Postpartum Functional Nutrition Consultations

in-office and virtual private consultation - starting at$170

In-office and Virtual Follow-up private consultation - starting at $135

For lactating parents: We accept the following insurances: Aetna PPO/POS, UCSD HMO, Cigna PPO, Anthem PPO, Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross PPO, Tricare West, and United Healthcare PPO/HMO **Pending Insurance Verification. All HMO plans require a referral from your primary care provider. Please call our office if you have questions about getting your HMO approval.

For non-lactating adults: Unfortunately, we are unable to bill insurance for non-lactating adults, so all appointments will be an out of pocket expense. We accept FSA and HSA cards.

Is your baby’s gas, fussiness, and digestive discomfort causing you to feel overwhelmed and stressed out?

Are you struggling with 'unexplained' low milk supply ?

At San Diego Breastfeeding Center, we take a functional nutrition approach to lactation challenges, focusing on uncovering the root causes of both infant digestive issues and low milk supply. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we explore the connections between nutrition, hormones, and overall well-being to create lasting solutions. Our services support you in:

  • Identifying and addressing food intolerances that may contribute to your baby’s gas, fussiness, and digestive discomfort

  • Exploring dietary and lifestyle factors that impact your baby’s gut health

  • Investigating the root causes of low milk supply, including hormonal imbalances related to thyroid function, insulin resistance, and PCOS

  • Developing personalized nutrition strategies to support both lactation and postpartum recovery

By taking a holistic approach, we help both you and your baby find balance and well-being.

Welcome to Postpartum Functional Nutrition Counseling at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center

Robin Kaplan, IBCLC, Functional Nutrition Counselor

Functional Nutrition for Lactating Parents

As a seasoned lactation consultant with over 15 years of experience, I understand that feeding challenges can feel overwhelming—whether it’s a fussy baby struggling with digestion or a parent facing low milk supply. At San Diego Breastfeeding Center, we take a functional nutrition approach to uncover the root causes of these issues, recognizing that gut health and hormone balance are deeply interconnected.

For babies, digestive discomfort is often linked to food intolerances, inflammation, or imbalances in the parent’s diet, all of which can affect their gut health and overall well-being. At the same time, many parents facing low milk supply don’t realize that hormonal imbalances—such as thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or PCOS—can significantly impact milk production. Rather than addressing these issues separately, we take a holistic approach to explore how nutrition and lifestyle influence both you and your baby.

Through personalized nutrition strategies, we work to optimize your diet, balance hormones, and support digestive health, ensuring a healthier, more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and your little one.

Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to making empowered health decisions for you and your child.

  • I help lactating parents navigate the complexities of postpartum nutrition through personalized meal plans, nutrient recommendations, curated recipes, and compassionate guidance. Parents are empowered to make small but impactful changes in their diet and lifestyle habits. As we work together to optimize your health we're not just focusing on you. This work also nurtures the symbiotic relationship between you and baby, which allows you to build an understanding about the direct influence of your well being on your little one's gut health and development. By combining my expertise in lactation consulting and functional nutrition, you will receive holistic solutions that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support both you and your baby.

My 4-Step Postpartum Functional Nutrition Consultation Process: Nurturing Your Journey to Wellness

  • Our journey begins with a comprehensive initial consultation, where we'll delve into your medical history, symptoms, and goals. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, understand your unique needs, and explore the symbiotic relationship between your diet and your symptoms and/or baby's symptoms. If you are experiencing low milk supply, we will also assess potential hormonal factors that may be impacting your lactation.

  • Next, I'll conduct a thorough evaluation, including an analysis of your food journal and relevant lab work to gain insight into your body's responses to different foods and hormonal patterns. By examining the interplay between your diet, mood, digestive health, and hormone function, we’ll uncover potential triggers for inflammation, metabolic disruptions, and milk supply.

  • Based on our evaluation, we'll collaboratively develop a personalized Plan of Care tailored to your specific needs and goals. This comprehensive plan may include dietary recommendations, supplement suggestions, lifestyle modifications, and personalized meal plans to support your journey to optimal health. If low milk supply is a concern, our plan will also incorporate strategies to optimize hormonal balance to support overall milk production.

