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You're pregnant! Now what? Karissa has experience as a former Childbirth Doula CD(DONA), Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator LCCE, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC. She is able to walk you through how to best prepare for pregnancy, birth and the postpartum periods.  Summary notes are sent to clients to recap conversations including suggested research and reading links. Up to 45 minutes per session. These are informal virtual conversations. 

Topics can include, but are not limited to:

• Where do I even start?!
• How do I choose my provider? 
• What childbirth classes are right for me? 
• What are my birthing options?
• What can I expect in pregnancy and labor? Anatomy and Physiology
• What is my partner's role? 
• How do I craft a birth plan? 
• What are effective calming and comfort strategies in pregnancy and labor? 
• How do I navigate the postpartum period?
• Are you taking an online childbirth course? The more you learn the more questions arise! Karissa can be your touchpoint through this process. 

Our time together will be spent answering any questions or concerns that you may have related to lactation. After the consult, you will be sent a recap of the conversation, as well as a personalized suggested reading and research list.  Up to 45 minutes per virtual session.

Topics may include:

• The How: Anatomy and Physiology of the Lactating Breast
• The What: A Baby's Ability to Nurse
• The When: Expectations in First Minutes, Days, Weeks, and Months 
• "This Isnt Ballet" : Positioning for Optimal Transfer and Comfort
• The Partner's Role: Empowering the Partner to Support the Mom
• Preparation for Baby and the Fourth Trimester
• Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery

Our time together is spent  identifying your goals and needs, assessing areas of concern, and crafting a comprehensive care plan together. Up to 60 minutes of virtual consulting per session+ custom notes provided which can be sent to care providers. 

Topics may include:

• General Guidance and Reassurance
• Correcting a Painful Latch
• Exploring Nursing Positions
• Engorgement Relief 
• Weight gain issues
• Exploring Supplemental Nursing Systems 
• Breast Refusal
• Bottle Refusal
• Tongue Tie Challenges

We will focus our time on creating an effective, efficient and sustainable pumping practice. This is a good appointment choice for those who may be returning to work, have decided to exclusively pump, or are simply seeking additional knowledge about pumping.  Up to 45 minutes of consulting per session+ custom notes provided

Topics may include:

• Anatomy of Your Pump
• Flange Comfort and Sizing
• The How Tos of Exclusive Pumping
• Creating a Customized Pumping Schedule
• Optimizing Your Pumping Yields
• Preparing to Return to Work 
• How to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby
• Ways to Collaborate with Your Child's Care Provider

These appointments are designed for follow up care with an existing client. Up to 30 minutes of consulting per session+ custom notes provided