Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding offers crucial nutrition that is important for growth and development for infants from birth to one year and even beyond. However, like any new skill, many breastfeeding parents and their babies often require guidance and support.


Breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging, as it involves adapting to new routines, understanding the baby's cues, and overcoming any obstacles that may arise. With the right resources and encouragement, parents can cultivate a fulfilling breastfeeding experience that benefits both them and their baby.



We will do our best at Fort Wayne Pediatrics to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. We provide support for any questions you may have along your breastfeeding journey.

Sleeping baby cradled in an adult’s arms, wearing a white onesie on a bed

Some Areas We Can Provide Guidance On

  • Latching/Positioning your baby at the breast
  • Caring for your breasts and nipples
  • Assessing milk transfer
  • Bottle feeding difficulties
  • Assembling and using a breast pump, including sizing for the right size flange
  • Evaluating and helping manage low milk supply
  • Returning to work/school while breastfeeding
  • Tongue ties and neck tension/torticollis related to breastfeeding
  • Transitioning baby from bottle to breast
  • NICU bottle feeding to breast
  • Evaluating suck disfunction
  • Traveling and breastfeeding
  • Problem shooting latch/nursing problems
  • Teething while breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding premature babies or transitioning from NICU to breastfeeding
  • Managing slow weight gain babies
  • Getting a free insurance pump
  • Breastfeeding twins/multiples
  • Breastfeeding babies with special medical needs such as cleft palate, low tone, Down Syndrome, and heart conditions
  • Managing medications, medical tests or surgery while breastfeeding
  • Gassy baby
  • Reflux, dairy allergy or lactose overload issues
  • Choking at the breast, fighting the breast, or oversupply issues
  • Weaning

What to Expect at Your Lactation Appointment

Fort Wayne Pediatrics offers Lactation Appointments with our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) right in our office.



  • The lactation consultant will review your medical history, pregnancy, birth, and any past issues.
  • You will need to bring your baby with you to the visit; we will always get an updated weight on baby.
  • The baby should be ready to feed if possible, during your appointment.
  • Bring any breastfeeding/feeding equipment currently being used or were given: such as breast pump and parts, bottle, nipple shield (if applicable), or anything else you want.
  • Nursing pillows are available, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
  • We can help with both breastfeeding or bottle-feeding/pumping needs.
  • The consult will take place in our comfortable Lactation Room off of POD A.
  • Visits are up to 60 minutes (billed through baby's insurance).
A Note on Mastitis

Please contact your PCP or OBGYN right away if you're experiencing breast pain along with fever, chills, and redness. These are signs and symptoms of a breast infection (mastitis) and shouldn't wait for a scheduled visit.

Meet Your In-Office Lactation Consultant

Kristi is a Fort Wayne native who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bethel College. She spent 15 years as an RN at Lutheran Hospital, specializing in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn Nursery, and Lactation, with additional experience in the NICU. During that time, she also took on a deeply meaningful role providing photography for families experiencing newborn loss, compassionately capturing irreplaceable moments for over a decade.


Kristi went on to develop a Lactation Program at Women's Health Advantage before joining Fort Wayne Pediatrics, where she now leads the Lactation Program and serves as Community Outreach Coordinator. She also manages the practice's marketing, social media, and website.



Outside of work, Kristi is a professional photographer and videographer, serves as Communication Director at her church, and enjoys life with her husband, two children, and their golden retriever. She loves all things Disney—especially The Little Mermaid—and exploring new creative hobbies.

Smiling woman with hair pulled back, wearing a light gray top, against a softly blurred background

Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, I am here to help with any and all questions or concerns you may have related to feeding your baby. One-on-one office visits are billed through your baby's insurance and co-signed by one of our pediatricians in office.

Kangaroo Klub Mama’s Group poster with kangaroo and joey, every Thursday 1:30pm–2:30pm for feeding support

Kangaroo Klub Mama's Group

Kristi's free Moms' Feeding Support Group, meeting Thursdays 1:30–2:30pm in our community room. Covers infant weight checks, breastfeeding support, and all things baby. Open to any mom with a baby. You don't have to be an FWP patient.

Breastfeeding class poster with a mother nursing a baby, in soft blue and pink tones

Expectant Parent Breastfeeding Class

These classes led by Kristi, our in-office IBCLC, helps expecting parents prepare for breastfeeding before baby arrives, covering what to expect in those early feeding days and how to get off to a good start.

Ready to Schedule?

Call us at (260) 490-7337 to book a lactation appointment, a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class, or to ask any questions about Kangaroo Klub.