An IBCLC, or International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, is a healthcare professional with the highest credential specializing in breastfeeding and lactation support. An IBCLC has undergone rigorous training and passed a board-certification exam, making them experts in breastfeeding physiology, infant nutrition, and maternal health. 

IBLCLCs help parents and infants with a range of breastfeeding-related challenges, such as latching difficulties, low milk supply, positioning techniques, milk expression, and navigating special situations like feeding multiples or premature infants. They play a crucial role in helping families establish and maintain breastfeeding, supporting both the infant's and mother's health and well-being.

As the region's only occupational therapist who is also a board-certified lactation consultant (OT-IBCLC), Nicole believes in providing holistic and comprehensive care for infants and families.  Seeing an OT-IBCLC provides a unique combination of skills that can offer more comprehensive support for your baby. Here are the key benefits:

• Holistic Feeding Support: Feeding is one of the earliest and most critical skills for an infant, and it involves a complex interplay of motor, sensory, and oral skills. As an OT/IBCLC, Nicole will assess and address not just breastfeeding or bottle-feeding mechanics, but also any underlying developmental issues that might affect feeding success, such as low muscle tone, coordination challenges, or sensory sensitivities.

• Nicole is trained in “bodywork” modalities that can be used to reduce body tension. These include massage, myofascial release, and trigger point release, which may be incorporated into your breastfeeding sessions.

• Coordinated Developmental Support: Feeding and other early developmental milestones—like grasping, head control, and movement—are often interconnected. An OT/IBCLC can simultaneously address feeding and developmental needs, creating a seamless approach to achieving milestones that builds confidence and skills for both baby and parent.

• Customized Family Guidance: With expertise in both lactation and early childhood development, an OT/IBCLC can give parents like you the tools and strategies tailored to your family’s unique needs. This can include guidance on feeding routines, positioning, pacing, and safe transition to solids, all while supporting the parent-infant bond.

• Early Intervention Advantage: If there are any signs of developmental delays, Nicole can help spot them early, providing guidance and interventions that can make a big difference in preventing more complex issues later on.

Nicole brings a deep understanding of both infant development and feeding, helping babies get the best start in both nutrition and early skills development. This expertise can be particularly helpful for babies born prematurely, with medical challenges, or who have unique feeding needs.