Private Lactation Support

by Calgary Breastfeeding Centre

A Centered Approach for You And Your Child

Important Notice Regarding COVID-19

As you may be aware, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. As advised by our provincial government to help prevent exposure and transmission of this virus In-home Visits and consults are not being offered at this time. New Telehealth / Virtual Consults are now being offered.

Now Offering Virtual / Telehealth Appointments

View Lactation Support Availability and Book Now

Using Our Online Booking System

Private Lactation Support Services

Support and guidance around various breastfeeding challenges include but are not limited to the following:

Latch difficulties
Milk supply
Sore, damaged nipples
Plugged ducts
Engorgement
Mastitis
Breast surgery
Premature infants
Multiples ex. Twins, triplets
Tongue ties – assessment only; referral for frenotomy if needed
Lip ties – assessment only; referral for lip release if needed
Milk Expression – hand expression and breast pumping

Prenatal Breastfeeding Support:

Please contact me to discuss your personalized needs and/or concerns, so we may make a plan suited to your needs.

Price List

Promotional Online Prices for a limited time only!

Virtual / Telehealth – Lactation Support

Initial Consult – Virtual/Telehealth: up to 60 mins
Includes a personalized feeding plan & 1 week of follow-up support via phone/email.
$125

Follow Up Consultation – Virtual/Telehealth: up to 45 mins
Includes a personalized feeding plan.
$75

Home Visit – Lactation Support

Home visit payments must be made by Interac e-transfer or cheque. If paying by cheque, please make cheque out to “Calgary Breastfeeding Centre Inc.”

Initial Consult: up to 120 mins
Includes a personalized feeding plan & 1 week of follow-up support via phone/email
$245

Follow-up Consult: up to 60 mins
Includes a personalized feeding plan & 1 week of follow-up support via phone/email
$150

My Story

“Oh you’re an L.C.? That’s great; you will be a pro with your own babies.”

I’ve repeatedly received common remarks like that but the truth is those comments are far from the truth. Even though I may be a maternity nurse and L.C., being a mother and parent is completely different. First of all there are situations that can happen that are completely out of your control, like my daughter having a difficult birth resulting in her being in the NICU and me having a low milk supply, or my son having a thick posterior tongue tie resulting in him feeding for an hour or longer and not being satisfied (even though I had lots of milk this time). I didn’t even notice my son’s tongue-tie until another friend of mine (also an L.C.) advised me to take a closer look (after more than 8 weeks of torture – yup, that’s what it felt like).

With my daughter now 8 years old, I had a feeding plan that resulted in my daughter being supplemented with formula throughout her entire breastfeeding journey. This feeding included pumping every 3 hours around the clock for 4 months straight. So I would breastfeed, pump, supplement, and repeat 3 hours later. I was physically and emotionally drained and I promised myself that if I had another child I would not go through that again. I was also on so many medications to help boost my milk supply. Fast forward: 7 years later I have another child (a son) and wow he was able to latch on right away and I had milk already expressed prenatally, so that was a bonus! But the long feedings were so exhausting that I felt “suffocated” in a weird type of way. But, with help from friends who work in the same area, a great physician (& L.C.), and my family those long feeds eventually subsided and here I am almost a year later still breastfeeding and exclusively.

Breastfeeding is not all glamorous – maybe for some, but not for the majority – especially at the beginning, no matter who you are or what education you may have. To have access to proper and ongoing support from family, friends, and professionals is what can make all the difference in the world! My goal and promise to my clients is to not pressure them into breastfeeding but educate them and to help them find their own breastfeeding goals with their baby, whether it is to exclusively breastfeed or partially breastfeed; because any amount of breastfeeding is better then none at all! My philosophy is about being there for the mother/parent and family and working with them, not for them. A happy mother/parent brings a happy baby.

One Love,

Nicole

What In-Home Lactation Support Clients Are Saying

When I had my second child, I assumed that I would be a breastfeeding pro and that it would all click into place. When it didn’t and I was in pain during every feed, with bleeding and cracked nipples, I was so devastated. Luckily, I had the good fortune of having Nicole as my Lactation Consultant within the first week of being at home with my poorly latching newborn. She did a thorough assessment during our first visit and was immediately able to provide some practical modification to improve my baby’s latch and my breastfeeding experience. She also provided follow-up phone calls to make sure I was on the right track. Thanks to Nicole, I was able to nurse my baby for 18 months and when I was ready to wean, I contacted Nicole again and she gave me a very detailed but clear weaning plan that worked beautifully. Not only is Nicole a highly skilled Lactation Consultant but she takes the time to understand the mother’s goal and then provides an individualized, judgement-free, compassionate care plan. I will always remain grateful to Nicole for helping me breastfeed pain-free and for as long as it felt right for my baby and I.

