Lactation Support

Why should I pay for lactation + breastfeeding help, when there are free services?

I know it's nice when it's free. I took the free courses and support too. There will always be free services provided to you by public health or a hospital system. In my personal experience, they can only assist in the scope they are allowed. This means, if someone works for A they will most likely be limited to guide you based on the policies of A. For example, lactation consultants may only work Monday to Friday, and you had your little one on a Saturday, out by Sunday. You may have not receive any lactation specific support using service A. 

 

I think it's also worth mentioning if you are looking for pumping support in Canada, it is extremely limited (hence why the Exclusive Pumping Institute was founded!). Our maternity leave is designed to promote a latched experience with little worry of going back to work with pump use. As such many IBCLCs and lactation RNs do not have a lot of experience with pumps outside the Medela Symphony, Ameda Platinum & Elite. A good hint is when lactation professionals "eye ball" flange sizing. You should always be measured aside from just viewed within a flange. If your lactation professional is doing this, it is because they has not yet been trained in exclusive pumping. Pumped Love Lactation by EPI has 40 breast pumps to better suit your pumping needs, from occasional use to full time use.

 

I'm a researcher, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Advanced Lactation Specialist (cALS) and a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). I like to keep content fresh, providing you with the latest facts and evidence based practice in breastfeeding / lactation and pumping. My "free" breastfeeding class was designed at least 10 years before I ever took it. My "free" lactation consultant in 2015 told me to just keep at it. Each lactation journey is unique, and you deserve a unique service, with someone who gets it! I provide you with the resources you need, to help you get the results in lactation you and your little one aspire to achieve.

 

Why is there a cost?

IBCLC/CLC services are not directly covered under provincial health care coverage. I know the price for lactation help and support can seem out of our price range. My guess is if you are considering lactation support, it is because providing your little one with human milk is important to you. I understand that. If your concern is formula, I ask you to think about the cost of support versus what the cost might mean for you with breast pumps and/or formula. I can easily admit I probably spent over $1500 in pumps, pumping accessories, supplements and medications alone with my own children. If I could have had the support I needed in those first few days postpartum, it may have made a world of difference, and saved me hundreds of dollars + my mental wellbeing. I have made my costs low in terms of providing services because I'm passionate about lactation, and want you to succeed in which ever lactation journey you choose. Some insurance companies will cover lactation services under their health care spending account, and as such you will receive a receipt with my IBCLC credential in hopes you may have your lactation support covered. 

 

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How does your texting service support work?

When you've decided you want to invest in this service, you will be prompted for your contact information and payment information to enroll in this subscription service. By end of day, you will receive an invite from Dr. Ashton via Practice Better to create your profile. You will be sent a lactation intake form to fill out. Once the lactation intake form is complete you will receive a chat message from Dr. Ashton with next steps. We will be able to communicate through this PIPEDA, GDPR & HIPAA compliant texting service for 30 days. You will be allowed to send photos & videos. Your questions will be answered at latest from 6PM to 12AM EST Monday to Friday. All questions beyond 10PM EST will be answered next business day. Should Dr. Ashton be unavailable for a day, your service will be extended by 1 day. You will be notified. Limited number of spots will be available to ensure I am able to provide you with the lactation support you require. Please note, if you require a flange sizing during the 30 days, this will need to be purchased aside from the texting lactation support service.

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What is your cancelling / rescheduling / refund policy?

Please note cancellations within 24 hours of appointment time are non transferable and non refundable. Cancellations within 24-48 hours are transferable (reschedule), but non refundable. Cancellations greater than 48 hours are fully refundable. By clicking the terms and conditions box at the end of the booking your agree to the cancellation policy as well as the terms and conditions available on the Terms page of the Exclusive Pumping Institute Website.   

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Do you need to touch me during my in-person visit or do I need to show my breasts/chest and/or nipples on virtual consults?

Gone are the days of another lactation professional sandwiching your breast/chest into your infant's mouth. This is not my style, and against my ethics as a Board Certified Sexologist (ACS). I'm trained in providing virtual lactation care and as such, I can coach you the whole time with assisting baby to latch etc. Should you prefer I help, we can document that you've consented to me touching just you and/or your infant. I will NEVER touch anyone without their expressed consent, period.

 

For virtual visits you are welcome to not show your breasts/chest and/or your nipples, however you will need to be very descriptive of what you see should we perform a breast assessment or observing baby latch. I completely understand that showing our bodies to someone we do not know leaves us in a vulnerable position. I've been trained and educated to observe naked bodies in a respectable manner throughout both my Masters and Doctoral programs. My goal is that you are comfortable with what works for you.