I found out that my daughter Amia had a lip tie when she was a few months old. I was advised by a different IBCLC not to revise it because it didn’t seem to be causing any issues with nursing. When Amia was 15 months or so, we discovered several cavities on her front teeth, and I realized they were probably caused by the lip tie. So, we went on the hunt for a provider who could revise her tie and for an IBCLC that could support us through that process. I was concerned that Amia might wean early after the revision. I wanted to make sure we had an IBCLC who could help an older baby learn to latch correctly after revision and who understood about the impact ties can have on not only breastfeeding but other issues as well (speech, cavities, etc.).

Luckily, Diane not only recognized Amia’s tie and the impact it was having on us, but she was super supportive and met with us multiple times (and answered countless emailed questions!) to help Amia learn to latch better. Amia is a sensitive child and has always been uncomfortable around people she doesn’t know well, and Diane was so gentle and patient with her, never forcing her to do anything she didn’t want to and always striving to make her feel as comfortable as possible by respecting her boundaries.

I was so grateful, too, that Diane acknowledged that Amia might have some sensory issues (which no one else seemed to believe) and put me in touch with someone who could provide additional support for that.

Over a year later (at nearly three years old), Amia still nurses — I credit our ability to continue this long to Diane and the support and education Diane has provided us.

— Karina​