Thank you for visiting North Shore Lactation Consulting!
After graduating university, I began my nursing career in Pediatrics and after a few years felt drawn to focus on Maternal-Child nursing. I have always been captivated by the wonder and mystery of birth, and was delighted to secure a position as a birthing/postpartum nurse at BC Women’s Hospital for 6 years. During this period, I developed a keen interest in breastfeeding and human lactation. It was after the birth of my first child in 2011 that I was inspired to further my education and obtain the designation of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I have been an IBCLC since 2012 and work for Vancouver Coastal Health on the North Shore as a Lactation Consultant, as well as in Lactation Services at BC Women’s Hospital which includes supporting our NICU families as well as the Provinical Milk Bank. At home, I am a mother to two wonderful children and live in North Vancouver.
My Philosophy:
It is an honour and privilege to work alongside families during this special time after the birth of a baby. We know that while most women want to breastfeed, some will experience difficulties and frustration. It is my goal to meet the mother where she is at, and work with her and her baby to overcome the issues at hand. My practice is founded on a sound knowledge of the science of human lactation, as well as credible, current research. This can help to reduce the amount of conflicting advice families so often feel frustrated with. My primary focus is to help mothers achieve their goals, to trust their innate intuition and their baby, and to empower them along this crazy, all-consuming ride!
Mothers join the ranks slowly, gradually, one caress, one diaper, one feeding at a time. And then one day, we look down, and there they are: the hands of a mother, gently and with enourmous strength doing the most important work on earth.
– excerpt from “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League International
SERVICES
North Shore Lactation Consulting aims to empower and support families.
Offer skilled breastfeeding support to help you achieve your goals.
Providing Care for families in Vancouver, North/West Vancouver, Burnaby, Squamish and surrounding areas.
Common concerns addressed are:
sore nipples
breast pain
latching issues
milk supply concerns
slow weight gain for baby
baby’s feeding behaviours
inducing lactation & relactation
transitioning from bottle to breast
how to know baby is getting enough
tongue tie / lip tie
expressing and storing breast milk
breastfeeding after surgery
management of mastitis
multiples
return to work transitions
and more.
Initial Consultation
You will receive expert help in the comfort of your own home, hospital or in the clinic (if available).
Includes:
- Assessment of mother and baby concerns
- Observation of breastfeeding,
- Assistance with breastfeeding (positioning and latch)
- Learn how to know when baby is getting enough milk
- Assistance with use of equipment (breast pump) if indicated
- Individualized feeding plan
- Weighing baby
- Follow up contact by phone, email or text
In-home Fee: $140
Return Consultation
This option is for mothers who have already had an initial consultation with me. I will come to your home to do a follow up visit if more support is needed after the initial consultation.
Includes:
- Assessment of progress made since last visit
- Address any new or ongoing concerns
- Revise feeding plan as needed
- Weigh baby if needed
- Follow up contact by phone, email or text
Fee: $100
Prenatal Assessment:
This option gives parents an opportunity to discuss individual questions/concerns with an IBCLC prior to the birth of your baby
Includes:
- Physical assessment of mother (if desired)
- Discussion of what tools/equipment may or may not be needed for breastfeeding prior to birth
- strategies to promote successful breastfeeding in the early days after birth
Fee: $80
- payment by cash, e-transfer or cheque
- For locations 25 km outside of North Vancouver, a $20 travel fee will apply
CONTACT US
Stephanie Gillespie, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Phone: 778-960-5540
Email: nslactation@gmail.com
North Shore Lactation Consulting
North Vancouver, BC
KIND WORDS
RESOURCES
What is IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. An IBCLC is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), after completing all the education, and clinic experience requirements, as well as writing and passing an examination. An IBCLC must complete ongoing education/training as part of maintaining this credential. An IBCLC works in a wide variety of settings, providing leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research in the lactation field.
(courtesy of: International Lactation Consultants’ Association www.ilca.org)
Helpful Links
Dr. Jack Newman
La Leche League
Stanford University
http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/
International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners
International Lactation Consultants Association
British Columbia Lactation Consultants Association
www.bclca.ca
Kellymom Breastfeeding/Parenting:
Infant Sleep Information Source: