Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Spradlin.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was a first-time mom, I saw how my friends and people in the community were struggling with the transition of adding a baby into their lives. Moms and dads at playgroups and community events would start up conversations when they saw me feeding my own baby. I got a reputation for being helpful and knowing about community resources. Eventually, people started asking if I could help their friends and family on a professional level. I decided to start my training in lactation healthcare and opened my business in 2011.
Lactation and feeding support include all other aspects of postpartum recovery and infant care. If the baby isn’t eating well, sleeping and pooping, and crying and schedules and family routines will all suffer. Lactation is a vital sign for postpartum people. If lactation isn’t working out, the parent needs more healthcare. Supporting families in feeding their babies seemed like the most holistic way to help parents enjoy their babies and care for themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Lactation healthcare has logistical and legal challenges. It’s also an industry that evokes a lot of emotion. I am an internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. That international certification is considered the highest qualification for this work yet it isn’t recognized nationally or by all states with licensure. Not all health insurance companies recognize the credential either. This causes a lot of confusion about the work I do and what patients expect when getting care.
The way we feed babies is often considered a volatile topic. There can be a lot of judgment and shame around how parents, especially mothers, feed their babies. Occasionally I’ll get a terribly rude comment about my profession being cruel and pushy, unnecessary, stupid, or useless. There are plenty of people who have unfortunate healthcare experiences such that they have justifiable frustration with lactation healthcare. This is an obstacle that will repeat over and over throughout my career. I have to be able to navigate the valid negative feelings people have around my work and help them access care that suits their families’ goals best.
As you know, we’re big fans of Oasis Lactation Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Most people think a lactation consultant helps you latch the baby to the breast, chest, or nipple. I’m very proud that my company brings much more to our patients. We provide comprehensive feeding support for bottle feeding both human milk and formula, using cups and straws, weaning onto solid foods, and weaning off direct nursing when the time is right. I have a special interest in children with oral motor challenges caused by tongue ties, prematurity, birth trauma, and genetics.
Low milk supply is pervasive in our culture for a variety of reasons. I place a strong emphasis on postpartum nutrition, rest, and movement for better recovery after birth. A healthy parent is much more likely to make milk than a parent who is depleted. Feeding plans for moms (and dads too) are part of my care plans. Screening for postpartum complications like abnormal bleeding, change in thyroid function, and postpartum mood disorders are standard for my practice.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
People sometimes need permission from themselves to change.
Parenting choices can feel heavy, and most of us are afraid of judgment. I keep checking in with patients to see how their goals are changing. I love making lists of things that are working and are failing. You don’t have to do things that make you miserable! Letting go of guilt and giving yourself permission to thrive is a game changer.
Pricing:
- Insurance may cover home, office, and telehealth for multiple visits
- Office visit: $180
- Home visit: $240
- Telehealth visit: $120
- Free monthly support group
Contact Info:
- Website: oasislactationservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasislactationservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisLactationServices
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OasisLactationServices
