What is Lactation Consultant?
A Lactation Consultant is a healthcare professional specially trained to support families with infant feeding. Whether you are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, combination feeding, or navigating feeding challenges, a lactation consultant provides evidence-based guidance tailored to your family's unique needs.
Our goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported throughout your feeding journey. Every baby and every family is different, and we work with you to find practical solutions that fit your goals.
When to see a Lactation Consultant
You don't need to wait until a problem arises to seek support. Lactation consultations can be beneficial before birth, in the early newborn period, or anytime during your feeding journey.
Common reasons families seek support include:
-
Painful breastfeeding or nipple pain
-
Difficulty with latch
-
Concerns about milk supply
-
Slow infant weight gain
-
Frequent feeding or unsettled baby
-
Tongue-tie or oral function concerns
-
Pumping questions and flange fitting
-
Returning to work while breastfeeding
-
Bottle refusal
-
Weaning support
-
Breast engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis
-
Multiples (twins or more)
-
Prenatal feeding education and preparation
If feeding feels stressful, confusing, or isn't going as expected, a lactation consultant can help.
How Does a Lactation Consultant Assess and Support Feeding?
A lactation consultation begins with a comprehensive assessment of both parent and baby.
Your consultant may:
-
Review your pregnancy, birth, and feeding history
-
Discuss your feeding goals and concerns
-
Observe a feeding session
-
Assess infant latch and positioning
-
Evaluate milk transfer during feeding
-
Assess infant oral function and sucking patterns
-
Review pumping techniques and equipment
-
Develop an individualized care plan
Recommendations are always tailored to your family's needs and may include feeding strategies, positioning techniques, pumping guidance, supplementation plans, or referrals to other healthcare providers when appropriate.
Services Offered
Breastfeeding & Feeding Support
Personalized support for feeding challenges including difficulty latching, painful feeds, frequent feeding, concerns about milk transfer, and feeding confidence.
Prenatal Education & Support
Education and hands on techniques to help set you up for success in those early days postpartum for breastfeeding and pumping.
Latch & Oral Function Assessment
Assessment of infant latch, sucking patterns, and oral function, including concerns related to lip ties, tongue ties, and feeding mechanics.
Milk Supply Support
Guidance for low milk supply, oversupply, feeding schedules, supplementation, and strategies to help meet your feeding goals.
Nipple & Breast Care
Support for nipple pain, breast discomfort, engorgement, clogged ducts, mastitis, and other breastfeeding-related concerns.
Pumping & Flange Fitting
Individualized guidance on breast pump use, flange sizing, pumping schedules, milk storage, and returning to work or school.
Bottle Feeding Support
Help with bottle introduction, bottle refusal, paced feeding techniques, combination feeding, and transitioning between breast and bottle.
Prenatal Lactation Education
Prepare for your feeding journey before baby arrives. Learn what to expect in the early days, how milk production works, feeding cues, common challenges, and how to get breastfeeding off to the best start.
Common Reasons Families Seek Support
-
Painful breastfeeding
-
Difficulty latching
-
Concerns about milk supply
-
Slow infant weight gain
-
Tongue-tie or lip-tie concerns
-
Pumping questions
-
Bottle refusal
-
Returning to work while breastfeeding
-
Mastitis or clogged ducts
-
Feeding multiples
-
Prenatal feeding preparation
-
Weaning support
Compassionate, evidence-based care for every feeding journey—from pregnancy through infancy.
Meet the Team
Your Lactation Consultant Team in Stony Plain
