Breastfeeding Support in Boise: Complete Guide for New Moms (Updated 2025)

“I had no idea breastfeeding would be so hard.”

As a photographer who specializes in newborn and family portraits, I hear this phrase from nearly every new mom I work with. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, each breastfeeding journey comes with its own unique challenges. Having navigated three different nursing experiences myself, I can tell you that knowing where to find help makes all the difference.

The good news? Breastfeeding support in Boise has significantly improved since my first son was born over a decade ago. Our Treasure Valley community now offers comprehensive resources for nursing families, from lactation consultants who make house calls to peer support groups that meet you exactly where you are.

Why You Need Breastfeeding Support in Boise

Even if breastfeeding seems to be going well, connecting with local lactation support in that first week can prevent problems before they start. Professional help assists with proper positioning, evaluates your baby’s latch, and ensures your little one is gaining weight appropriately.

If you’re experiencing challenges – pain, poor latch, concerns about milk supply, or a fussy baby – don’t wait. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to get back on track.

Lactation Consultants in Boise

Family Seasons: Lynnelle King, IBCLC

Website: family-seasons.com
Contact: (208) 856-0564
Services: expert lactation support, prenatal and postnatal care, as well as CranioSacral Therapy
Office Location: 457 S FITNESS PL EAGLE, ID ZIP 83616
Insurance: Check with office for current coverage

Why Families Love Lynnelle: “Lynnelle and the team at Family Seasons saved my breastfeeding relationship with my second child. We were dealing with weight gain and milk pulling issues and now baby is thriving and we are exclusively breastfeeding. And their guidance is the only reason we succeeded.”

With over 30 years of experience and 8 children of her own, Lynnelle combines advanced lactation support with craniosacral therapy – a powerful combination for complex nursing challenges.

My Own Experience: I found Lynelle after all my own babies were done nursing, but you can’t ask for someone kinder to work with your baby. The entire team at Family Seasons is so warm and welcoming – and if you visit be sure to look for Glean & Co breastfeeding art on their walls and our Fed, With Love coffee table book in their waiting room!

Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment in Boise

Tongue and lip ties are much more common than many parents realize. If your baby has difficulty latching, makes clicking sounds while nursing, or you’re experiencing pain despite “good” positioning, a tie evaluation should be on your list. 2 out of my 3 babies suffered from tongue ties and having them released allowed us to have a successful breastfeeding relationship.

CURRENT PROVIDER UPDATE:

Dr. Joel Whitt – Dental Care for Kids
Website: drbaby2th.com
Contact: (208) 888-7711
Location: 3235 N Towerbridge Way, Suite 200- Meridian, ID 83646
Insurance: Yes, dental coverage typically applies

Dr. Whitt remains the primary pediatric dentist in our area trained in laser tongue tie releases. Dr. Whitt opened Dental Care for Kids in December of 2007 and has years of experience with frenectomies.

Center for Orofacial Myology
Website: centerfororofacialmyology.com
Services: Specializes in craniofacial therapy and craniosacral therapy (CST) to support infants, children, and individuals with craniofacial abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or sensory processing challenges
Specialty: Particularly beneficial for newborns & infants with birth trauma, torticollis, tongue/lip ties, and head asymmetries

Important Note: Recent investigations have raised questions about some tongue tie practices in Boise. Always get multiple opinions for tongue tie diagnosis and ensure you’re working with both a qualified lactation consultant and experienced pediatric dentist.

Out-of-State Options for Complex Cases

When my second son was struggling with severe nursing issues, I looked into options everywhere around the Pacific Northwest. We ultimately saw a tongue tie and breastfeeding specialist in Seattle who had incredible expertise with complex cases. If you’re dealing with ongoing challenges that local providers haven’t been able to resolve, sometimes it’s worth traveling for the right expertise.

The guru of all things tongue tie is Dr. Ghaheri in Portland – he’s widely considered THE expert on the West Coast for tongue tie diagnosis and treatment. His waiting list is typically 8-12 weeks, but for families dealing with severe breastfeeding difficulties, the wait can be worth it. You can find more information about his practice and evidence-based approach at drghaheri.com.

For families considering out-of-state options, I always recommend starting with local evaluation first, but don’t hesitate to seek additional opinions if your instincts tell you something isn’t right.

Craniosacral Therapy for Breastfeeding Support in Boise

Craniosacral therapy can be incredibly helpful for babies who seem tense, have difficulty latching on one side, or experienced birth trauma.

Current Craniosacral Therapy Providers in Boise:

Dominique Tardif at Healing Arts Boise
Website: healingartsboise.abmp.com
Contact: 208-781-0452
Services: Upledger-Certified CranioSacral Therapy
Experience: Local physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, trauma therapists, counselors, naturopaths, nurse practitioners and M.D.s refer their patients to Healing Arts Boise

BoDo Chiropractic ‘
Jenn Dorn & Kyle Blevins’

Website: bodochiro.com
Contact: 208-342-7136
Location: Downtown Boise (405 S 8th St)

Center for Orofacial Myology
Website: centerfororofacialmyology.com
Services: Specializes in craniofacial therapy and craniosacral therapy (CST) to support infants, children, and individuals with craniofacial abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or sensory processing challenges
Specialty: Particularly beneficial for newborns & infants with birth trauma, torticollis, tongue/lip ties, and head asymmetries

My Experience: Craniosacral therapy helped my second son tremendously. The gentle therapy helps tense babies relax, and qualified practitioners provide specific exercises for babies with ties or other restrictions. It’s amazing to watch a tight, uncomfortable baby just melt into relaxation during treatment.

