Birthing with Confidence
AS FEATURED IN
BASED IN ABILENE, TEXAS, SERVING MOTHERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
YOU CAN BREASTFEED
Breastfeeding Success isn't about luck, it's about having a strong foundation of knowledge and skilled lactation support who values your breastfeeding goals, and can help you create a plan to achieve them.
Ever notice how new mothers get one -- maybe two if they're lucky -- postpartum visits? And most times, if they need breastfeeding help the medical system either doesn't have the resources to provide individualized guidance or they refer parents to WIC and other resources that often fall flat for various reasons.
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This is why most breastfeeding mothers don't achieve their goals... We have a broken system.
Now imagine having continuous lactation education and support, knowing that answers to your questions are available.
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Here at Little Bear Lactation, we celebrate your new baby by inspiring you to embrace your inner Fierce Mama Bear from pregnancy through weaning.
Wherever you are in your breastfeeding journey, Little Bear Lactation is here to help.
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In 2019 83% of newborns were fed breastmilk, by 6 months only 55% of babies were receiving any breastmilk, and only about 25% were exclusively breastfed. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, and continuing breastmilk for at least the first year of life, if not longer.
The primary reason this goal is not met by the majority of families is because of poor breastfeeding support. Modern life presents many barriers that prevent mothers from reaching their breastfeeding goals, from poor community support to work and school demands.
One way we can help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals is to increase access to community breastfeeding support. Baby Friendly Hospitals and Lactation Support while inpatient is important, but it's not enough. Mothers need somewhere to turn for help once they've returned home and breastfeeding challenges begin presenting themselves during the first week, they need support at 1 month in when they realize breastfeeding isn't getting easier, they need support when returning to school or work, and they need support when choosing to wean.
Whether your goal is to breastfeed for 6 weeks, 6 months, or 2 years (or anywhere in between!), Jaimie Zaki is here to support that goal. Jaimie offers Insurance Covered Virtual Breastfeeding Support via Telehealth to mothers all over the country and limited in-person breastfeeding help to mothers in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Click Below to learn more about booking a prenatal breastfeeding visit or postpartum breastfeeding help to feel more confident about breastfeeding!
Common Questions about
Breastfeeding Support with Jaimie
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What is a Lactation Consultant? What is an IBCLC?
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A lactation consultant is someone who helps women reach their breastfeeding goals. The term "lactation consultant" can describe anyone in any roll who supports breastfeeding, regardless of education and credentialling. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a professional who has attended 90 credits of Lactation Specific Education, achieved 1000 hours of Breastfeeding Support Training (depending on pathway), and passed an International Board Exam for Lactation Consultants. IBCLCs are sometimes covered by insurance, and considered Allied Healthcare Professionals. IBCLCs are considered the "gold standard" in lactation support, and continue their lactation education through regular training, workshops, etc.
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Who should work with a Lactation Consultant?
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Anyone who plans on breastfeeding! I highly recommend any mother who plans to breastfeed hires a lactation consultant prenatally to create a base knowledge for breastfeeding, and to create a personalized Breastfeeding Plan to help achieve her goals. Postpartum, many women find themselves facing a variety of breastfeeding challenges, some normal, some more complex. These women usually benefit from working closely with a skilled lactation professional to identify the breastfeeding concerns and create a personalized breastfeeding care plan for addressing those breastfeeding challenges.
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What is "Prenatal Breastfeeding Support" and who should book prenatal breastfeeding visits?
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As mentioned above, prenatal breastfeeding support is a proactive approach pregnant women can take toward preparing to reach their breastfeeding goals. While a prenatal breastfeeding consult does not guarantee you will not face breastfeeding challenges, it can help you anticipate common challenges and create a plan for overcoming them. It's also a great way to assess your risk of certain breastfeeding challenges based on medical history.
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Prenatal breastfeeding consults are not just for first time moms either! Experienced mothers who struggled with breastfeeding in the past can benefit from prenatal breastfeeding help to understand what might have been the problem last time, and learn how to manage it or avoid it next time!
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What happens during a lactation consult?
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Before your lactation consult you will receive questionnaires and contracts that can seem very tedious but are very important. By thoroughly reviewing and filling out your pre-consult paperwork, you can ensure we are both well prepared for your visit. You will be asked to describe your breastfeeding goals, concerns, challenges, questions, and you will be asked questions about your medical history and your baby's medical and birth history.
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During the visit, we will begin by reviewing your goals and concerns. I will assess your baby's oral function, weight, feeding skills, and the condition of your breasts as needed. We will then work together to create a plan for overcoming the problems we identify. You will be encouraged to plan a follow up visit to ensure we are making progress toward your goals and so we can re-evaluate the care plan as needed. I will also make referrals and recommendations to other providers as needed, as well as send a copy of your chart to your OB/Pediatrician as needed.
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How does virtual breastfeeding help work?
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Many families who need breastfeeding support are in an area where they either do not have access to a private lactation consultant due to regional constraints, or the local lactation support is not affordable. Virtual Breastfeeding Help is a great option to bring resources to families who need them, despite geographical or financial barriers.
Virtual Breastfeeding Support relies on clear communication between parents and the lactation provider. While Virtual Breastfeeding Support is not quite the same as troubleshooting breastfeeding in person, there is a lot we can still uncover and resolve virtually. The best part of virtual breastfeeding support is that parents take a very active role in their lactation care.
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Virtual Breastfeeding Support is fantastic for routine breastfeeding support like Prenatal Breastfeeding Visits, Back-to-work Breastfeeding Support, and Weaning Support, but also works well for many other breastfeeding challenges and concerns.
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When you make your appointment for Virtual Breastfeeding Support you will be sent a calendar invite and link for your call. Please arrive to the call about 5 minutes early to make sure any technical issues are resolved so the appointment can run efficiently.
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How much does a lactation consultant cost?
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The cost of breastfeeding support varies based off regional location, provider experience, education, and more. Our Current Breastfeeding Support Self-Pay rates are listed on our "SUPPORT" page​
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Do you take insurance for lactation consulting?
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Little Bear Lactation is excited to announce that we are able to provide insurance-covered breastfeeding support. At this time we are accepting TRICARE East and Aetna plans, we are also working with some BCBSTX plans and The Lactation Network to expand insurance coverage. If your insurance does not work with us at this time, we recommend calling your insurance to advocate for special exception lactation coverage, and considering self-pay options including FSA/HSA. ​
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What region do you offer breastfeeding support?
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I am currently offering limited home-visit consults in the Abilene area and on Dyess AFB as I have base access.
Telehealth option is always available for families all across the United States and office visits will be coming soon!
HOME VISIT SERVICE AREA INCLUDES DYESS AFB, ABILENE, AND THE GREATER TAYLOR COUNTY AREA. A $25 CONVENIENCE FEE WILL BE ASSESSED FOR ALL HOME VISITS. IF YOU ARE BEYOND MY TYPICAL SERVICE AREA ADDITIONAL TRAVEL FEES MAY BE ASSESSED AT LACTATION CONSULTANT'S DISCRETION. IF YOU NEED A HOME VISIT PLEASE CONTACT JAIMIE ZAKI TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS.
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