Find a Certified Lactation Consultant in Bethesda, MD

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Certified, Expert-Vetted Lactation Consultants Near You

Our lactation experts include IBCLCs, IBCLEs, CLCs and more. They are the best of the best and hold the highest standards of evidence-based, inclusive, and compassionate care. Each verified professional on Meela is vetted by a licensed medical professional and comes with multiple client recommendations, active certifications, and has extensive training and experience in perinatal care.

Found 9 Pros in Bethesda, MD, USA | Lactation support
EXPERIENCE
0 50
Families served
0 3500
Birth fee
$0 $7500
HOURLY RATE
$0 $500
$ flexible
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Alyce Crockett

Takoma Park, MD

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 4 years experience

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 4 years experience

Hello families ! My name is Alyce and I am 23 years old I have been in child care industry for 9 years now. I have my CDA license, and pediatric CPR and First Aid, I am a certified birth and postpartum doula. I am childbirth educator, and certified breastfeeding counselor. I have had 3 long term nannies families in the past, which ended because I started my doula journey. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out !

Care philosophy

My Philosophy for both birth and postpartum is that it’s designed to be a very safe, natural, and peaceful process that you and your body are made to experience. Since I offer postpartum care, I will support you mentally, emotionally, and physically not only during postpartum, but pregnancy, and labor as well.

Areas served

  • Takcoma

Reviews

  • Amanda
    May 20, 2023 at 2:55 am | Client review

    Amari is our angel still is, I had Irish twins first 12-04-2021 and second 09-03-22. Amari was our doula both times and undoubtedly was the best part about my labor experience since I had a blood transfusion with both experiences and they’re both traumatic. If it wasn’t for amari I wouldn’t have survived. I am so grateful for Amari her services beyond labor when I needed the transfusion she stayed well over 6 extra hours making sure my partner and I were comfortable, ate and latched our babies both times. In any event of an unexpected outcome I would call and have Amari every time.

$ flexible
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Elisha Wilson

Glenn Dale, MD

3 reviews • 100 families supported • 10 years experience

3 reviews • 100 families supported • 10 years experience

Here at Divine Doula I provide the expectant parent(s) the support needed from the moment of conception until after birth. I am a Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor w/Advanced Lactation, Perinatal Nutrition Educator and Childbirth Educator.

Care philosophy

Assisting families in having the best birthing experience possible based on what you desire. Also helping families during the postpartum period, with breastfeeding and nutrition. A divine birth with a divine doula.

Areas served

  • Prince George's County, MD and Virtual
  • DMV area
  • Montgomery county, Md
  • Anne arundel county, Md
  • Howard county, md

Reviews

  • Kyara
    March 18, 2021 at 9:34 am | Client review

    Elisha is very patient and hands on with you. She makes sure you are comfortable and has your best interest in mind.

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Nina Butler

MD

0 reviews • 4 families supported • 4 years experience

0 reviews • 4 families supported • 4 years experience

My doula client care philosophy centers around the profound notion of supporting parents as they reclaim their sense of freedom, both physically and spiritually. Throughout the postpartum period, my mission is to guide and nurture parents on their path towards restoration, ease of mind, body, and soul, and a profound sense of comfortability. By fostering an environment of trust and empathy, I aim to empower parents to reclaim their autonomy and embrace the transformative journey of parenthood with a deep sense of spiritual connection and inner peace.

Care philosophy

My doula care philosophy is rooted in the core principles of freedom, ease, and comfortability for parents as they navigate the transformative journey of becoming a parent. I believe that every individual deserves the freedom to make informed choices regarding their parenting experience, and I'm here to provide unwavering support in those decisions.

Areas served

  • Columbia
  • Baltimore
  • Ellicott city
$ flexible
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Elisha Wilson

Bowie, MD

1 reviews • 100 families supported • 9 years experience

1 reviews • 100 families supported • 9 years experience

I am committed to providing exceptional birth doula support that empowers and uplifts expectant parents as they embark on their unique birthing journeys. My practice is built on a foundation of compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the profound transformation that childbirth brings. At Divine Doula, I believe that every birthing experience is sacred, and my mission is to ensure that each family feels nurtured, informed, and empowered throughout the process.

Care philosophy

At the heart of my care philosophy is a deep commitment to empowering birthing individuals and their partners to have a positive, informed, and transformative birthing experience. I believe that every person deserves to feel respected, supported, and heard during this pivotal moment in their lives.

