Local Resources in Snohomish & Skagit counties

KB Acupuncture- Dr Kyle Baek is not only an acupuncturist but also practices traditional Oriental medicine. Dr Kyle supports everything from fertility issues, PCOS, morning sickness, mastitis and much more. Also accepts some insurances.

Mount Vernon Birth Center- Angie Hotz is an amazing midwife, serving the community in a gorgeous birth center near downtown Mount Vernon. Angie also offers hearing screens for babies (even those not born at the birth center) and pre and post-natal care. Most insurances are accepted.

Diversified Movement- Judy Rosevear-Pusey, OTR/L is also an incredible Myofascial Release therapist (in fact she has been teaching the Pediatric Myofascial Release course all over the country for decades!). Judy works with all ages, from newborns to elderly, supports neurodiversity and those on the spectrum or with sensory issues. For newborns, Judy’s myofascial release is instrumental in relieving tension in tongue tied babies pre and post release, and aiding in functional breastfeeding. Located in Bellevue, accepts all insurances.

Green Therapeutic Bodywork- Valerie Green practices myofascial release to support babies and adults to decrease tension for optimal body movement. Located in Lynwood, self pay only.

Vital Chiropractic- Cheryl Schmitt, DC, CACCP is a chiropractor who specializes in supporting babies and children. Dr Cheryl supports natural health, nutrition and holistic medicine to help families thrive and empower women. Some insurances accepted.

Marysville Pediatric Dentistry- Dr Amelia Chim, DDS, MMD is not just a great pediatric dentist, but also a very knowledgeable tongue tie release specialist. Dr Amelia understands the importance of a team approach to tongue tie, and requires bodywork and lactation therapy to be started pre release for the best results possible. Her passion for learning shows through when you talk with Dr Amelia about airway health and tongue ties!

Products to help new parents

I am the first person to say you don’t need to buy nearly as much as you think.  Everyone has a favorite “gadget”, toy, or baby thing that saved them.  Some love the swing, others the bouncy seat or Bumbo.  But you can’t know what will work. 

My first suggestion is always share and trade with friends or family.  Consignment stores and Craigslist/Offer-up and sites like that are great for used things too.  But here are a few things that are great to help breastfeeding go easier and you feel better:

Medela gel pads- usually $8-10 at Target or Amazon.  They will feel as wonderful as Aloe on a burn and they help you heal faster.  If your nipples only hurt the first few seconds of latching, then just use Lanolin or a natural nipple butter/cream.  If your nipples burn all the time, if your shirt rubbing on it hurts or if it hurts to shower, then you need these!  I also recommend an appointment to make sure the latch is ok and the baby is using their mouth correctly. Get 1 box, it comes with 4 pads.  You put 2 on, and put the other 2 in the fridge.  Then when feeding or showering, take them off and put the little plastic sheet back on them and put them in the fridge.  Rotate this way for 2-3 days, or until they don’t feel cool anymore as they fill with leaking milk. If you need another box, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT because you are still creating more nipple damage and it should be better by then.

Moby wrap, Solly, Boba or other carrier- Skin to skin is the most helpful and easiest thing you can do for your breast-feeding experience and your baby.  It works like duct tape.  If baby is fussy, try skin to skin.  If baby isn’t feeding enough, try skin to skin, If you need your hands free, try skin to skin!  It works for everything.  The reason I mention these specific carriers is that they allow you to have baby basically swaddled to your chest, without any fabric in between.  This means you can do skin to skin while walking around the house, or playing on the floor with your toddler.  Especially if you have a toddler, this is the most useful tool in the first 3 months.

Hands-free pump bra- If you will be going back to work, have a NICU baby, or just pumping to have saved milk, this bra is a game changer!  Pumping is hard to manage without having something to hold the pump parts on.  You can get these at Amazon or Target or many other shops for usually $20-30.  Such a life saver.