Why Choose Lactation Room

Why Choose Lactation Room for Your Lactation Support?

We are the only lactation practice in the DMV who has an Integrative and Functional Health Nurse Practitioner who is also an IBCLC and who can provide Breastfeeding Medicine.

Sarah Early, FNP-C, IBCLC has amassed over 30-years’ experience in women’s and infant’s health, and she understands the complexities that you face in this transitional period into parenthood. She will support you and your family. Not only is she able to provide care for situations such as mastitis, recurrent clogged ducts, low-milk supply, and auto-immune disorders but she can also ensure you get the medical interventions necessary to help you in real time. The Lactation Room has the ability to co-manage your care between your IBCLC, Registered Dietician, Craniosacral Therapist, and a nurse practitioner.

Sarah Early – Nurse Practitioner

MSN, FNP-C, IBCLC

Working with a breastfeeding medicine provider, such as Sarah Early, FNP-C, IBCLC, ensures an integrative and holistic approach to lactation care, combining her 30 years of medical expertise with emotional support, which can improve breastfeeding outcomes and enhance the overall breastfeeding and milk production experience. She has extensive experience in co-managing your care with your IBCLC and others on your healthcare team. She is focused on your goals, your needs, and your journey.

What is Breastfeeding Medicine?

Working with a breastfeeding medicine provider can be incredibly beneficial for lactation care, as these medical professionals specialize in supporting the health and well-being of both the breastfeeding parent and their baby. Breastfeeding medicine providers, often nurse practitioners or physicians with specialized lactation training, understand the complexities of lactation, infant feeding, and related medical conditions.

Young woman breastfeeding at home so her her baby enjoys benefits of breast milk

What do Breastfeeding Medicine Providers Do?

Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis

They can assess both the parent and the baby to identify any issues impacting breastfeeding, such as latch problems, tongue-tie, low milk supply, pain, or infections (like mastitis or thrush). Their medical training allows them to diagnose and treat conditions accurately and with a specialized scope of practice.

Customized Care
Plans

They create personalized care plans to address the specific needs of the parent and baby. This can include guidance on breastfeeding techniques, pumping, milk storage, and support for exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, or transitioning to bottle feeding. They also have the ability to order lab work, scans, MRIs or other diagnostic work they deem necessary for your unique situation.

Medical Treatment for Lactation Issues

Breastfeeding medicine providers can prescribe medications or treatments for various lactation issues, such as low milk supply, infections, or nipple pain. They also know which medications are safe for breastfeeding parents, helping avoid treatments that might disrupt breastfeeding.

Support for Complex Medical Situations

They are especially helpful for parents with complex medical histories, such as those with hormonal imbalances, previous breast surgeries, autoimmune disease, or chronic health conditions. They can also support parents facing challenges due to premature birth, NICU stays, or multiple births.

Preventative Care and Education

Breastfeeding medicine providers offer education on preventing common breastfeeding challenges and maintaining long-term milk production. This includes guidance on proper nutrition, breast health, medications, and supplement use to help enhance your health pre-and postnatally.

Emotional Support and Encouragement

Lactation can be emotionally challenging, and a knowledgeable, empathetic provider can offer reassurance and encouragement. They can also connect parents with additional support resources, like support groups, pelvic floor health, registered dieticians, mental healthcare providers, and others that are needed during that pivotal time in your life.

Why Choose Lactation Room