Lactation Support
CERTIFIED LACTATION SPECIALISTS BASED IN WALLA WALLA, WA
Meet TaKara, CLC
I am credentialed by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice as a Certified Lactation Counselor. As stated on the ALPP website, “CLCs are clinical lactation care providers dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems. They understand that breastfeeding works best when it is the cultural norm and when the provider of lactation support and services is culturally competent.”
It is my belief that the parent knows what’s best for their family dynamic. My role is to assess any potential pitfalls and suggest possible solutions, all while following the lead of the parent. Each dyad is unique, which is why I counsel with fresh and individualized care. I care deeply about the breastfeeding relationship you and your baby have and respect your choices regarding what is best for you. My care for you comes from a place of understanding, patience, genuine care, and is judgement free.
Additionally, I have personal experience as a mom of four who has nursed all of her children - and is still doing so with the youngest! My breastfeeding journeys are not the same as yours, but it does help me relate and offer more compassion during those moments when it feels like things will never improve. With a listening ear and guidance from me, I believe I can help you get over those hurdles and back on track to a more peaceful breastfeeding journey.
Common reasons help may be needed
Poor weight gain
Latch issues (flattened nipples, clicking, bruising, cracked & sore nipples)
Inverted Nipples
Increasing supply
Decreasing supply
Tandem nursing
Tongue tie
D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex)
Supplemental Nursing System
Milk supply concerns
Nipple or breast pain
Pumping and storing milk
Weaning (breast, nipple shield, or pump)
Feeding “constantly” or “for a long time”
Lactation Services
Breastfeeding is a biologically natural way to feed our babies, but that doesn’t mean it comes easily or without bumps along the way. Breastfeeding is a learned skill - for both you and your baby. Pain, tears, frustration, and isolation are common amongst those new to breastfeeding (and sometimes even the experienced) who don’t receive help.
The best place for moms to receive support is in the comfort of their own homes – that’s why we come to you for all lactation support. We are right beside you in your bedroom, the nursery, or your living room to assist you as you reach your feeding goals.
Visit examples are given in the drop down menu to better help you envision how and why a visit is needed. Every visit is dynamic, tailored specifically to your needs.
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Experiencing pain while breastfeeding in common, but it is not normal. There are many reasons why you might be experiencing pain - from a simple fix to something a bit more complex. You don’t have to figure it out alone. We will review your history, discuss your symptoms and when you experience them, then come up with a plan together that feels right for you.
I follow up with you to see how things are improving, and you also have access to me via text or call!
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Worried your baby is not transferring milk well on the breast? Is your baby not meeting the weight gain we’d expect? In this visit we will go over your health history, review feeding dynamics, and assess where changes may be needed. Womb Within Collective has a medical grade scale on hand that as accurate up to 2 grams. Precise weighted feeds are available.
I follow up with you to see how things are improving, and you also have access to me via text or call! -
This visit is designed to educate you on the dynamics of breastfeeding in the comfort of your home. You will learn how breastmilk is made and maintained, the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and baby, colostrum collection, the breast crawl, and the benefits of skin-to-skin.
We review your health history. We offer partner education (including how to support you). We talk about breastfeeding positions, how to achieve an optimal latch, and when to seek help. Additionally, we can review pumps, proper handling, and storage of milk.
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For those who are returning to work! We will create a customized care plan for you and your baby to meet your feeding goals. We will review paced bottle feeding and what bottle is best for your baby. There will be education on proper breastmilk handling and storage.
We discuss how to keep up with your milk supply while pumping. We will go over pump basics: set up and flange fitting. Resources for your legal rights to breastfeeding and expressing milk at your workplace will be provided.
Lactation Packages
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60-90 Minute In-Home Visit
Experiencing pain while breastfeeding in common, but it is not normal. There are many reasons why you might be experiencing pain - from a simple fix to something a bit more complex. You don’t have to figure it out alone. We will review your history, discuss your symptoms and when you experience them, then come up with a plan together that feels right for you.
Note: A mileage fee of $1.50 per mile will be added for anything over 15 miles from my location. Please contact me to see if this applies to you.
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60 minute in-home visit
Some issues with the breastfeeding dyad will need more than one session to fully improve or reslove; or a subsequent concern needs to be addressed . This follow-up consult is for those who have already seen me with an itital visit and need in-person follow-up care. In this visit, we assess together what has been working and what we may need to adjust.
I follow up with you to see how things are improving, and you also have access to me via text or call!
Note: A mileage fee of $1.50 per mile will be added for anything over 15 miles from my location. Please contact me to see if this applies to you.
Note: A mileage fee of $1.50 per mile will be added for anything over 15 miles from my location. Please contact me to see if this applies to you.
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This offer includes:
1 Initial Visit ($120 value)
2 follow-up visits ($80 value)
These visits do not expire and you can use them for more than one child! An example would be: first visit for perinatal education, second visit in the immediate postpartum to assist with latching, and a third latch at 8 months to assist with weaning.
Note: A mileage fee of $1.50 per mile will be added for anything over 15 miles from my location. Please contact me to see if this applies to you.
Upcoming Classes & Events
Join TaKara and other parents as we talk babyfeeding! A great way to ask advice from a Certified Lactation Counselor and meet other parents in a similar season of life. Offering assistance with latch, breastfeeding positions, weighted feeds, pump & bottle feeding tips, and general education.
FREE. This is a drop-in style. No registration required.
10-11:30
Get support with:
✓ Latch Struggles
✓ Weighted feeds
✓ Bottle Feeding
✓ Pumping
✓ Weaning
Prepare for a successful breastfeeding journey with this informative and supportive class designed for expectant parents.
What We Will Cover:
✓ How milk supply is established
✓ What’s normal (and what isn’t)
✓ Common issues
✓ How to know your baby is getting enough
✓ Latch techniques and feeding cues
✓ How to protect your supply
✓ Pumping and storage
✓ Bottle feeding
✓ How to set yourself up for success
Testimonials