"Is This Normal?" Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges with a Medical Expert for Your Family

Breastfeeding questions are normal.

Hey, Amazing Parents and Caregivers!

Let's be honest, those early days (and sometimes weeks and months!) of feeding your new little one can come with a whirlwind of questions. You and your family are navigating uncharted territory, and it's entirely natural for everyone involved to wonder, "Is this normal?" Whether it's about latch, milk supply, discomfort, bottle-feeding pace, or your baby’s cues, you're not alone in seeking reassurance and answers. The entire family unit feels the impact of feeding joys and challenges.

At Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine, we get it. I'm Dr. Leigh Campbell, and my passion is providing a safe, supportive space where your family's concerns are heard and you receive expert, evidence-based care. As a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, and lactation medicine physician, I offer a unique level of support beyond basic advice for both the breastfeeding parent and the baby, involving the whole support system.

Understanding Lactation Medicine: Expert Care for Your Family

You might be familiar with lactation consultants. They are an incredibly valuable part of the feeding support system! We work collaboratively with them. However, Lactation Medicine is a distinct medical specialty. As a breastfeeding medicine subspecialist, I bring physician-level care to the table.

What Physician-Level Care Means for You

This specialized approach allows me to:

• Evaluate: We'll comprehensively examine both the nursing parent and your baby. This isn't a quick, rushed appointment. We dedicate 60-90 minutes to truly understanding your family's unique situation and feeding goals.

  
  

• Diagnose: Sometimes, feeding challenges stem from underlying complex medical problems in either the breastfeeding parent or baby. My medical background allows me to identify and diagnose these issues, from difficulties with milk transfer and concerns about milk supply to mastitis, or even rarer conditions affecting the dyad.
  

• Treat: We can effectively treat the issue once a diagnosis is made. This might involve creating a personalized feeding plan (which includes support for partners and other caregivers who may be bottle-feeding expressed milk or formula), prescribing medications if necessary for the nursing parent, performing procedures like a frenotomy for tongue-tie (when medically indicated and based on AAP guidelines), or ordering labs and imaging.

More Than Just Nourishment: The Bigger Family Picture

Mental health and infant feeding require adjustments within the family.

Feeding a baby is a cornerstone of early family life and a team effort. It's about nourishment, bonding, and so much more. Like any significant family undertaking, it can have its ups and downs. It's easy for everyone to get caught up in the "how-to" and forget, "How are we all doing?"

Prioritizing Mental Well-being for the Whole Family

That’s why, at Bloom & Grow, we also prioritize the mental well-being of the entire family, with a special focus on the birthing parent. As a certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C), I understand the deep connection between emotional state, feeding experiences, and overall family adjustment. We provide a safe space for everyone involved to discuss postpartum mood concerns, anxieties, and the transition to parenthood. We can connect your family with further resources and discuss treatment options for the birthing parent if needed. Partners and other caregivers are crucial supports, and their well-being matters too.

Seeking Reliable Breastfeeding Answers: Beyond "Dr. Google"

In today's world, information (and unfortunately, misinformation!) is everywhere. While online forums and well-meaning friends can offer comfort, they can't provide physician-level care tailored to your specific medical histories and your baby's needs. If your family is facing persistent feeding pain, concerns about your baby's weight gain, or any issue that feels overwhelming, it's time to seek expert help. We're here to cut through the noise and provide clarity for your entire family.

Your Family Is Not Alone on This Journey

My goal is to empower your family with knowledge and support, so you can make informed choices about how you feed your child. Whether the journey involves exclusive breastfeeding, pumping, donor milk, formula feeding, or combination feeding, we're here to help your family meet your goals in a way that feels right for everyone. We support all paths to a well-fed baby and a thriving family.

Ready for Expert Support and Reassurance?

Partner with Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine, today!

If you're in Mississippi, from Jackson to Madison and beyond, and your family asks, "Is this normal?" – let's talk. Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine is conveniently located in Ridgeland, close to Freedom Ridge Park, Costco, the Ridgeland Walking Trail, and the Renaissance at Colony Park.

You can book an appointment or call our office at (601) 521-3196.

We are located at:

272 South Perkins St. Suite 200

Ridgeland, MS 39157

We look forward to partnering with your family on your feeding journey!

Warmly,

Dr. Leigh Campbell, MD, IBCLC, NABBLM-C, PMH-C

Founder & Practitioner, Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.