Slow Weight Gain Support
Helping you understand your baby's feeding needs and feel more confident about their growth.
Hearing that your baby isn't gaining weight as expected can bring up so many questions. You may find yourself worrying between feeds, wondering whether your baby is getting enough milk, or feeling overwhelmed by appointments and conflicting advice.
You don't have to navigate those concerns alone. I'll help you take a closer look at how your baby is feeding, understand what may be affecting their intake, and create a practical plan that supports their growth and your feeding goals.
When You're Worried Your Baby Isn't Getting Enough
Sometimes feeding looks like it's going well, but the numbers on the scale leave you with questions.
Maybe your baby seems to feed constantly but isn't gaining weight as expected. Perhaps feeding sessions take a long time, your baby becomes tired during feeds, or you're unsure how much milk they're actually getting.
You might be breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or trying to balance several feeding methods while keeping up with weight checks and recommendations.
We'll look at the bigger picture together, including feeding patterns, milk transfer, milk supply, and your baby's feeding cues. My goal is to help you better understand what's happening and identify practical steps that support your baby's growth.
Slow Weight Gain • Milk Transfer • Long Feeds • Milk Supply • Supplementation • Pumping • Feeding Patterns

What to Expect During Your Visit
We'll take a closer look at feeding, talk through your concerns, and create a plan that supports your baby's growth.
1
We Talk
We'll start with your baby's feeding history, recent weight checks, what you've been noticing, and any recommendations you've already received from your pediatrician.
2
We Look Together
When helpful, I'll observe a feeding and assess latch, positioning, milk transfer, and feeding patterns. A weighted feed may also help us better understand how much milk your baby transfers during that feeding.
3
We Create a Plan
Together, we'll discuss practical adjustments that may support intake and growth. This could include feeding frequency, breastfeeding or bottle techniques, pumping, or supplementation guidance when appropriate.
4
You Leave Knowing What Comes Next
You'll leave with clear feeding recommendations, realistic next steps, and a better understanding of how to monitor progress while staying connected with your baby's pediatrician.
Why Parents Reach Out to Julie
When you're worried about your baby's growth, having someone help you understand the bigger picture can bring much-needed reassurance.

This service supports parents at many stages, including:
Your baby isn't gaining weight as expected
You've been told your baby's weight gain is slower than expected and want help understanding how feeding may be contributing.
Feeding sessions feel long or tiring
Your baby spends a long time feeding, seems to tire easily, or appears hungry again shortly afterward.
You're unsure how much milk your baby is getting
You'd like a closer look at milk transfer, feeding effectiveness, and whether your baby is taking in enough during feeds.
You're pumping or supplementing and need guidance
You're combining feeding methods or using expressed milk or formula and want a clearer plan for supporting your baby's intake.
You're feeling overwhelmed by feeding and weight checks
You're monitoring growth with your pediatrician but want practical feeding guidance and reassurance along the way.
Whether your baby is in the early newborn weeks or several months into feeding,
you deserve support that helps you understand what's happening and what steps to take next.
Compassionate Care
for Both Baby and Parent
Your baby's growth matters, and so does your peace of mind.
I’m Julie Baumgartner, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and I created Best Hope Lactation to support families during one of the most emotionally vulnerable times of life.
I believe feeding support should feel calm, respectful, and empowering. My role is to walk alongside you — offering guidance, encouragement, and practical tools while honoring your goals as a parent.
I focus on both baby and parent, because your well-being matters. Many parents arrive feeling uncertain or discouraged and leave with clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of their baby’s cues. Feeding challenges don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — they simply mean you deserve support.

Slow Weight Gain Support for Families Across
St. Augustine & St. Johns County
Personalized feeding guidance that supports your baby's growth and your family's everyday life.
Every baby's feeding journey is different, and concerns about weight gain can make even ordinary feeding decisions feel stressful. Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or combining feeding methods, we'll take time to understand your baby's needs and create a plan that feels clear and manageable.
As your baby grows, feeding routines and intake needs may change. You may need to adjust feeding frequency, pumping, or supplementation while keeping track of your baby's progress. I'll help you understand those changes and work alongside your baby's healthcare team to support their growth.
My goal is to help you feel less overwhelmed by feeding decisions and more confident about what comes next, with practical guidance that supports both your baby's needs and your well-being.
AREAS SERVED
✓ St. Augustine
✓ St. Johns
✓ Nocatee
✓ Ponte Vedra
✓ Palencia
✓ World Golf Village
✓ St. Johns County
You Don't Have to Navigate Feeding Concerns Alone.
If you're worried about your baby's weight gain, let's take a closer look at feeding together.
Whether your baby isn't gaining weight as expected, you're unsure how much milk they're getting, or you're trying to balance breastfeeding, pumping, and supplementation, I'm here to help.
Together, we'll look at your baby's feeding patterns, discuss practical ways to support intake, and create a plan that helps you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
You deserve support that helps you feel informed and reassured while caring for your baby.



