The first days with a newborn can feel like a blur. You want feeding to work, you want sleep to happen, and you want reassurance that your baby is getting enough.
Many parents start Googling “pediatricians near me” because they need answers fast, not a long lecture. That is exactly why our lactation program exists. We give you clear steps, calm coaching, and a plan that fits your family.
At Pediatric Associates of Savannah, our Little Bird Lactation team is led by Dr. Brandy Gheesling, a pediatrician who is also a Board Certified Breastfeeding Medicine Physician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She is also a Mom that breastfed her three children. That combination gives you medical insight plus practical, mom-tested strategies in one room.
You do not have to bounce between providers to solve a feeding problem.
Why expert lactation support changes the first weeks
Feeding is more than latch and milk. It is sleep, growth, maternal recovery, and confidence. The right support early keeps small challenges from turning into stress spirals. We focus on the basics that matter most:
- Proper positioning and latch to eliminate painful latches and improve milk transfer
- Realistic feeding rhythms so you are not guessing every hour
- Clear ways to track intake and output
You leave understanding how to meet your feeding goals for your baby.
What happens during a Little Bird Lactation visit
A full, baby-first assessment
We review birth history, feeding patterns, maternal history, feeding goals, diaper counts, and weight trends. Then we observe a feed. By observing a feed we can help to ensure the baby gets the best latch possible.
Hands-on coaching that respects comfort
We demonstrate small adjustments, then help you try them until they feel natural. If pumping is part of your plan, we can determine the proper flange size, review pump settings and come up with a pumping plan.
A written plan you can trust
You leave with step-by-step guidance tailored to your feeding goals for your baby.
Common problems we solve every day
- Painful latch
- Low supply questions
- Oversupply and fast letdown
- Lazy feeders
- Combination feeding plans that protect supply while introducing bottles
- Medication questions
- If a tongue tie is suspected, we can evaluate your baby in office
Support that fits Savannah families
Back to work without losing your rhythm
We help you build a pumping schedule that matches real life, not a fantasy office day with endless breaks. Storage guidance, bottle sizes, and caregiver tips are all part of the plan so feeds stay smooth while you are away.
Multiples need a different playbook
Twins and triplets are a joy and a logistics puzzle. We can teach tandem options, efficient switching techniques, and realistic ways to rest between feeds so you protect both your milk and your sanity.
Growth checks that reassure everyone
Because you are in a pediatric practice, weight and feeding plans align. That means less back and forth and more focused action. If we need to pivot, we do it quickly with your baby’s growth data in front of us.
Why a pediatrician IBCLC model helps
You get clinical context with practical tools. If reflux, allergies, jaundice, or weight trends complicate feeding, we can sort out what is lactation, what is medical, and what to do first.
That integrated approach reduces appointments and shortens the time from problem to solution. It also means your questions about medications, maternal health, or baby’s overall wellness can be addressed in the same visit.
What to try at home tonight
- Hold baby tummy to tummy with nose level to the nipple. Aim the nipple up toward the nose so the chin leads.
- Wait for a wide yawn, bring baby to you, and keep the body snug and aligned.
- Try breast compressions during active sucking to boost transfer.
- If pumping, check flange fit. A good fit feels comfortable and keeps the nipple centered without rubbing.
- Track a simple set of signals: number of wet diapers, audible swallows during feeds, and a relaxed body after eating.
These small adjustments often unlock better feeds quickly.
For partners and support people
Your role matters. Offer water, adjust pillows, and handle burp breaks. Help track diaper counts and intervals without turning it into a scoreboard. Protect quiet time for skin to skin. Take the baby or do things around the house so Mom can get some rest. These supportive moves make a real difference.
How to know it is time to see us
- Persistent latch pain
- Concerns about intake, few wet diapers, or sluggish weight gain
- Long feeds that end with a hungry, frustrated baby
- Pumping confusion or output that is not matching goals
- Planning a return to work and needing a concrete routine
Parents who search “pediatricians near me” are usually looking for fast, reliable help. We built Little Bird Lactation to give you exactly that, from first latch to confident feeding.
Find support that respects your goals
You do not need a perfect plan to start. You need a supportive team, clear steps, and follow-up that adapts to your baby and your life. Our clinicians meet you where you are, whether you are breastfeeding exclusively, pumping and bottle feeding, or combining methods that keep your family rested and thriving.
Ready to feel more confident at every feed. Find a location near you and book a visit with our lactation team: https://pedsav.com/pediatric-associates-of-savannah-locations/
Tell us what has been hardest and what you want most. We will watch a feed, make comfortable adjustments, and build a plan that turns stress into steady progress.
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