Birthing Stone Doula is so excited to have Lotus Lactation sharing our location with us in Beaverton! Megan Maltby is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), leads our parent groups and offers classes for moms planning to breastfeed, working moms, and support for families no matter their feeding preferences! We’re so excited to have breastfeeding support in house and on the Westside of Portland!
My name is: Megan Maltby
My profession is: I am a LEAARC Certified Lactation Counselor, and am currently finishing up my
clinical training credits needed to sit for the international board exam. Once I pass this exam, I will be an IBCLC, or board certified lactation consultant!
How did you get started as a Lactation Consultant?
The birth of my daughter (almost five years ago) first sparked my interest in the birth community. At the time we lived in the Bay Area and I was going to a new parent group every Wednesday which was led by an IBCLC. She was incredibly knowledgeable and confident. When my daughter was 4 months old, I began my research on how to become an IBCLC and started buying breastfeeding books, magazines and journals. I attended online seminars and reached out to local IBCLCs in Portland for tips and advice.
In my research I found that I would need to take a Pathway 2 approach to becoming an IBCLC and even though there are few schools that offer this education pathway in the US, I found that there was a private school here in Portland that did. My husband and my parents both live in Tigard and since we were planning on moving to Portland in the future, it seemed like such a great time to not only move but to apply for the Lactation Program. Some more research, applications, questions, interviews and walkthroughs later I was accepted into the Pathway 2 Program at Birthingway College of Midwifery.
Fast-forward through 1.5 years of schooling and practicum (350+ hours), a CLC certificate and a graduation in the education of human lactation I was finally eligible to sit for the IBLCE board exam. It was during this time I met Tiffany the founder of Birthing Stone and began to rent an office in her studio as their in-house lactation specialist. For the next 9 months I was studying for the boards and practicing as a Breastfeeding Counselor. The passing of this exam would mean I would be an IBCLC. After many stressful months of studying for the exam and almost 3 stressful months of waiting for the results, I finally got confirmation that I passed and was now an IBCLC!
What I want people to know about the service I offer:
I offer in-home appointments, as well as email and phone support, in addition to offering the prenatal breastfeeding class (free to Birthing Stone clients!) and leading the new parent and working mom groups.
Many families see a lactation consultant in the hospital after the baby comes- in a few words, can you tell us the benefit of in-home lactation visits?
In-home lactation consults typically last significantly longer than what is standard at any given hospital. I personally spend around 1.5 hours per appointment in-home. It allows me more time to answer breastfeeding questions and concerns and allows me to thoroughly assist with latch and positioning which eliminates discomfort and confusion. I provide close follow-up to ensure clients are continuing in their desired breastfeeding direction and can thoroughly and thoughtfully assess a feed.
A huge draw for parents is the elimination of prepping a newborn and a newly postpartum mama for another trip out of the house, especially with how many appointments follow the birth of a baby already. Parents in the comfort of their own home have access to their kitchen and bathroom during appointments and don’t need to do anything out of their normal routine.
One thing I have noticed in the time I have been providing lactation care is that infants typically tend to preform how they would normally at home as opposed to an office visit where they can get overstimulated.
Having gone through years of schooling and hands on experience training, what’s one thing that has surprised you or that you’ve come to have a new perspective on?
I think I will forever continue to be amazed at the body of a woman. It births life and sustains life inside and outside of it for years. It is resilient, reliable and tough. I have always valued the human body but being enthralled into the birthing community for the last few years has given me even more admiration in its processes and unrelenting beauty. Not only that but the mind of a women who becomes a mother changes instantly and grows beyond measure. It is truly fascinating and magnificent to watch the transitions.
I support new families by: I support new families by offering unbiased, evidence based support. I am
here to help reach goals and provide information regarding the new breastfeeding research that
comes out each day.
1 or 2 myths about Breastfeeding & Lactation Consultants
Myth #1: A baby who nurses around the clock isn’t getting enough breastmilk. FALSE! It is not
uncommon for a newborn (or even an older baby) to want to nurse often. Along with sustenance,
being at the breast offers them warmth, heart rate regulation, state regulation and bonding.
Myth #2: Lactation Consultants are only ‘pro boob’ and won’t be supportive of my feeding choices
away from the breast. FALSE! I support families throughout their entire feeding career, no matter
what that looks like. I am here to offer unbiased support, evidence based knowledge and
thoughtful alternative care.
1-2 things I’ve learned from being a parent:
Have a sense of humor, no matter the situation. Being a parent is messy, tiring and wonderful;
sometimes all at the same time.
My babies will not be babies forever! I remember take the time to cuddle my daughter (3.5yrs)
when she falls asleep on me, take pictures to remember the days and cherish the smiles and
laughs wholeheartedly.
My favorite place to go, or thing to do on vacation is: My family and I enjoy camping throughout the
PNW! Most weekends you can find us kayaking, fishing, swimming or hiking.
An important thing I want you to know about me is:
I am constantly striving to better myself as a person and within my career. I enjoy research, case
studies and peer-reviewed articles to keep up to date. I enjoy meeting new dyads and creating
relationships with care providers in the area in order to gain a better understanding of their
practices and how they may support the breastfeeding relationship.
Random fun fact: I enjoy kickboxing in my spare time.
To contact me:
Mobile: (925) 785-8180
megan@lactationpdx.com
Location: 12400 SW 1st St., Beaverton, Or 97005 (in Birthing Stone Doula!)
Links to research that supports moms and babies:
www.KellyMom.com
www.WHO.com
Getting to know:
www.LaLecheLeague.org