Lactation / Bottle Feeding Support

Lactation / Bottle Feeding Support

About Dr. Kara

Dr. Kara is a chiropractor as well as a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has tailored her career to helping moms and children. She is a tie-savvy IBCLC, provides bodywork for infants that are struggling with body tension and oral restrictions.

Breastfeeding Support for Moms

Welcome to your trusted resource for breastfeeding support! As a pediatric chiropractor, IBCLC (lactation consultant) and as a mom who has breastfed for a combined five years, I’m uniquely positioned to help moms navigate the joys and challenges of breast and bottle feeding. Whether you’re a first-time mom or experienced with breastfeeding, I’m here to empower you on your journey with compassionate care and expert guidance.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural process, but it doesn’t always come easy. My dual expertise allows me to provide specialized care, addressing both lactation concerns and musculoskeletal challenges for moms and babies. I have many years of experience helping moms and infants thrive on their feeding journeys.

Not Planning to Breastfeed?

I’m here to support you as well! My office is a judge free zone and my job is to support you on your feeding journey whether that is breast or bottle feeding. I can help you choose the right bottle for your baby and ensure they have a proper latch, go over feeding positions/techniques best for bottle fed babies and address any areas of concern.

Here’s how I can help:

Chiropractic & Lactation Support Combined

1. For Moms:

• Relieving physical discomfort (neck, back, or shoulder pain) from nursing postures.

• Addressing musculoskeletal issues that may interfere with milk supply (e.g., stress, posture).

• Teaching proper ergonomics for pain-free breastfeeding.

2. For Babies:

• Assessing and improving oral motor function to optimize latch and feeding.

• Bodywork for babies experiencing feeding difficulties due to birth trauma, tongue/lip tie(s), torticollis, and/or other restrictions.

Lactation Support Services

• Prenatal breastfeeding education

• Evaluating and improving latch and positioning.

• Identifying and addressing common breastfeeding challenges (e.g., low milk supply, nipple pain, engorgement, clogged ducts, low weight gain).

• Supporting moms with tongue-tie or lip-tie concerns (working alongside other providers if needed).

• Transitioning back to work: Pumping plans and bottle-feeding support.

• Flange fitting

• Managing oversupply, blocked ducts, or mastitis.

• Emotional support to build confidence and reduce stress during this critical time.

The Benefits of Prenatal Lactation Visits

A prenatal lactation consultation is a proactive step to prepare for breastfeeding success. Here’s what you can expect during our session:

1. Education & Confidence

• Learn what to expect in the first days and weeks of breastfeeding.

• Gain insight into normal newborn feeding patterns and how to know if your baby is feeding well.

2. Latch & Positioning Basics

• Practice breastfeeding positions with guidance, even before baby arrives.

• Learn how to ensure a deep latch to minimize discomfort and maximize milk transfer.

3. Address Concerns Early

• Discuss any medical history, breast surgery, or other factors that may affect breastfeeding.

• Identify and plan for potential challenges in advance.

4. Prepare Your Environment

• Create a nursing-friendly home setup and stock up on essentials.

• Learn when and how to seek help if challenges arise postpartum.

Here’s How Chiropractic Can Also Help:

Chiropractic & Lactation Support Combined

1. For Moms:

• Relieving physical discomfort (neck, back, or shoulder pain) from nursing postures.

• Addressing musculoskeletal issues that may interfere with milk supply (e.g., stress, posture).

• Teaching proper ergonomics for pain-free breastfeeding.

2. For Babies:

• Assessing and improving oral motor function to optimize latch and feeding.

• Bodywork for babies experiencing feeding difficulties due to birth trauma, tongue/lip tie(s), torticollis, and/or other restrictions.

In our lactation appointments, I include assessing your baby for any body tension and oral dysfunction.

Prenatal visits empower you with knowledge, skills, and confidence, so you feel ready when your baby arrives!

I am In-Network with the Following Insurance Plans for Lactation:

• Aetna (in-office only, not Telehealth)

• Sutter Health

• UHC (in-office only, not Telehealth)

• Cigna

• First Health

• Imagine Health

• Meritain (in-office only, not Telehealth)

• Multiplan

• PNOA

• Velocity PPO

If Your Insurance Plan is not on the List Above:

You likely still have lactation coverage!

Call your insurance company and ask if you have “out-of-network coverage for lactation”. The diagnostic code is: "Care of a lactating woman": Z39.1

If you have out-of-network coverage, I will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to them for reimbursement.

I also take HSA/FSA as payment.

Travel Fees: Insurance will not cover travel fees for in-home visits.