A.S.

Nicole I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through nursing with both my daughter’s. Both times I had completely different issues and you were there to help and guide me. Your detailed nursing schedules, props and support allowed me to become successful in my ability to nurse. You truly are a blessing and I’m so thankful you came into our lives!

Narisa

16.5 months! If someone had asked me if I thought I’d be nursing this long I would have said likely not! I just wanted to get to 6… maybe 9! I am proud to say that in light of many food allergies I was able to keep on for my little guy. Definitely proud of myself but one thing can not go unsaid…breastfeeding was not easy for me, as I imagine it is not easy for many. I am so thankful for Nicole for home visits, phone support in helping along the way with our journey. She is definitely to credit in large part for my being able to push through latching issues, 3 bouts of mastitis and other feeding/sleep issues! She’s professional, kind and comes with a wealth of knowledge. Would recommend her services strongly!

J.D.

Nicole was an incredible source of support and comfort throughout any breastfeeding issues, I experienced following the birth of both my children. She is warm, caring and easy to connect with. I have and continue to recommend her to anyone who is need of a lactation consultant.

Nadia

When I was pregnant with my second child, I was determined to give breastfeeding another try. My labor with my first child was complicated, which led to breastfeeding challenges and had me pumping exclusively for 5 months. The second time around, Nicole listened to my worries, assessed my personal and unique situation and reassured me that no matter what, the baby would be fed. She addressed the potential challenges and gave me a very straightforward and simple action plan. I was able to follow the plan and see results. I ended up breastfeeding my second child until she was 17-months-old! But for me in particular, the most important and noteworthy thing about my experience with Nicole, is she didn’t judge me and wanted the best for me and family. She is not a rigid Lactation Consultant telling you to throw out all of your formula and breastfeed regardless of what mental state you are in. (I happened to hire one of these people with my first child). Nicole’s flexibility, kind heart and non-judgmental support made all of the difference and it got me so so so far!

Awzeen

Nicole was absolutely wonderful! She was determined to help me and made the time out of her busy schedule so that she could visit me at home. She was also prompt in replying to my emails and texts, and further provided me with a wealth of accredited resources for breastfeeding. Being a new mom can be challenging, and breastfeeding was even more so for me, but with her positive attitude and relentless support, Nicole provided me with exactly what I needed to achieve my breastfeeding goals.

S.C.

After bringing my newborn home, I realized quickly that my biggest challenge was breastfeeding. Nobody really prepares you for the type of emotional and physical challenge that awaits you after childbirth, a lot to do with nursing. Hiring Nicole to come and help me during those first weeks was everything for me. She taught me how to get a good latch so I wasn’t sore all the time and she just made me become comfortable with breastfeeding. As a new mom , it really meant a lot to have Nicole in my corner and there to guide me and answer all of my questions right away. Best decision a new mom who is struggling with breastfeeding can make. Thank you Nicole!

Farah

I met first met Nicole on the postpartum unit following the birth of my daughter. My first encounter with Nicole was overwhelmingly positive, despite the fact that she a delivered a tough message: breastfeeding is hard, but she was there to coach me along! Her attitude was refreshing and allowed me to separate emotion from the process. Its all to common that you feel frustrated if breastfeeding does not come easily to you and baby. Nicole’s coaching journey followed me from hospital to home, where she made herself reachable by phone, text, and email. This was tremendously helpful as I wound up back in the hospital with a DVT blood clot and suffered from mobility issues. Nicole not only supported me through that trying time, but my whole family. She really understands that the family’s well being is critical during those first few weeks.

Nicole’s patience, grace, and spirit helped me continue on with breastfeeding, even when I faced health challenge after health challenge. I am grateful for meeting Nicole, and even more so for the support and kindness she showed me during a vulnerable time.

Sheena

Nicole was my amazing support. I was having trouble with breastfeeding my first born. We were both new at this. I got in contact with Nicole and she immediately came over to help me. She came over 3-4 times to help me and coach me. Being a new mom I was very emotional and hard on myself. She really helped me get through this difficult time and got this going for us. She helped me with scheduling feeds, positioning of my arms, and properly positioning my baby. Without Nicole I wouldn’t have been able to breastfeed. She was honestly the most wonderful, patient, and easy to talk to person. I would also text and call her and she would respond and get back to me right away. Thank you Nicole for all your support.

Z.H.