Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a family can make for the health and well being of their baby.  It is the superior choice of food for your baby, by far.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months and breastfed with complementary foods for at least twelve months.

Studies have shown breastfed babies are much less likely than formula fed babies to get: ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, and urinary tract infections.  Breastfed babies are also less likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  Breastfed babies are at less risk to develop asthma, diabetes, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, ovarian cancer for female babies, and obesity later in life.

There are many benefits for the mother who breastfeeds her baby.  Breastfeeding immediately after the delivery of the baby helps reduce bleeding and hemorrhaging for the mother who just gave birth.  Breastfeeding also stimulates hormones to help get the uterus back to its normal size a lot quicker.  Mothers that breastfeed lose weight much sooner than mothers that don’t.   Breastfeeding can help reduce women’s risk of getting type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  Studies have also shown breastfeeding can definitely help in preventing postpartum depression in new mothers.

For centuries mothers were the (soul) sole food source for their babies.  In generations gone by, mothers and grandmothers passed down their breastfeeding knowledge and memories, as well as their help.  Unfortunately, since the manufacturing of artificial milk, breastfeeding has become a lost art in many families.

It is frustrating to constantly hear conflicting advice from friends, relatives, and healthcare providers.  Just like birthing and labor, breastfeeding takes education, encouragement, and support.  Anticipation and Beyond offers interactive and comprehensive breastfeeding services.

I offer a three hour private breastfeeding support class that is enjoyable and relaxed.  Anticipation and Beyond breastfeeding class empowers you with the education you need to wade through the folklore, facts, and fiction that you have probably heard.  Partners will enjoy this class also.  It is important that both parents are on board and educated about the risks of artificial milk (formula) and the benefits of breastfeeding.  I promise dads will not fall asleep in this class, it is interactive and fun.

I hold two breastfeeding certifications. I am certified through Healthy Children’s Project, Center of Breastfeeding, as a Certified Lactation Counselor and I am also certified through Childbirth International as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor.  I have an office in Forest for all your breastfeeding needs.  I also am available for hospital and home visits for new mothers.

Breastfeeding is about support and community.  Two support groups in the Lynchburg area are our  local La Leche League chapter and Anticipation & Beyond Cafe.  The internet is a wonderful resource, however, a cup of herbal tea and a group of warm smiling mothers go a long way, even longer than your internet connection.  Please see the resources page for information on La Leche League and check out our Cafe Page for information on the Anticipation & Beyond Cafe.

Unicef, World Health Organization and WABA along with the scientific community strongly recommend breastfeeding within the first hour of your baby's life.  Your bodies were created to birth and to feed your baby significantly and solely. Evidence shows that early initiation can prevent 22% of ALL DEATHS among babies below one month old in DEVELOPING countries.

As your birth doula I can encourage, ensure, and assist you during this amazing early breastfeeding experience.  How can this be implemented?  Read about Unicef and the World Health Organization, the two largest world wide breastfeeding advocates, and you will see there are ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Breastcrawl.org

Giving birth and bringing a new life into this world can be such a wonderful and exciting time in your family’s life, don’t get bogged and intimidated by the uncertainties of breastfeeding.  It would be my honor to serve you in this capacity, please call me with any questions or concerns.

Interactive breast-feeding class: 
3 hr course

Anticipation and Beyond Breastfeeding Services include:
Office Visits
Hospital Visits
Home Visits


 

Payments must be made at time of service.  Payments can be made by check or credit card please.

Lactation specialist and healthcare professionals globally recommend Motherlove's numerous breastfeeding products. Made with certified organic herbs, they never contain dairy, shellfish, fish, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or gluten. These products are manufactured in an FDA registered, GMP certified facility and are regularly tested for bacteria and heavy metals to ensure purity and quality. 

For more than a generation, Motherlove has been the trusted leader in holistic personal care and breastfeeding products.

Anticipation and Beyond endorses this product solely.  Motherlove products are the absolute best product on the market for encouraging an abundant milk supply.