Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world — and one of the most complex. For some families, it flows easily from the very first latch. For others, it comes with challenges that are hard to name and even harder to solve: a baby who tires quickly at the breast, a latch that never quite feels right, a mother who is doing everything “correctly” but still struggling.
When breastfeeding isn’t going smoothly, many families are referred to a lactation consultant — and that’s a great first step. But there’s a layer of support that a traditional lactation consultation doesn’t always reach. That’s where the combination of a Speech-Language Pathologist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) makes a meaningful difference.
What a lactation consultant brings
An IBCLC is trained specifically in the art and science of breastfeeding support. They can help with positioning, latch technique, milk supply concerns, pumping, and the emotional landscape of feeding a newborn. Their expertise is invaluable, and for many families, it’s exactly what’s needed.
What an SLP adds to the picture
A Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in feeding brings a different lens — one focused on the mechanics of how a baby sucks, swallows, and breathes in coordination. That rhythm, known as the suck-swallow-breathe sequence, is the foundation of safe and efficient feeding of any kind.
When a baby is struggling at the breast, the cause isn’t always about positioning or latch technique. Sometimes it’s rooted in:
- Reduced oral motor strength or coordination
- Tongue or lip tie affecting movement range
- Difficulty managing milk flow and breathing simultaneously
- Sensory sensitivities that make feeding feel overwhelming
These are areas where an SLP’s clinical training is specifically designed to help.
Why both credentials together matter
When Michelle works with a breastfeeding family, she brings both perspectives to the same session. She can assess the feeding relationship — the positioning, the latch, the mother’s comfort — and evaluate the infant’s oral motor function, swallowing pattern, and overall feeding safety. Nothing gets separated into two appointments or lost in translation between two providers.
For families navigating breastfeeding challenges, that integrated support can be the difference between giving up and finding a path forward.
If you’re a new or expectant parent wondering whether breastfeeding support through Simply Communication might be right for you, we’d love to talk.