Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might be wondering about consultations, workshops, virtual visits, pumping, and booking.
Getting started
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An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) holds the highest, internationally recognized credential in lactation care. It requires rigorous clinical training, supervised hands-on experience, and passing a comprehensive board exam. When you work with an IBCLC, you get evidence-based clinical management of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human-milk feeding, delivered with compassion, not guesswork.
As an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and over 15 years in Maternal Child Health, I bring a clinical, whole-family lens to feeding. That means I can recognize how sleep, recovery, mental health, medications, and your baby's growth all connect, and guide you safely, while knowing when to loop in your primary care provider.
Book whenever you need support. For prenatal preparation, the third trimester (about 28–36 weeks) is ideal. After birth, reach out as soon as feeding feels hard, early support usually leads to better, faster outcomes. And it's never 'too late': I help with challenges well beyond the newborn stage, including pumping, low supply, and the return to work.
That's completely normal, start with the contact form and tell me a little about where you are and what you're hoping for. I'll help you choose the service that fits your situation, whether that's a prenatal class, a full IBCLC consultation, a flange fitting, or ongoing support.
I prioritize new-baby and urgent feeding concerns as soon as possible, based on availability. If you reach out through the contact form or by phone, I'll do my best to offer you the next available appointment, including virtual visits when you need help right away.
Coverage varies by provider. Many extended-health and RN-eligible plans reimburse lactation or nursing services, either fully or in part. I provide a detailed receipt for every visit so you can submit for reimbursement. I recommend checking with your individual insurer beforehand to confirm what your plan includes.
Consultations & visits
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Yes. Virtual consultations are highly effective, and many families prefer them. With a little preparation, good lighting and a couple of short feeding videos. I can assess latch, positioning, milk transfer, and pumping just as thoroughly, and you receive the same personalized care plan. Virtual appointments are available to families across Canada.
Absolutely, and I encourage it. Feeding is a family effort. When your partner, spouse, or another support person joins, they learn practical ways to help, understand normal newborn behaviour, and feel more confident supporting you. A strong support network is one of the biggest predictors of feeding success.
Yes. You can schedule follow-ups in person or virtually whenever new questions or challenges arise. Every IBCLC consultation also includes one full week of messaging support afterward, so you're never left alone while you put your care plan into practice.
Feeding should not be painful. Ongoing pain is a signal worth listening to, it often points to latch, positioning, flange fit, tongue mobility, or another fixable cause. Together we'll assess what's happening and build a step-by-step plan to make feeding comfortable again.
Yes. I support every feeding path without judgment. Whether you're breastfeeding, chestfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, or transitioning to formula, I help you do it comfortably and confidently. That includes bottle refusal, paced bottle feeding, and moving between breast and bottle.
Common feeding challenges
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Yes. During an IBCLC consultation I assess your baby's oral function, tongue mobility, latch depth, and milk transfer, and look for the signs behind clicking, pulling off, or a shallow latch. I'll suggest positioning and latch adjustments that often help immediately, and, where a tongue-tie assessment or referral is warranted. I'll guide you to the right next step.
Often, yes, and many supply worries turn out to be about how milk is being removed rather than how much you can make. We'll look at latch, feeding frequency, effective milk transfer, pumping technique and flange fit, and any medical factors. Then we build a realistic plan to protect and encourage a healthy supply, without guilt.
A tender lump, hard fullness, or a red, warm area needs prompt, gentle care, not aggressive massage. I'll help you with effective milk removal, comfort measures, and adjustments to feeding or pumping to keep milk flowing. If you develop a fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms, contact your primary care provider promptly, as mastitis can need medical treatment.
Yes. We'll create a pumping schedule that protects your supply, choose the right equipment and flange size for comfort, and set up simple milk-storage and bottle routines your caregiver can follow. The goal is a plan that fits your real workday, so the transition feels manageable, not overwhelming.
Workshops
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Around 37 weeks of pregnancy is usually recommended, once you've received the go-ahead from your healthcare provider. Hand expression can cause mild uterine contractions, so this timing matters. Every pregnancy is unique, always confirm with your provider before you begin.
For in-person sessions, all tools and materials are provided, you don't need to bring anything, though you're welcome to practice on yourself if you're comfortable. For virtual sessions, I'll send a short list of recommended items ahead of time so you can gather what you need at home.
It's designed for parents of babies around 4–6 months, the window when many babies begin showing signs of readiness for solid foods. You'll learn how to spot true readiness, choose safe first foods and textures, and tell the difference between gagging and choking, so mealtimes start calm and confident.
Both. The workshop walks through purées, baby-led weaning, and combination approaches, with the pros and cons of each, so you can choose what fits your baby and your family. You'll leave with practical handouts covering readiness signs, textures, portions, and allergen introduction.
Flange fitting & pumping
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After booking, you'll send a few photos and your pump's make and model through a secure platform, and I'll provide a printable ruler to measure. I review everything, recommend a flange or insert size with links to purchase, then we meet for a short live session (about 15 minutes) to confirm the fit is comfortable and effective.
No, flange fitting is automatically included in every IBCLC consultation. The standalone virtual assessment is designed for parents who mainly want to optimize pumping comfort and output without a full feeding consultation.
Postpartum support & follow-up
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Postpartum support is whole-family care for the early weeks, newborn cues, soothing, routines, recovery, and adjusting to your new role. An IBCLC consultation is focused feeding care for specific lactation challenges like latch, supply, or pain. Not sure which fits? Reach out and I'll help you choose.
Yes. Virtual postpartum sessions are a flexible, effective option, especially in the early weeks when leaving home feels like a lot. You'll receive the same personalized guidance on feeding, newborn cues, recovery, and routines, on a schedule that suits your family.
Yes. Every IBCLC consultation includes one full week of follow-up messaging afterward, so you can ask questions and stay supported as you put your care plan into practice. This included messaging is for guidance and reassurance, not urgent or medical emergencies. For any urgent concern about you or your baby, please contact your healthcare provider or local emergency services right away.
Policies
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A travel fee applies only for in-home visits located more than 30 km from Ottawa (measured from postal code K1V 2J8). Any fee is communicated in advance and added to your total, so there are no surprises. Virtual visits, of course, have no travel fee.
Visits cancelled within 24 hours incur a $50 fee, but may be rescheduled once at no charge if rebooked within 7 days. No-shows or repeated short-notice cancellations may result in full charges for the missed visit. Workshops can be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule. If you or your baby are unwell, or weather affects a home visit, we'll reschedule at no additional charge. Consultation fees are non-refundable once the service has been provided. If you are unsatisfied with your experience, please reach out so we can discuss how to address your concerns.
Ready to feel confident about feeding?
Request an appointment and we'll build a calm, practical plan together.