About & FAQ

ABOUT SHANNON

I am an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
I am also a Registered Nurse (RN). In addition to my
15 years of board-certified expertise managing complex lactation situations, I bring 15 more years of neonatal nursing experience
working with newborns (well-born, premature, and sick).
Cumulatively, that is decades of experience nursing families back to health and 28 years of experience caring for people.

My mission is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding throughout the Brazos Valley. I desire to help you enjoy breastfeeding!

I've already helped thousands of mothers and babies to
enjoy their breastfeeding relationship and I can help you, too.

Shannon Sweet, RN, IBCLC

(Click on the buttons below to learn more about me.)

(Read on to learn more about a Consultation with me.)

ABOUT CONSULTATION

What Kind of Things Can You Help Me With?

MATERNAL Things Like:

Breast Pain
Breast Surgery
Breast Injury
Breastfeeding during Pregnancy,
Breastfeeding during Surgery or Illness
Engorgement
Induced/Adoptive Lactation
Low Milk Supply
Mastitis
Medication Use
Multiples (Twins, triplets, or more)
Nipple Pain
Nipple Injury
Over-supply
Plugged Ducts
Prenatal Preparation & Planning
Pumping
Re-lactation
Returning to Work
Tandem Breastfeeding
and more...

Or, INFANT Things Like:

Daycare Feeding Routines
Excessive Weight Loss
Failure to Gain Weight
Illness
Latch Difficulty / Slow Feeding
Nipple Confusion
Oral/Facial Abnormality
Premature Birth
Slow Weight Gain
Solid Foods
Suck Difficulty
Teething / Biting
Weaning
and more...

Do You Come to My House?

No. I provide my relaxed, infant-centered consultations at my home-like facility in Bryan. (I am the yellow house located at the corner of Villa Maria and Nash (in the Blinn College area.)

How Much Does it Cost?

Click HERE to learn more about cost and other FAQs.

What Happens During a Consultation?

I listen, ask questions, examine both you and baby, and observe you feed or pump. Then, I utilize my experience to identify the source of your problems and recommend solutions that are consistent with current, evidence-based, lactation practices. I want you to feel confident with your feeding plan.

Please Explain More About What is Included in a Consultation?

Your questions and/or concerns are fully discussed.
There is a comprehensive review of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum history, as well as many lactational specific aspects of your health.
Your baby can be is undressed and weighed on a medical-grade scale.
Your breasts are examined and your baby's mouth is closely evaluated for sucking function.
A feeding is observed and assistance with latch is provided as desired, and/or indicated.
Your baby may be weighed before and after the feeding to learn precisely how much milk your baby drank from your breast during the feeding.
Suggestions for improvements are made.
A feeding plan of care is decided upon in order for you to meet your breastfeeding goals.
A complete report of the visit is sent to both your doctor and to your baby's doctor.
Follow-up communication (relevant to the initial consultation) is always included at no additional charge.

Why Do You Practice Privately Instead of at a Hospital or Clinic?

The main reason is so that I can spend more time with you. I deliberately schedule the amount of time it often requires to thoroughly help you feed your baby (up to 1 to 2 hours per visit) and identify the barriers making your breastfeeding difficult.

Do You Know Shannon Sanford, RN, IBCLC?

Yes, I do. That is (was) me. 'Sanford' was my former last name.

Are You Associated with Basics for Breastfeeding or Wee Little Me?

At one time, yes, Sweet Lactation first operated
under the name, Wee Little Me (part of Basics for Breastfeeding).

I Still Have More Questions?
Click HERE to see my FAQ page.

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

An IBCLC is someone who is:

Knowledgeable and experienced to whom mothers and other health professionals turn to when skilled assistance is required
Competent to assist mothers with establishing and sustaining breastfeeding, even in the midst of difficulties and high-risk situations
Experienced in a wide variety of complex breastfeeding situations
Recognized the world over as possessing the only standardized, board-certified, credential available
A health care specialist who has completed thousands of clinical hours helping mothers and babies breastfeed and has completed additional training about Human Lactation before passing a rigorous certification exam
Required to abide by Standards of Practice and to practice within a Code of Ethics
A specialist who will work together with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems
Skilled in using a problem-solving approach to provide appropriate information, recommendations and referrals
Prepared to educates families, health professionals and policy makers about the far-reaching and long-lasting value of breastfeeding
Able to help you whether you need basic information prenatally, assistance in the hospital, help with breastfeeding, or guidance to prepare for your return to work