Breastfeeding can promote healthy growth and development, life-long protection against serious disease, and special bonding opportunities between mother and child.
The process can also present its fair share of challenges, including:
- Breast Engorgement
- Poor Breastfeeding Latch
Tongue Tie
- Difficulties with milk supply
- Nipple pain
- Nipple confusion
- Clogged Milk Duct
- Mastitis (Breast Infection)
- Inadequate infant weight gain
- Infant fussiness at the breast
- Inverted nipples
- Premature births
- Nursing after breast surgery
- The need to re-initiate lactation
A certified lactation consultant can help new and expectant mothers overcome these challenges and achieve their breastfeeding goals. They are essential members of the maternal-infant care team.
According to the CDC, 81% of babies start out being breastfed, but only 22% are still exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months of age. For this reason, it is recommended that consultations begin before childbirth in order to ensure success every step along your breastfeeding journey. 
Watson Clinic registered nurse practitioner Wendi Johnson, APRN is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with specialized training in providing high-quality breastfeeding care for new mothers and their babies.
Working alongside board-certified Gynecologist John R. Ellington, Jr., MD, Ms. Johnson provides lactation support to parents during prenatal and postpartum care, creates a smoother transition from hospital to home, and empowers breastfeeding success through every challenge along the way.
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Ms. Johnson is a member of an elite group of specialists who are:
- Recognized as possessing the only standardized, board-certified lactation credential available
- Knowledgeable about up-to-date evidence-based practices
- Experienced in a wide variety of complex breastfeeding situations
- Competent to assist mothers with establishing and sustaining breastfeeding, even in the midst of difficulties and high-risk situations that can arise
- Sensitive to the needs of both mothers and children as they work to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals
Consultations with Ms. Johnson are now available from her office at the Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building at 1755 N. Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Call 863-680-7243 for more information and to schedule an appointment.