. Documentation for insurance and educational materials will be given. Mother or baby’s physician may be contacted for follow-up. Continued phone contact to discuss progress, infant’s weight, assess for further problems and answer questions is included. Usually 1-1 ½ hours but we work on the baby’s schedule. You will not be charged if the visit is longer.

Follow-up In office Consultation

Sometimes a mother-baby pair needs to be seen again to work through significant breastfeeding challenges. In-person follow-up may be mutually determined when phone help is not enough. Also includes continued communication with other health care providers.

In-home Breastfeeding Consultation

Same as the in-office consultation but in the privacy and comfort of your own home, when convenient for you. Includes use of the Babyweigh scale.

Follow-up home Consultation are also available.

Follow-up phone calls are FREE!

All in-office lactation consultations are $80. In-home visits start at $100. Cost of follow-up visits are based on complexity and length.

“Weigh-to-go Baby” Support Group Meetings/Baby Weigh-ins

Each weigh-in is facilitated by a 9 Months & Beyond, LLC lactation professional, and includes the opportunity to weigh your baby, hear what is working for other mothers, get evidence-based information and support from our team, and make connections with other breastfeeding mothers.

10:30-12noon on Fridays. Please call or email to reserve a spot and check availability. Limited attendance.

Working Mom Package and Gift packages coming soon!

Telephone and Email help

For free breastfeeding assistance by phone or email, please contact your local La Leche League Leader. www.llli.org or 1-877-4-LALECHE or 615-889-9976 (Nashville Hotline). La Leche League Leaders are accredited volunteers who offer mother-to-mother breastfeeding support.

We cannot ethically answer most of your questions by phone or email. If you are an established client who has been seen in person, it is much easier, and usually doable to answer your (simple) questions without physically seeing you. We already know you and your baby! However, to fully understand and assess a new mother-baby pair, over the phone can take a very long time and be a very difficult process. It can lead to frustration that could be avoided from a face-to-face appointment.

If we cannot answer your question in a 10 minute conversation, we will suggest an in-home or in-office consultation.

Cost of Infant Formula (not including bottles, nipples, warmers, containers, etc) for one year = $1,200 to $2,500.

Professional Lactation Care from an IBCLC is a bargain compared to that!

*Prices subject to change. Please contact for current pricing and detailed information.

Lactation Care with 9 Months & Beyond, LLC: The difference

The 9 Months & Beyond, LLC difference:

All of our breastfeeding professionals are IBCLC (the Gold Standard) and experienced in maternal and infant health issues. Backgrounds include La Leche League, pediatric clinics, WIC, hospital postpartum experience and training others in lactation issues. We are a well-rounded lactation team!

Customer service: Your choice of home or office visit, delivery of breastpumps, answering questions, following up and treating you with compassion and care. We treat you and your baby with respect and care.

Consultations last as long as needed to find a workable plan (which is usually 1 to 1 ½ hours).

All forms of payment accepted: cash, credit/debit cards and checks.

We help you meet your breastfeeding goals NOT anyone else’s (including ours).

Follow-up and communication with primary caregiver.

Referrals to area resources and specialists if indicated.

Hospital Grade Medela Breastpumps are available for immediate rental

Other supplies and accessories for sale. We can order special items too.