Chiropractic Care for Nursing Support

Bodo Chiropractic

Website: bodochiro.com
Contact: 208-342-7136
Location: Downtown Boise (405 S 8th St)
Providers: Jenn Dorn and Kyle Blevins
Insurance: Yes, and monthly plans available

My Experience: Both Jenn and Kyle are amazing with babies and provide gentle adjustments plus helpful exercises for tight areas affecting nursing. Plus you can see Glean & Co artwork on their walls if you visit!

Hospital-Based Lactation Support

St. Luke’s Health System

Breastfeeding Bunch Support Groups:

Boise Location:

• When: Wednesdays from 10-12 p.m.
• Where: No registration required
• Contact: (208) 381-2592

Meridian Location:

• When: Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
• Where: St. Luke’s Meridian
• Contact: (208) 706-3119

Additional St. Luke’s Locations:
Elmore: (208) 587-8401, ext. 188 • Jerome: (208) 814-3820 • Magic Valley: (208) 814-3820 • McCall: (208) 630-2270 • Nampa: (208) 205-7329 • Wood River: (208) 727-8531

Saint Alphonsus Health System

Breastfeeding Support Groups:

Boise Location:

• When: Free weekly Breastfeeding Support Group Tuesday 11-12
• Where: Saint Alphonsus Family Center 900 N. Liberty St. Ste. 204 Boise, ID 83704
• Contact: 208-367-4063

Nampa Location:

• When: Contact Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Lactation Office in Nampa at 208-205-0238
• Where: Saint Alphonsus Birkeland Maternity Center – Nampa (off the Garrity exit) Haglin Conference Room (1st floor) – 4402 E Flamingo Nampa, ID 83687

Additional Services: St Al’s IBCLC-Certified Lactation Consultants and Lactation Nurses are trained in techniques that increase breastfeeding success and will work with you to prevent or solve any problems you may encounter.

Other Local Resources

Central District Health WIC Program

Services: Classes, support groups, and lactation consultants
Special Program: St. Luke’s Nampa Embraces Innovative Peer Breastfeeding Program – peer counselors provide ongoing support

Modern Way Lactation Consulting

Services: Prenatal and postnatal support in home, over the phone, or virtually
Specialty: Virtual flange-size fittings for pumping moms

Bloom Women’s Health

Dr. Amylia Shayne, FNP-C, DNP & Kathrin Bodine, FNP-C, MSN

Services: Breastfeeding support (non-lactation focused) “personalized, compassionate care that supports her through every stage of her reproductive journey”

Lullaby Waters

“Lullaby Waters is an outpatient occupational therapy clinic that utilizes aquatic therapy for the promotion of overall well-being.”

Specialty: unique on this list as they specialize in aquatic therapy, maternal health and infant services.

Essential Breastfeeding Products

For Oversupply/Leaking:

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump – Still my top recommendation for catching letdown from the opposite breast. Easy to clean, affordable, and effective.

Milkies Milk-Saver – Great for collecting milk while nursing, though watch the 2oz capacity if you have oversupply.

Bottles for Breastfed Babies:

• Como Tomo
• Tommee Tippee
• Lansinoh Momma
• Playtex Ventaire
• Dr. Brown’s (with preemie nipples for slower flow)

Money-Saving Tip: Ask friends to borrow bottles before buying – bottle preferences are very individual! My first son took the first bottle that was offered to him, while my second and third son were much more picky! It took a lot of trial and error to get them to successfully take a bottle.

Books and Online Resources

Recommended Reading:

• The Breastfeeding Bible
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

Essential Websites:

• KellyMom.com – Still the gold standard for evidence-based breastfeeding information
• Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition – Local resources and support

For Low Milk Supply:

• Mother’s Milk Tea (available at most Boise grocery stores)
• Lactation cookies – try the dairy-free recipe on KellyMom
• Local Option: Wildflour Bakery’s Oatmeal Power cookies (addictive but effective!)

When to Seek Help: Red Flags

Don’t wait if you’re experiencing:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve after the first week
• Baby not gaining weight appropriately
• Cracked, bleeding nipples
• Signs of mastitis (fever, flu-like symptoms, red streaks)
• Persistent concerns about milk supply
• Baby seems constantly fussy or unsatisfied

Making the Most of Local Support

Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans now cover lactation consultations at 100%. Both St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus accept most major insurance plans for lactation services.

Don’t Go It Alone: Join a support group, even if nursing is going well. The connections you make and knowledge you gain are invaluable. Plus it’s always worth it to make friends with other moms who are at similar stages of their parenting journey!

Trust Your Instincts: If one provider doesn’t feel like the right fit, don’t hesitate to try someone else. Every lactation consultant and provider has different strengths and approaches.

Early Intervention: The earlier you address concerns, the easier they are to resolve. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted and frustrated.

Your Breastfeeding Support Network in Boise

Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s definitely not always easy. The wealth of local support available today means you don’t have to struggle alone. Whether you need help with positioning, tongue tie evaluation, emotional support, or just want to connect with other nursing moms, our Treasure Valley community has everything you need.

Remember: asking for help isn’t a sign of failure – it’s a sign of wisdom. Every successful breastfeeding relationship I’ve witnessed has involved some form of support, whether from professionals, family, or peers.

Have you found a wonderful breastfeeding resource in Boise that’s not on this list? Contact us – I’d love to hear about your experience and help other families find the support they need.