Blue Ridge Lactation

08/18/2026

What does “strengthen what works” really mean?

To me, it means continuing the support that is helping families while also working to make changes in the areas that are not. 💙

Families need access to:

• Skilled lactation care
• Better insurance coverage for lactation visits
• Paid parental leave
• Protected time and a private space to pump at work
• Support from family, healthcare providers, and the community
• Feeding plans that fit their individual needs and goals

Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. Getting help early can make such a big difference, but families have to be able to access and afford that help.

Strengthening what works means meeting families where they are, building on what is already going well, and continuing to work toward better support where it is still needed.

Every family deserves the time, resources, skilled care, and encouragement needed to reach their own feeding goals. 💙

What kind of support made the biggest difference in your feeding journey? Or what support do you wish you had received? Share below. 💙


📸 Photo credit: Andria Fontenot | Lynchburg Newborn Photographer

08/01/2026

Happy World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month! 💙

As we kick off World Breastfeeding Week, we’re also celebrating National Breastfeeding Month—a time to recognize, support, and encourage every family’s feeding journey.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

To me, “strengthen what works” means supporting families—not expecting perfection.

There was a time when I wondered if breastfeeding was ever going to feel easier. I also wish someone had reminded me that asking for help wasn’t a sign of failure—it was one of the best things I could have done for myself and my baby.

That experience is part of what led me to become an IBCLC and why supporting families means so much to me.

After working with hundreds of families, one thing has become so clear…

No two breastfeeding journeys ever look the same.

Some babies latch right away.
Some need a little more time.
Some moms exclusively breastfeed.
Some pump.
Some supplement.
Many do a combination of all three.

None of those journeys are failures.

Every family has a different story, and every feeding journey deserves support, evidence-based guidance, and compassion.

Throughout National Breastfeeding Month, I’ll be sharing practical tips, encouragement, common myths, and answers to the questions I hear most often from families.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or breastfeeding your fifth…

I’m so glad you’re here. 🤍

I’d love to hear from you:
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you about breastfeeding?

📸 Photo credit: Andria Fontenot Photography

07/06/2026

Guess what's up at LLL of Lynchburg! We are having a fund raiser: Cloth Diapering 101 Class, for those interested in saving money and the environment! Put July 8th on your calendar and call Sarah to register!

07/06/2026

06/07/2026

Lynchburg mamas, this is for you 🤍

If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum, having lactation support early can make a HUGE difference.

Not because something is wrong…
But because support helps you feel confident from the start.

I recently interviewed Jessica Smith, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and the heart behind Blue Ridge Lactation.

She shared that early support often:
• Prevents bigger challenges later
• Helps establish milk supply
• Gives you a clear plan moving forward

You don’t have to wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help.
I shared her full story + practical advice on the blog
Link in bio to read

06/07/2026

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Blue Ridge Lactation is now in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia!

This milestone is especially meaningful because it represents more than my own credentialing approval. It is the result of over a year of advocacy and the hard work of many lactation consultants, families, and organizations who fought to improve access to breastfeeding support through insurance coverage.

For years, IBCLCs have worked to be recognized as essential healthcare providers. Virginia, along with a few other states, heard us. Now families with Anthem coverage have greater access to lactation care when they need it most—and I hope other states soon follow.

💙 I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this progress possible and proud to be part of this movement.

Whether you’re preparing for baby’s arrival, working through feeding challenges, returning to work, navigating weaning, or simply looking for reassurance along the way, I’m here to support you.

Services include:
✨ Breastfeeding support
✨ Pumping support
✨ Low milk supply
✨ Bottle feeding
✨ Oral function assessments
✨ Return-to-work planning
✨ Weaning support
✨ In-home, office, and virtual visits

📍 Serving families in the Lynchburg, VA area
🔗 Links in bio to learn more and verify insurance coverage

04/23/2026

I see it all the time—
moms who want to breastfeed, but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or unsupported

Not because they didn’t try
…but because they weren’t prepared for the reality of feeding

That’s exactly why I created this class ✨

You’ll walk away knowing:
✔ What’s normal
✔ What to expect
✔ What to do when things feel off

So you can start your feeding journey with confidence 🤍

✨ Bonus:

You’ll also get a printable Newborn Feeding Guide you can reference at home (especially during those 2am feeds)

✨ Includes 2 weeks of follow-up support after class—so you’re not left figuring things out on your own

This is for you if you want to feel prepared, not overwhelmed going into postpartum 🤍

📍 The FEM PT
🗓 May 14th 6-8 PM
🔗 https://l.bttr.to/fh58t

💬 What are you most nervous about—latch, supply, or pumping?

04/09/2026

This is more than just a class—it’s a series designed to support your entire feeding journey 💛

From those first early days, to pumping and returning to work, to starting solids—you’ll have guidance each step of the way.

Right now, enrollment is open for the Prenatal Feeding Prep class.

If you’re expecting and want to feel calm, confident, and prepared going into those first days with your baby—this is a great place to start.

We’ll walk through:
✔ What feeding actually looks like in the early days
✔ Comfortable latch + positioning
✔ How milk supply works
✔ What’s normal (and when to get support)

✨ Small group, hands-on class
✨ Workbook + resources included
✨ 2 weeks of follow-up support

📅 May 14th | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 The FEM PT

✨ Reserve your spot:
blueridgelactation.wixsite.com/ibclc

04/07/2026

This is what collaboration looks like 🤍

Spent time observing a frenectomy so I can continue to support my clients through every step — not just feeding, but function, prep, and healing too.

So grateful for providers who value a team approach — LCs, dentists, ENTs, SLPs, bodyworkers — all working together to support babies and families.

Because the best care happens when we don’t do it alone ✨

pediatricdentistry

03/27/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of being a lactation consultant is the relationships built along the way 🤍

Getting to walk with families through such a vulnerable, beautiful season is something I never take for granted.

A sweet client gifted me these custom Blue Ridge Lactation coasters—and I’ll treasure them forever 🥹

Little moments like this mean more than I can put into words.

✨ Here to support you in your feeding journey

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