You Don’t Have to Navigate Parenthood Alone

You found this website because you are getting ready to breastfeed, having troubles breastfeeding/pumping or ready to be done with breastfeeding/pumping. As a lactation consultant in Chattanooga, I (Lisa Bloom IBCLC) help with all of that.  Yet, the feedback I have received over the last decade is that lactation is a tiny sliver of what I really do.  The challenge is putting into words the magic that happens when you choose to see me without putting expectations into your head to expect the magic on your first visit. 

• I am here to listen to you.  In our time together, I will focus on all the communication – what you are saying, how you are interacting with your baby, what your baby is trying to say to you, and most importantly where you are mentally. If you are struggling to get basic things done, like feeding yourself, all the breastfeeding recommendations in the Google world mean nothing. I listen and craft a care plan that is specifically for you and your baby in the moment, not the ideal of your perfect parent day. 

• Your goals are exactly that – your goals.  I do not judge you or your decisions or suggest a care plan that doesn’t fit with what you want to do.  Regardless of whether you want to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump, use formula as a tool, wean or tandem nurse, I will help you manage what makes most sense.  I may suggest an easier path or point out some challenges along the way you have chosen, because that is my role.  In the end, it is your choice, and I will honor that choice.   

• I want to remember who you are.  I admit that I may not remember your name in public and will refer to your baby as “baby”, most likely. What I will remember is your core essence, what makes you tick and your uniqueness in the world. I keep my practice small so that I can create that close relationship with you. You matter! 

• Financial concerns are real concerns for new parents.  I have made every effort I can to make insurance billing a successful core of how I support you. This may give you unlimited visits for as long as you breastfeed or pump.  Or your insurance may put limits on how many visits will be covered. I will do my best to optimize your visits according to your insurance plan and offer bulk packages when insurance doesn’t cover what you need for support.  

• Early motherhood is a time to create friendships that may last a lifetime.  I create opportunities for my clients to meet other moms with babies of similar ages.  While I do love to be a part of my client’s lives, I also understand that I am not in the same stage of life as my clients.  I am so happy when I hear stories of playdates and Friendsgivings, because that means community is happening without me!  I put the seeds in place and it grows and blooms and makes my heart sing. (Truly I have had tears in my eyes when hearing about the friendships created because I hosted a breastfeeding support group in my office.) 

• Talking about blooms, I love all things natural. Okay well, I don’t love wasps and fire ants. When I suggest a solution, I go for the natural and gentle one first.  Breastmilk up the baby’s nose makes more sense to me than saline solution. I am well-versed in herbal remedies and raised my children without the need for antibiotics.  I grew into this path, so you don’t have to be ready for it or even thinking about a natural lifestyle to be my client.  However, if you do want help navigating this way, I would love to help you.  

• Your information is safe, private and protected. Something that is uniquely me is my tech background and natural affinity for rules.  I work really hard to make sure that your information entered in/on/around my website and other tools is protected and safe.  Maybe you don’t particularly care if Google is tracking all the things, but as a healthcare provider it is my responsibility that “they” don’t get information about you from me. Sometimes that means it is clunky and a bit inefficient (which I hate), or maybe it doesn’t look as pretty as it could. I ask for your understanding as you may jump through a few well-thought-out hoops to schedule an appointment or contact me.   

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Maybe the above doesn’t sound magical to you.  As tempted as I am to put this into AI and see if this can sound better and more polished, I am letting my personality come through.  Over the years, I have often heard at the end of an appointment “I feel so much better now. Thank you.”  I want that for you.  I have created a space where you will be heard and nurtured.  If any of this resonates with the type of care you want to receive, I hope that you will take the time to book an appointment or sign up for my newsletter.  If you want to send me a personal email, this form is the most secure way. I truly look forward to connecting with you.​