Breastfeeding questions?
Answered by a Nashville Physician-IBCLC
QuestionsHave questions? You're not alone — most families are navigating breastfeeding support for the first time and aren't sure where to start. Here are answers to the questions Dr. Pontell hears most often.
If yours isn't here, call or text (615) 265-1934 anytime.
About the Practice 
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Dr. Pontell is a board-certified pediatrician (MD) and IBCLC — the only physician-led breastfeeding medicine practice in the Nashville area. This means your concerns are evaluated with full medical and clinical depth, not just lactation support. In many cases, the Dyad Health Collective can complement your existing IBCLC care when higher-level medical concerns arise.
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No — the Dyad Health Collective is a specialty consultative practice, not a primary care home. Dr. Pontell works alongside your existing care team: your OB or midwife, your baby's pediatrician, and any other providers involved in your care. She can communicate directly with your team when needed and is happy to coordinate care around complex concerns.
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No referral needed. You can book directly through the website or by calling or texting (615) 265-1934. A free virtual meet and greet is available if you'd like to connect with Dr. Pontell before committing to a visit.
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The Dyad Health Collective does not have a traditional office — and that's intentional. In-home visits happen wherever you're most comfortable, typically your living room or nursery. Virtual visits are available to families anywhere. In-home visits currently serve the Middle Tennessee area.
What can we help with
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Maternal concerns include low or oversupply, persistent nipple pain or wounds, recurrent mastitis or plugged ducts, difficulty with pumping or milk expression, questions about medication safety while breastfeeding, and support for inducing or suppressing lactation.
Infant concerns include poor latch or weight gain, suspected tongue or lip tie, prematurity, jaundice, food allergies, reflux, craniofacial differences, and breast or bottle refusal.
General feeding questions include returning to work, traveling with breastmilk, milk donation, introducing solids, tandem feeding, and navigating any separation between mother and baby. -
Absolutely. The decision of how to feed your baby is deeply personal and often complicated. Dr. Pontell's role is to help you understand your options, weigh the factors specific to your situation, and support whatever path you choose — including formula feeding, combination feeding, or exclusive pumping. There is no judgment here, only information and support.
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Yes — and this is one of the most common reasons families reach out. If your current IBCLC has reached the limits of their scope and something still isn't resolved, a physician consultation can add a layer of medical assessment and treatment that moves things forward. Dr. Pontell is happy to work collaboratively with your existing lactation support team.
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Both! Prenatal consultations are a great opportunity to prepare, especially if you had difficulty breastfeeding before, have an underlying health condition, or simply want to go in with a plan. Postpartum visits can be scheduled as early as the first day home. The sooner you reach out, the more Dr. Pontell can do to protect your milk supply and set you and your baby up for success.
Visits and What to Expect
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In-home visits are 60-90 minutes and take place in your home — wherever you're most comfortable, usually the living room or nursery. Dr. Pontell will review your medical and feeding history, conduct a physical assessment of both you and your baby, observe a full feeding, and address any clinical concerns. You'll leave with a clear, personalized written care plan. No waiting room, no rushing— just focused, unhurried physician care in your own space.
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Virtual visits are conducted over secure video and run approximately 60 minutes. Dr. Pontell will review your history, observe your baby and feeding setup if applicable, and provide a personalized care plan with clear next steps. Virtual visits are ideal for prenatal preparation, return-to-work planning, pumping concerns, or follow-up care after an in-home visit.
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No preparation is required. You don't need to clean your house — Dr. Pontell is a mother of two and is very familiar with what a home with a newborn looks like. If you have any records from your hospital stay, your baby's weight checks, or notes from a previous lactation consultant, those can be very helpful to have on hand, but they are not required.
Cost and Insurance 
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Virtual consultations start at $225. In-home clinical consultations start at $350. The Full Infant Feeding Support Package, which includes an initial in-home visit, two weeks of secure messaging support, and follow-up visits, is $699. The cost of an initial visit can be applied toward the package if you decide to upgrade after your first appointment.
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The Dyad Health Collective is a cash-pay practice. We are happy to provide a detailed superbill after each visit, which you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement or use toward your HSA/FSA.
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A breastfeeding medicine physician brings a different level of clinical capability to your care. Dr. Pontell can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medication, order and interpret lab work, and medically manage complex concerns that fall outside an IBCLC's scope of practice. You are not paying for lactation support — you are paying for a physician consultation that also includes expert lactation care. For many families, that distinction matters enormously.
Still have questions? Dr. Pontell offers a free virtual meet and greet — no commitment, no pressure, just a chance to connect and make sure this is the right fit for your family.