Breastfeeding Support in Dundas: Meet Rebecca Waxman, Our Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding is often described as natural, and many people take that to mean it should come easily. In real life, it's a skill that you and your baby learn together, usually while you're healing from birth and running on very little sleep. About 91% of mothers in Canada start breastfeeding, according to Statistics Canada, and many find the first few weeks much harder than they expected.

That's where a lactation consultant comes in. At Blueberry Therapy, we're lucky to have Rebecca Waxman, IBCLC, on our team, and we want more families in Dundas and Hamilton to know she's here.

Who Rebecca is

Rebecca holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies and a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from McMaster University. She went on to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She's also a mom of three sons, so she brings both clinical training and lived experience to every visit.

She listens first, then builds a plan that fits your goals, whether that's exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, pumping or moving to formula with confidence.

What an IBCLC does

The IBCLC is the highest credential in lactation care. Earning it takes health science education, hundreds of supervised clinical hours and an international exam, and consultants recertify every five years. In practice, it means Rebecca can assess both you and your baby, spot what's getting in the way and give you a clear plan to fix it.

When to book a lactation consultant

Some tenderness is common in the first days of breastfeeding. Ongoing pain, damage or worry is not something you have to push through.

Reach out to Rebecca if you notice:

• Nipple pain that lasts beyond the first week, or cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples

• A baby who struggles to latch, falls asleep at the breast or isn't gaining weight as expected

• Concerns about low supply or oversupply, engorgement, blocked ducts or mastitis

• Questions about pumping, bottle feeding, safe formula preparation or milk storage

• Plans to return to work, wean or start solids

• Twins, a premature baby, a suspected tongue tie or a wish to induce lactation

You can also book before your baby arrives. A prenatal visit is a great way to learn what to expect and make a plan ahead of time.

What happens at your first visit

Your initial in-person visit runs 75 to 90 minutes. Rebecca reviews your health history and your baby's, including pregnancy and birth. She weighs your baby before and after a feed so you can see how much milk they're taking in, checks your breasts and nipples, looks at your baby's mouth and watches a full feed to assess latch and positioning. You leave with a personalized feeding plan, and she may suggest a follow-up visit to check progress and adjust the plan.

At the clinic, at home or online

Getting out the door with a newborn can feel like a full expedition, so Rebecca offers three options. You can see her at Blueberry Therapy at 14 Cross Street in Dundas, she can come to your home, or you can meet virtually. Virtual visits work well for prenatal education and for questions about pumping, supply, lactation devices and returning to work.

Rebecca also rents out a baby sling scale for weighing your newborn at home, along with a TENS machine and a birth stool for labour.

Lactation support and your benefits

Many extended health plans cover visits with a lactation consultant, and that includes some teacher benefit plans. Coverage varies, so call your provider or check your plan booklet for "lactation consultant" or "IBCLC". Keep your receipt for your claim. If you aren't sure what your plan includes, our front desk is happy to help you figure out what to ask.

Prenatal classes for expecting families

Research shows that prenatal breastfeeding education helps families breastfeed longer and with more success. Rebecca's prenatal classes are small and relaxed, and they're held in a beautiful home yoga studio in Dundas, surrounded by windows and garden. Bring your partner, your yoga mat and every question you have.

• Labour & Delivery Prep, Sunday, November 8 at 10am. Learn the signs and stages of labour, the "4 P's" (power, passage, passenger and psyche) and the most common interventions, from epidurals to assisted and caesarean births.

• Prenatal Breastfeeding Essentials, Sunday, November 22 at 10am. Learn how milk is made, how to get a good latch, how to tell your baby is getting enough, hand expression, pumping and the most common early challenges.

• Postpartum & Newborn Basics, Sunday, December 13 at 10am. Prepare for the fourth trimester, including vaginal and caesarean recovery, bleeding, emotional health, newborn feeding, sleep, jaundice, bathing and diapering.

Each class is $100 per couple, or you can book all three with the Baby Bundle for $275. The studio address is sent when you register.

Where pelvic health fits in

Pregnancy, birth and feeding all affect your body, including your pelvic floor. Our pelvic health physiotherapists see clients through pregnancy and postpartum for leaking, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms and a safe return to exercise. When you're working with Rebecca and our physio team, you're supported from the inside out, with people who talk to each other and want the same thing for you.

Book with Rebecca

Book a lactation visit online at blueberrytherapy.janeapp.com or call us at 289-238-8383. To reserve a prenatal class, visit eternallymaternal.com.

If someone in your life is expecting, please send this their way. Good feeding support early on makes a real difference.