In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast, Margaret Salty reconnects with her former student, Aviva, a speech pathologist and lactation consultant who works on the cleft team and in the developmental clinic at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Together, they explore Aviva’s journey into lactation consulting, how her dual expertise enhances her work with families, and the intersection of speech pathology and lactation.

Cleft Palate Care and Lactation:

Aviva shares how her role on a cleft team incorporates her lactation expertise, from feeding evaluations to supporting parents navigating the challenges of cleft palate and lip. She discusses the tools, techniques, and strategies used to address these unique cases.

The Importance of Connection:

Aviva highlights how building strong relationships with families is key to long-term success, whether in speech pathology or lactation consulting. She reflects on how her own experiences as a mother and professional have shaped her approach to patient care.

Pathways to IBCLC Certification:

Aviva and Margaret discuss the different pathways to becoming an IBCLC, with a focus on the Pathway 2 program that Aviva completed, emphasizing the benefits of combining lactation education with clinical experience.

Advice for Aspiring Lactation Consultants:

Aviva offers valuable advice for those considering a career in lactation consulting, particularly for speech pathologists looking to expand their expertise into feeding and breastfeeding support.

Aviva’s story demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the value of bringing unique perspectives to lactation care. Whether you’re a student, a new IBCLC, or a seasoned professional, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiration to grow in your practice.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants by Catherine Watson Genna

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Connect with Me:

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to Margaret at [insert website link] or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @margaretsalty
• Facebook: Margaret Salty’s IBCLC Community

Credits:

• Hosted by: Margaret Salty
• Guest: Aviva Moss
• Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationSupport #CleftCare #SpeechPathology #BreastfeedingSupport #IBCLCMentorPodcast #LactationMentor #MargaretSalty