Learn From a Local Expert About Lactation Support: Patricia Smith, OTR IBCLC
Photo by Beth Skogen Photography
You know that David Letterman show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction? I feel like that would be a good title for this blog for those of us who do birth, postpartum and breastfeeding support in Madison, but my intention is to spread the word far and wide for families who DON’T yet know Patty, because as far as I’m concerned her phone number should come standard on postpartum discharge paperwork in case breastfeeding hits any major type of hurdle! While Patty does many types of therapy, she is probably best known in Madison as a leading expert in lactation support, who specializes in helping babies and parents who are having feeding challenges, especially the complicated cases. Her rare combination of training and experience leaves her unmatched in terms of the care she can provide. Read on to learn more about what Patty does.
1) Could you please tell me a little bit about your background and what led you to OT and lactation?
I have been an occupational therapist for the past 27 years with most of my time spent in pediatrics. I have worked in a variety of settings from hospital NICU to inpatient and out-patient hospital settings and birth to three programs. I decided to start a private practice shortly after moving to Madison and having two small children, because I liked how much time I could spend with my clients and use my variety of skills. My work has always had a strong focus on feeding so weaving in lactation was a perfect fit. After nursing my two babes with a variety of hiccups along the way, I gained a lot of perspective both as a therapist and a mom. Occupational therapist are educated on a variety of skills in early sensory and motor development that can be very beneficial for helping babies with early feeding and nursing skills. I became a CLC first and then completed the hours and training to become an IBCLC. For the past 10 years I have been able to offer my clients a full collaboration of services in one session.
2) You have a private practice in Monona, how does your lactation work differ from the support families may get in the hospital or clinic?
When families come to see me, they not only receive a lactation visit, but a full oral motor assessment, a developmental assessment looking at sensory and motor markers for their age and body- based therapy. I use home programs so that parents can do activities at home playfully with their babies to help them to succeed. If mom is having difficulty with breast health or any other therapy issues, these are addressed as well. That is the beauty of being an OT and LC combined. You can do a variety of treatments to help the dyad make progress without having them attend many other appointments.
3) Why is tummy time so important for babies?
Tummy Time is both an important assessment tool as it is a treatment tool. It can give me a good idea of what is going on with posture for the baby’s age as well detect any tightness or weakness that may affect feeding. Any asymmetry can affect feeding greatly making it difficult for latching, stamina or milk transfer. Tummy time is also so important for oral motor and overall tongue function. It is part of every home program.
4) You're known as an expert in oral tethers, what makes helping these babies so challenging?
Oral tethers are the big buzz right now. There is much information about what to do. The main issue with tethers and getting them revised is timing. Just because a baby has them doesn’t mean they need to be released immediately. A good assessment of oral motor and other factors are good to achieve so that baby continues to improve. Pre-therapy is important so optimal skills are gained. I use a variety of assessment tools to help with this process and try to assist the dyad when timing is best to get the most optimal short and long-term outcomes.
5) Any overall words of wisdom or encouragement for those preparing for or new to breastfeeding?
Follow your instincts. We live in a culture where we look to others for what’s best for our babies when we have the best sense for what they need. Get support and give yourself a lot of encouragement. Parenting is hard-work but rewarding.