Community Lactation and Parenting

✨ Deepening my IBCLC practice through years of study with the brilliant Jennifer Tow:

Oral Habilitation for the Breastfeeding Dyad (2020) & Gut-Brain for the IBCLC (2022) 💡

These masterclasses have profoundly shaped my understanding of infant and maternal feeding through a functional, integrative lens—where biology meets behavior, and healing begins with connection.

👅 Oral Habilitation (2020) introduced me to the nuanced anatomy and physiology of the infant oral complex. We’re not just talking about tongue ties—we’re looking at fascial tension, cranial nerve function, and compensatory patterns that affect latch, milk transfer, and maternal comfort. I learned to assess oral function holistically and support families through habilitation strategies that restore balance, coordination, and ease in feeding.

🧠 Gut-Brain for the IBCLC (2022) deepened my understanding of the microbiome’s role in neurodevelopment, regulation, and feeding readiness—not just in infants, but in mothers as well. The maternal gut-brain axis is intimately tied to hormonal signaling, immune function, and mood stability. Gut dysbiosis can disrupt oxytocin and prolactin pathways, directly impacting milk supply, letdown reflex, and maternal-infant bonding.

💡 We explore how birth interventions, antibiotics, stress, and diet shape the maternal microbiome—and how restoring gut integrity can support lactation, reduce inflammation, and improve postpartum recovery. This is about empowering mothers to reclaim their physiological resilience and reconnect with their babies through nourishing, attuned feeding relationships.

💬 I continue to hone my clinical skills through Jennifer’s monthly support webinars, keeping abreast (pun intended!) of emerging research and refining my approach to care. Her depth, compassion, and commitment to the breastfeeding dyad are truly inspiring.

Feeling deeply aligned with this work—and honored to bring this integrative knowledge into practice. 💛

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve introduced myself.

📷 :

Hi, I’m Amy—an IBCLC and holistic infant feeding specialist with a deep passion for helping families feel supported, informed, and empowered. Over the years, I’ve pursued advanced training in oral function, tongue tie release, gut healing, and functional nutrition so I can offer truly comprehensive care for babies with complex feeding needs.

I believe every family deserves affirming, respectful support—no pressure, no judgment—just guidance that meets you where you are. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding, or figuring it all out, I’m here to help you reach your goals in a way that feels right for you.

My care is centered on both the baby and the parent—individually and as a dyad. I support babies in feeding and functional healing, while also helping mothers restore their own wellness, rebuild confidence, and feel deeply seen in the process. While I’m gradually stepping back from parenting work, nurturing both sides of the feeding relationship remains at the heart of everything I do.

My philosophy is simple: feeding is more than nutrition—it’s connection, healing, and growth. I meet families with empathy and expertise, helping them move from overwhelm to clarity, and from struggle to confidence.

In early infancy, adhering strictly to a feeding schedule can be detrimental, potentially leading to poor weight gain, low milk supply, and difficulty with breastfeeding, as babies are better served by responding to their individual hunger cues rather than a clock.

Feeding schedules can be deleterious, here’s how:

Interruption of Natural Milk Production:
Scheduled feedings can disrupt the natural process of milk production, which is largely dependent on the baby’s demand.

Poor Weight Gain and Low Milk Supply:
Forcing longer intervals between feeds or cutting down on overnight feeds can lead to a baby’s poor weight gain and a mother’s low milk supply.

Increased Risk of Clogged Ducts and Engorgement:
If a mother is not feeding her baby on demand, her breasts may not be emptied as effectively, increasing the risk of clogged ducts and painful engorgement.

Difficulty with Breastfeeding:
Trying to adhere to a schedule can make it difficult for a mother to establish and maintain a good breastfeeding relationship with her baby.

Overfeeding and Underfeeding:
Scheduled feedings can lead to overfeeding if a baby is forced to eat more than they need, or underfeeding if the baby is not given enough time to eat when hungry.

Misinterpretation of Hunger Cues:
Parents might miss early hunger cues if they are focused on a schedule, potentially leading to the baby becoming overly hungry and distressed.

Stress for Parents and Babies:
Trying to force a schedule can be stressful for both parents and babies, leading to a less enjoyable feeding experience.

Potential for Long-Term Issues:
Early feeding practices can have long-term effects on a child’s eating behaviors and relationship with food.