Feeding with Confidence: What to Expect (and What You’re Not
Told)
When you picture lactation counselling, you might imagine it’s something you only need when you’re struggling to breastfeed.
But the truth is, lactation support is for every family at any stage, whether you're nursing, pumping, combo feeding, supplementing, or formula feeding.
At Crescent Health Collective, our approach to lactation counselling is rooted in compassion, education, and personalized care. Because feeding your baby isn’t just about mechanics. It’s about connection, confidence, and caring for yourself while you care for someone else.
No two feeding journeys are alike. And whether you’re preparing to feed for the first time, struggling with latch, or simply looking for some reassurance, you deserve support that feels as personal as the journey you’re on.
When Should You Reach Out for Lactation Counselling?
You don't need to wait until things feel overwhelming to get support. In fact, reaching out early can help you feel more prepared, more empowered, and less alone from the very start.
Here are a few good times to connect with a lactation counsellor:
- During pregnancy: To learn what to expect, feel more confident, and set realistic expectations before baby arrives.
- In the early days of postpartum: If you need help with latch, positioning, supply concerns, bottle introduction, or painful feeding.
- Whenever questions or challenges come up: From navigating pumping schedules to managing a supply dip to wondering what’s "normal" & and what’s not.
What to Expect During a Lactation Counselling Session
Lactation counselling is about so much more than solving a problem. It’s about creating a space where you can exhale, ask the questions you’ve been holding in, and feel truly supported. Here’s what you can expect:
- A personalized conversation: We’ll take time to get to know you, your baby, your goals, and your worries. There’s no rush and no judgment.
- A physical assessment (if needed): We’ll gently observe feeding to support latch, positioning, and comfort for both of you.
- Practical, flexible guidance: Real strategies that meet you where you are, not a cookie-cutter care plan.
- Emotional support: Feeding can be layered with self-doubt, grief, pressure, and pride. We hold space for all of it.
And if it ever feels like more support is needed, whether physical, emotional, or otherwise, you won’t have to look far. Our collaborative team is here for you and your little one.
Every Feeding Journey Is Different — And That’s Okay
One of the biggest myths about feeding is that there’s a “right” way to do it. But the truth is the right way is the one that works for you and your baby. And that can change, grow, and shift along the way, and that’s okay.
Maybe breastfeeding is smooth. Maybe it’s messy, emotional, complicated. Maybe it looks like pumping. Maybe it looks like formula. Maybe it looks like a little bit of everything.
At Crescent Health Collective, we’re not here to tell you how it should look. We’re here to remind you that your instincts are powerful, your experience is valid, and you deserve support that honours both.
Ready to Feel More Supported?
Whether you're preparing for your first feed, navigating an unexpected challenge, or simply looking for a listening ear, lactation counselling can make all the difference.
Book an appointment with our lactation counsellor today or reach out if you have questions about what to expect.