Well friends, the time came to step up my game as a midwife! I love attending births and providing care to all our sweet families in those precious days during the postpartum period. I already spent time with all families making sure they had a good latch, gave them pointers on different nursing positions and gave them a quick run down of how their milk was made and why their breasts seemed fuller at different parts of the day. I’ve always loved helping with nursing. Not only is breastmilk AMAZING but it provides such an untouchable bond when families have the right support. 
So, I decided to further my education and learn more about breastfeeding. After many months studying and learning more than I thought possible, I sat and passed the IBLCE (the international exam for certified lactation consultants) in October 2016! I am now an IBCLC which means I am certified as an international lactation consultant which is the highest certification for this specialty.
What does this mean for Portland Natural Birth now? Well, its an additional service, as needed for clients that may not have birthed with us or used other services but need some lactation support. But, honestly, more than an extra service, its more help I can give to my own midwifery clients. I’m really excited about spending a little extra time on prenatal education during our visits. I’m happy to provide additional information and problem solve during the prenatal period on any possible problems or issues we may face. And I’m happy knowing that I can save my clients an extra trip to another care provider while we snuggle in at home during their normal postpartum visit and troubleshoot whats going on. Another perk as an IBCLC is that I can make direct referrals if necessary (specifically for a frenotomy, or tongue tie revision).
So, sit back and relax Portland families: your homebirth midwife is now your lactation consultant as well!