Interviewing all the time is a crazy concept. When you're a new doula I don't think you fully swallow the scope of this part of our work. But as you do it a lot, what's crazy is, I don't know if I'm just meeting another stranger I'll never see again, or am I meeting a woman I'll share one of the most significant, challenging & spiritually transformative experience of her life & mine. We go through so much together, so much. Wow. And it all begins over an innocent cup of tea.

When I took my lactation counselor certification training they talked about horses, zebras and unicorns. Meaning, most breastfeeding issues are "horses" and are pretty basic, and we should check for those first. Then there are the zebras, which are a little harder and you have to be pretty careful to not treat the situation as a horse and send mom off without what she needs when her issue is more complex. Then there are the unicorns, those very rare, hardly ever seen out of the text book cases that may really need an expert expert to solve. That is when an IBCLC, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is often useful to bring into the mix. 

I have lots of breastfeeding experience spanning over 14 years and I've helped many moms with a wide range of breastfeeding challenges. However, there are some cases that I need to refer to the big guns, the IBCLCs. I am going to add to this blog post with some names. Just right now I'm off to a birth. More later!

And I'm back. Actually two new babies wiser that I was lucky enough to witness coming into the world! Below is a listing of some great breastfeeding people:

Leigh Anne O'Conner IBCLC, [email protected] phone: (917) 596-3646
Ina Bransome as an IBCLC. Her number is 646-708-5427
Susan Berger, IBCLC (917) 912-8066 - [email protected]

xo
M

In addition to the names on my resource list, below is a longer list of counselors and/or therapists who are experienced with postpartum blues and/or depression. It is normal to feel challenged as a new parent. This stress is very specific and its important that you get the appropriate help. If you know a great provider who isn't on this list, feel free to email me their contact info to add on. 

The following mental health clinics accept patients with Medicaid. If you do not see a clinic in or near your neighborhood, call 1-(800)LIFENET to speak with an operator who can help you find one. 

Bay Ridge Counseling Center / Jewish Board (accepts patients of all faiths and religious backgrounds)
9435 Ridge Blvd (Bay Ridge)
718.238.6444

Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers, Inc
clinics located in Williamsburg/Greenpoint, Flatbush/Sheepshead, Canarsie, Bushwick, and Brooklyn Heights
718.875.5625 
www.bpcinc.org

Dyker Heights National Neighborhood Counseling Center
7701 13th Avenue
718.232.1351

Park Slope Center for Mental Health
348 13th Street
718.788.2461
www.parkslopecenter.org

Psych Inc.
1669 Bedford Avenue (Prospect Heights)
718.467.7200