More Than a Consult—What I Actually Do as a Lactation Medicine Physician

What is lactation medicine?

When navigating the world of infant feeding, you might hear a lot about "lactation support." And while all support is so valuable, you might also see the term Lactation Medicine and wonder, "What exactly does that mean for me and my baby? How is it different?" It's a fantastic question I love to answer as a physician here at Bloom and Grow Lactation Medicine.

Part of my mission is to help you understand the depth of available care. When you consult with me, a Lactation Medicine physician, it’s more than just a standard visit—it’s your entry into specialized medical care designed for both you and your little one.

Understanding the "Medicine" in Lactation Medicine

The keyword here is medicine. You see, Lactation Medicine is a recognized medical specialty. I'm a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and I've pursued further board certification specifically in Lactation Medicine (NABBLM-C). This specialized training enables me to deliver physician-level care, addressing the full spectrum of breastfeeding and infant feeding concerns you may encounter.

So, when you see me at Bloom and Grow Lactation Medicine, you're not just getting advice—you're receiving care from me, a medical doctor who can thoroughly assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of issues that could impact your feeding journey.

Beyond Basic Advice—How I Can Diagnose and Treat

One of the main things that sets Lactation Medicine apart is my ability as a physician to delve deep into the why behind any feeding challenges.

My Power to Diagnose

Often, difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding aren't just about technique—they can be symptoms of underlying, sometimes complex medical problems in either you, the nursing parent, or your baby. My medical training equips me to—

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations (that’s why our appointments are typically 60-90 minutes!) so I can understand your complete picture.
  

• Identify subtle signs of medical conditions that might otherwise be overlooked.
  

• Consider your health factors, such as thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical variations, and your baby's health factors, including oral restrictions (like tongue-tie), gastrointestinal problems, or neurological differences.

  
  

My Capability to Treat

Once I make an accurate diagnosis, I can then develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your baby. This is where my physician-level care truly shines. Depending on your unique situation, I might—

• Prescribe medications if they're necessary (for example, to treat mastitis, manage low milk supply due to a medical cause, or address nipple pain from infections).
  

• Order and interpret lab tests or imaging studies as needed to gather additional information.
  

• Perform minor medical procedures in the clinic. For example, if a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is medically indicated to be contributing to breastfeeding difficulties, I can perform a frenotomy, always following evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  

• Help manage ongoing maternal or infant medical conditions that impact feeding, and I'll always do this in collaboration with your primary pediatrician, OB/GYN, or family physician.
  

This comprehensive approach is central to my work in breastfeeding medicine.

A Deeper Dive—What This Means for Your Family's Care

How can a certified perinatal mental health professional help you?

While lactation consultants play a vital and wonderful role in providing education and support (and I often work collaboratively with them!), as a Lactation Medicine physician, I offer an additional layer of medical expertise. I'm trained to look at you and your baby together—the feeding dyad—through a medical lens, helping to address root causes rather than just symptoms.

This also means I’m always considering the overall well-being of your family. My certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) is essential to me, as it enables me to support you through the emotional challenges that sometimes accompany feeding difficulties, providing a truly holistic approach.

When Might You See Me—a Lactation Medicine Physician?

You might consider booking an appointment with me if—

• You're experiencing persistent pain despite trying various strategies.
  

• You have ongoing concerns about your baby's weight gain, milk intake, or feeding behaviors.
  

• You've had recurrent mastitis, nipple infections, or other breast issues.
  

• You or your baby has known medical conditions that could be impacting feeding.
  

• You feel like you've "tried everything" and still need answers or medical treatment options.
  

• You simply want a comprehensive medical evaluation of your feeding concerns from a physician.

Partnering for Your Family's Feeding Success

Let Bloom and Grow Lactation Medicine provide a safe area for all your questions!

My goal at Bloom and Grow Lactation Medicine is to provide a safe and reassuring space where your concerns are thoroughly investigated and addressed with expert medical care. I always work alongside your existing healthcare team to ensure you have the comprehensive support you need.

If you believe your family could benefit from this specialized physician-level care, I warmly invite you to reach out.

Ready to experience the difference that Lactation Medicine can make? You can book an appointment directly with me HERE through my secure online system!

I'm here to help your family thrive.

Disclaimer— This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice from me or any other physician. 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.