Expert Q&A: Robin Kaplan on Lactation Support in San Diego

Supporting families often requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach—especially when feeding challenges arise. That’s why we’re honored to feature Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Robin brings over 15 years of experience supporting families with evidence-based lactation care and functional nutrition.

Robin is also the upcoming guest speaker at our April 18, 2026 Inspired Birth Worker’s Alliance (IBWA) Social, where she’ll be sharing practical guidance on screening clients for IBCLC referral, identifying prenatal risk factors, and recognizing feeding challenges that benefit from specialized lactation support. This event brings together perinatal and pediatric professionals—doulas, PTs, acupuncturists, lactation consultants, and more—who are passionate about supporting and empowering our maternal and pediatric community.

Register for our free event HERE!

Q&A with Robin Kaplan

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to this work?

Robin Kaplan: I’m an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Functional Nutrition Counselor, and author of Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage. I founded the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and bring over 15 years of clinical experience supporting families with evidence-based, holistic lactation care. I specialize in managing higher-acuity feeding challenges including unexplained low milk supply, tethered oral tissues, oral motor dysfunction, recurrent breast infections, infant reflux, and maternal hormonal or metabolic conditions that impact lactation.

Q: What is your clinical focus today?

Robin Kaplan: My work blends lactation support with functional nutrition. I often use nutrition to support lactating parents and babies, focusing on healing the gut and optimizing overall health and growth. This allows us to address feeding challenges from a root-cause perspective rather than only treating symptoms.

Q: What specific support do you offer families from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond?

Robin Kaplan: I support families across the full spectrum of the perinatal period, beginning in pregnancy and continuing through the postpartum months and beyond. During prenatal visits, I help parents prepare for breastfeeding by setting realistic expectations for the early days and identifying when additional support may be needed.

For clients with higher risk factors—like PCOS, thyroid conditions, insulin resistance, prior low milk supply, or multiples—I take a proactive and individualized approach to support both lactation and overall health from the start.

In the postpartum period, I provide hands-on support for latch difficulties, delayed milk production, sore nipples, and concerns about infant weight gain. As feeding evolves, I continue supporting families through low milk supply, oversupply, mastitis, pumping, bottle feeding, introducing solids, and weaning.

I also offer specialized care for more complex feeding situations, including inducing lactation for non-birthing parents and functional nutrition support for reflux and unexplained low milk supply. This root-cause approach helps create more individualized and sustainable solutions.

Q: What are the most common misconceptions about lactation consultants?

Robin Kaplan: One of the biggest misconceptions is that lactation consultants only support exclusive breastfeeding. My approach is centered on each family’s goals. For some that’s exclusive breastfeeding, for others it includes combination feeding. My role is to provide evidence-based guidance so families can make informed decisions that feel right for them.

Another misconception is that we avoid conversations about formula or bottle feeding. In reality, I frequently help parents introduce bottles, navigate supplementation, and use formula or donor milk in a supportive and aligned way.

I also often see the assumption that every feeding challenge is caused by a tongue tie. While oral restrictions can play a role, feeding challenges are often multifactorial. I take a comprehensive look at both parent and baby before making recommendations.

Q: What will you be sharing at the upcoming IBWA Social?

Robin Kaplan: I’ll be providing practical guidance on how to screen clients for referral to an IBCLC, including identifying prenatal risk factors and feeding challenges that benefit from specialized lactation support. The session will focus on what to look for, when to refer, and how timely collaboration improves outcomes for families.

Q: Are you currently working on any new programs or resources?

Robin Kaplan: I’m expanding my education offerings to better support families beyond one-on-one visits. I recently presented at the California Breastfeeding Coalition Summit on perinatal nutrition and its impact on lactation outcomes.

I’m now developing in-person workshops for pregnant and newly postpartum families focused on nutrition and realistic meal planning. Many nutrients can become depleted during pregnancy and postpartum, which can impact milk production and quality. With targeted food choices and appropriate supplementation, families can often see meaningful improvements in both supply and overall feeding outcomes.

How AlignSD Supports Collaborative Care

At Align San Diego Family Chiropractic, we regularly coordinate care with trusted providers like Robin Kaplan and the San Diego Breastfeeding Center to support:

• Breastfeeding and latch challenges
• Infant reflux and feeding dysfunction
• Tethered oral tissues and oral motor concerns
• Prenatal lactation preparation
• Postpartum recovery and nervous system regulation

If you or your baby are navigating feeding challenges, reflux, tension, or postpartum recovery concerns and aren’t sure where to start, our team helps guide the process and coordinate referrals aligned with your goals.

Interested in working with a collaborative, family-centered care team?
Contact Align San Diego Family Chiropractic to speak with a team member about how our integrative approach supports long-term health.

Join a Local Lactation Support Group at AlignSD

Looking for in-person support and community? We’re proud to host two ongoing lactation-focused groups at Align San Diego Family Chiropractic:

Lactation & Infant Feeding Support Group (Weekly)
Hosted by San Diego Breastfeeding Center
Register Here!

Milk & Motherhood Circle (Monthly)
Hosted in collaboration with Birth to Breast
Register Here!

These groups offer a supportive space to ask questions, connect with other parents, and receive guidance from experienced lactation professionals.

Learn More About Robin Kaplan & San Diego Breastfeeding Center

🌐 Website: www.sdbfc.com
📍 Location: 3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 320, San Diego, CA 92108
📞 Phone: 619-724-4117
📧 Email: info@sdbfc.com
📱 Instagram: @san_diego_breastfeeding_center