  • With your personalized Plan of Care in hand, we'll embark on the implementation phase of our journey together. Through ongoing guidance and support, we'll work together to navigate any challenges, fine-tune your approach, and celebrate your successes along the way, recognizing how your dietary changes positively influence your symptoms and/or baby's symptoms.

Who Would Benefit from a Postpartum Functional Nutrition Consultation?

  • Adults with chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, PCOS, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and/or gut/digestion challenges

  • Adults and/or babies experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or other uncomfortable bowel movement symptoms

  • Babies with colic, reflux, possible/identified food intolerances, digestion discomfort, and yeast

 If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or worried about your health, your baby's health, or your milk supply, you're in the right place. Let's embark on this journey together, nurturing your family's health from the very start.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is functional nutrition?Functional nutrition focuses on addressing the root cause of health concerns using personalized dietary and lifestyle strategies. It also looks at labwork through an ‘optimal health’ range, rather than a ‘pathological’ range, identifying ways to improve a person’s overall health before symptoms/conditions becomes more serious.

    How is functional nutrition different from conventional nutrition counseling?

    Functional nutrition considers your entire health history, lifestyle, and individual needs to create a customized plan for long-term wellness.

  • What happens during the initial consultation?
    During the initial session, we'll discuss your health history, current concerns, dietary habits, and goals to create a personalized plan.

    How should I prepare for my consultation?
    You'll be asked to complete an intake form and my 5-day food journal.  Bring any recent labwork results, as well.

    What types of plans or recommendations will I receive?
    You’ll receive an explanation of what I think might be the root causes for your symptoms (or your baby’s symptoms), tailored meal plans, supplement suggestions (if needed), and practical strategies for lifestyle adjustments.

    Can you help me with meal planning?Absolutely! I’ll provide you with tailored meal plans and practical tips that fit your dietary needs, preferences, and time constraints, making healthy eating easier for you and your family.

  • How much does a consultation cost?
    Pricing is listed above. Feel free to reach out for more details about packages or payment options.

    Are consultations covered by insurance?
    For lactating parents, yes—consultations are typically covered since all recommendations will be made within the context of supporting lactation. Please see the list of insurances we accept above.

    Can consultations be done virtually?
    Yes! We offer virtual consultations for your convenience, so you can meet with me no matter where you live—even outside of San Diego!

    How long does each session last?
    Initial consultations typically last 90 minutes, with follow-ups lasting 60 minutes.

  • How soon will I see results?
    Ideally within 2-3 weeks, although results vary based on individual needs, health history, goals, and consistency. Some clients notice changes within weeks, while others may take longer.  

    Do I have to follow a restrictive diet?
    Hopefully not! Functional nutrition emphasizes balance and sustainable changes that work for your lifestyle. I will not recommend a complicated elimination diet. Any food elimination recommendations will be discussed and decided upon together and I will hold your hand the entire way!

  • How often will I need follow-up sessions?
    Follow-ups are typically scheduled every 2–4 weeks, depending on your progress and needs.

    Will I receive ongoing support?
    Yes, ongoing support and adjustments are part of the process to ensure you stay on track toward your goals.

  • Could my diet cause my baby to be fussy or have an allergic reaction?
    In some cases, certain foods in your diet may affect your baby, particularly if you or they have a sensitivity or allergy. During our consultation, we’ll explore any potential triggers and develop a plan to support both your and your baby’s needs.

    Will I need to completely change my diet?
    Hopefully not! My goal is to create a sustainable plan that works for your lifestyle. While some adjustments may be needed, we’ll focus on adding nourishing foods rather than restricting unnecessarily.

    How will this appointment help my baby's reflux?

    Reflux in babies can sometimes be influenced by dietary factors, feeding practices, or sensitivities. During our consultation, we’ll assess your diet and your baby’s symptoms to identify potential triggers. I’ll provide personalized recommendations that may help reduce reflux and improve your baby’s comfort.

  • I am already working with a lactation consultant.  Will I need to stop working with her?

    Not at all! My role is to provide complementary support that works alongside your current lactation consultant. Think of me as an additional member of your lactation care team, collaborating to support your breastfeeding journey.

To book a Postpartum Functional Nutrition consultation, use the link below.