Being prepared reduces stress. A good class will make you feel empowered to face a challenge.

Joyful Start currently offers three specialized classes.

• Prenatal  Breastfeeding - We offer a prenatal breastfeeding class that focuses on normal expectations. Learn More

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• Back to work - Before you head back work while breastfeeding we can teach you about guarding your milk supply, avoiding mastitis  & we’ll provide you with helpful hints & tips about pumping. Learn More
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• Pre-tie release - If you are scheduling your baby for a tongue tie release it is imperative you are fully prepared for that complicated event.  Joyful Start offers a pre-tie release. Learn More

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are the gold standard in breastfeeding support.   The pathway to the IBCLC exam is strenuous, requiring a minimum of 1000 hour of supervised training and 90 hours of approved credited course work.  The IBCLC certification exam is one test worldwide.  IBCLC defines the one standard of expertise.  Don’t be fooled by made up titles – IBCLC is the only professional standard recognized worldwide.  A visit with an IBCLC gives you an entire professional interaction.  It should include a medical history review & a breast physical assessment, a review of any medications you ingest, open communication with your primary care provider and the development of a shared care plan.  Good IBCLC support also includes follow up phone contact.

Pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding are all physical challenges.  Your body needs to feel nurtured as you care for your infant.  Massage allows for recovery, for relaxation.  It allows for a block of time during which the focus will be totally on the person receiving the massage, time when nothing else will distract or be the priority.  Physical kinks will be relaxed, as well as energetic blockages released.

Joyful Start offers three Ankyloglossia services:

 Initial Tie Assessments   (full breastfeeding assessment & oral tie assessment)

 Pre Tie Release Classes    (focus on infant comfort & post release wound care)

Post Tie Release follow up (focus on suck retraining & supply management)

If you are having any ongoing pain related to breastfeeding your baby’s oral anatomy should be assessed. Breastfeeding should be blissful….  it should be comfortable ! Pain is never normal -- Any discomfort merits an evaluation by a skilled lactation professional!   Before any breastfeeding advice is given, an exam should always be done by someone who is both educated & experienced in tongue tie assessment.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you should be fine because your latch “looks great”.  They need to ask you how it feels!  Comfort is attainable, and is the goal!

These oral / tie assessment skills are advanced practice, expertise you will find with few breastfeeding supporters. Our founder, Joy Funston RN IBCLC RLC, is an active Gold Level member of IATP – The International Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals. Joy is the only International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Virginia who holds this membership.

If your baby requires a referral on to a medical provider for a tie release Joy can expedite that appointment. She regularly refers to the highest rated tie experts within the Virginia / Maryland region. These preferred providers trust Joy’s assessment skills, and will normally expedite an appointment based upon her recommendation.

Breastfeeding is literally the production & sharing of food for your baby.  Your own diet, including hydration, provides you the strength & reserve needed to create milk for your baby.  You need specific help with proper nutrition, including shopping tips & menu planning ideas,  to support & recover from your pregnancy and to produce wonderful milk.