Piscataquis County’s lactation consultants provide breastfeeding support to families

Breastfeeding is more successful when moms and babies are well supported. Lactation counselors at Northern Light Health Center, Sangerville and Northern Light Mayo Hospital are available to help individuals and families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during breastfeeding/lactation.

Bryanne (Bry) Lovell, OTR/L, CLC, Northern Light Health Center, Sangerville, was recently certified as a Certified Lactation Counselor by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice.

As the only CLC who is also a pediatric occupational therapist in Piscataquis County, Lovell is uniquely positioned to care for infants who have torticollis, a twisted or rotated neck condition that can make breastfeeding difficult, as well as other common developmental and sensory issues.

“If your newborn is having issues with feeding it can be daunting, and it’s my job to make that journey as easy as possible for the family,” says Lovell. “Gentle, hands-on infant therapy can help eliminate problems with feeding, whether by breast or by bottle. With the right care and support, many moms and babies can overcome their challenges with feeding.”

While Lovell offers breastfeeding support in tandem with occupational therapy services, Northern Light Mayo Hospital provides breastfeeding support in the hospital and in the days after patients and families settle in at home. Jessica Thibodeau, RN, BSN, IBCLC, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, provides lactation support throughout the breastfeeding journey. Thibodeau has eight years of experience and became board certified in 2020.

“The best way to achieve long term breastfeeding success is to have access to ongoing breastfeeding support,” she says. “I encourage all individuals who are breastfeeding to ask as many questions as possible. We can work through any questions and concerns together.”

Lovell and Thibodeau are available to answer questions and provide breastfeeding support. To connect with Lovell at Northern Light Health Center, Sangerville, please call 207-876-2918. Thibodeau is located at Northern Light Mayo Hospital and can be reached at 207-564-4292.