What makes Marissa Yahil with Lactation and Development Resources a good neighbor?

Lactation support is an invaluable resource for new parents grappling with the challenges of infant feeding, yet many misconceptions overshadow the true nature of this vital profession. In the recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Marissa Yahil, a passionate lactation specialist based in North Dallas. Marissa shared her insights into the work she does with families in the DFW area, helping them navigate the complexities of feeding their newborns. As she explained, lactation is about more than just holding cute babies; it involves a deep emotional investment and addressing complicated issues that can arise during the early months of parenthood.

Marissa's journey into the world of lactation began at a young age, arising from her affinity for working with children and her interest in psychology. Ultimately, she was drawn to occupational therapy, where she honed her skills in providing one-on-one supportive care. As she gained experience, particularly from her time as a nanny, Marissa discovered a gap in support for families [facing breastfeeding and bottle-feeding difficulties]. She recognized the emotional toll that poor feeding practices could have on families, especially those who have experienced additional challenges such as NICU stays. Seeking to close this gap in support, she went on to establish her company, Lactation and Development Resources.

A significant misconception discussed in the episode is the public's perception of lactation work as being relatively low-stress and enjoyable. Contrary to this belief, Marissa shed light on the reality that her job often involves navigating intense emotions, frustrations, and the serious challenges that families face. Each day can bring tears, joy, and overwhelming situations, including when infants need extra medical care. This understanding is crucial for parents seeking help; the path to successful infant feeding is not always a straightforward one.

Marissa also highlights the ideal clients for her practice—those who are motivated to help their infants but may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. This demographic typically includes new mothers with infants struggling to breastfeed or transition to solid foods. To attract these clients, Marissa relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals from other healthcare providers and satisfied clients. Reputation is paramount in this field, where trust and proven success can significantly influence a family's decision to seek help.

In addition to her professional insights, Marissa shares aspects of her personal life, including her experience juggling work and raising two children. She faced a significant challenge during the COVID pandemic with an unexpected ectopic pregnancy that forced her to reevaluate her life balance. This emotional ordeal became a catalyst for change in how she approached her work and personal life. Marissa emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing that taking time for self-care ultimately benefits both her family and her clients. Through this adversity, she learned the profound lesson of understanding one’s limits, which led to positive changes in her business model and personal well-being.

The podcast episode also delves into the unique combination of services Marissa offers, integrating occupational therapy with lactation support. This holistic approach helps families tackle a range of issues related to infant feeding, particularly if there are underlying complexities such as muscle tone challenges or developmental delays. Parents retain the advantage of streamlined care, reducing the need for multiple appointments with different specialists.

Listeners interested in learning more are encouraged to visit Marissa’s website, where they can find valuable resources, including an online prenatal breastfeeding course and tools designed to help families troubleshoot common feeding problems.

In conclusion, Marissa Yahil's dedication to supporting families through the often tumultuous early months of parenthood shines through this episode. Her journey reflects the hard work, resilience, and compassion required in the field of lactation support. As she imparts her knowledge to new parents, she also provides a profound reminder of the need for community, support, and self-compassion during this incredible yet challenging time.

To learn more about Lactation and Development Resources go to:

https://www.lactdev.com/

Lactation and Development Resources(

214-892-2968