Areas served

  • PG County
  • Northern Va
  • DC
  • DMV
  • Baltimore
  • Anne Arundel County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Charles County

Reviews

  • Erika
    September 10, 2023 at 3:26 am | Client review

    Awesome! Caring! Knowledgeable! She knows her stuff and that’s very important to us! She is down to earth and makes you feel confident and comfortable. I would definitely recommend her!

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Camille Christmas

Baltimore, MD

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 2 years experience

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 2 years experience

Our mission is to meet birthing people where they are by providing accessible support and a safe space to obtain knowledge, gain advocacy skills, and build confidence to have an empowered birthing experience. We are especially passionate about reducing racial disparities for Black first-time parents.

Care philosophy

We envision a world where birthing people receive care from diverse, trauma-informed, and actively anti-racist providers. We believe every family should have access to evidence-based care and should be able to give birth free of fear and coercion however and wherever they want to.

Areas served

  • Washington DC
  • Maryland
  • Virginia

Reviews

  • Christopher
    May 25, 2023 at 2:12 pm | Peer review

    Camille is a great resource to her clients and provides a space to empower both the birthing person as well as any support people to feel confident throughout the pregnancy and birth stages. Along with empowering her clients, Camille is also very knowledgable about so many aspects of birth to provide amazing support.

$ flexible
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Eliza Williams

MD

9 reviews • 20 families supported • 1 years experience

9 reviews • 20 families supported • 1 years experience

I started the delicate doula, which carries the mission to serve the ever-growing community of birthing persons by providing physical, mental and emotional support - as well as education and advocacy in order for new parents to feel confident, prepared and excited to embark on the journey of parenthood!

Care philosophy

To make a sincere connection with my client to understand where they are in their specific journey, where they feel confident and where they need assistance - and how I am able to best support them in order for their best desired outcome. I will become my clients’ personal resource and advocate for their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Areas served

  • DMV
  • Maryland, Northern, VA & Washington D.C.

Reviews

  • Tangy
    September 29, 2023 at 5:57 pm | Client review

    Eliza supported my husband and I through the birth of our first child! It was a delight to work with her from prenatal meetings to postpartum. She struck a key balance for us because she provided professional guidance while also making sure to ask us follow up questions and clarify all our intentions for the birth. We also really appreciated her consistency! She responded to all questions and requests in a timely manner.
    Eliza guided us through a tricky labor in which my waters broke but my contractions didn’t start. She kept me moving through a long battle with pitocin contractions and did an excellent job equipping my husband to be very present and confident throughout the labor. It means so much to me that in times of doubt, she reminded me of my intentions. I’ve enjoyed reflecting on my birth experience with her over the past week, celebrating the beauty of it and laughing at the unexpected moments! I pray that one day everyone would get the kind of care we received with Eliza.

$ flexible
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Allison Stewart

MD

2 reviews • 30 families supported • 3 years experience

2 reviews • 30 families supported • 3 years experience

I love supporting families and have done so for over 20 years. As a preschool teacher, I had the pleasure and privilege of working with families and being a part of their village. After becoming a parent myself, I wanted to support them in a new way. I decided to become a doula, which enables me to support families during one of the most exciting and life changing moments of their lives. I believe in customized care, answering questions and concerns with honest, evidence based information. My goal is to assist my clients so they can make the best decisions for their growing family and have a positive birth experience. As a new baby comes into the world, the entire family goes through a change and postpartum support can be helpful during such an exciting time. I offer both in person (in MD & DC) and virtual services, as well as monthly events and workshops designed to help support parents through pregnancy, labor, and their postpartum journeys. I even have a community for parents and their families designed to help them thrive! Find out more at letsdoulathisllc.com.

Care philosophy

I see pregnancy, birth, and the growth of a family as one of the most exciting and sacred times in our lives. As a Doula, I am privileged to assist and empower families during these life-changing experiences while helping to make them as positive and healthy as possible. I am proud and honored to offer support families virtually and in person in the Maryland and DC metro areas.

Areas served

  • Maryland
  • DC
  • Virtual support

Reviews

  • Sahira
    October 10, 2022 at 11:01 am | Client review

    Allison was helpful and a calming presence. She seeks to understand your needs and worries. A great advocate. She is a good communicator and very responsive through text.

$ flexible
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Heather Whitten

Ellicott City, MD

4 reviews • 20 families supported • 3 years experience

4 reviews • 20 families supported • 3 years experience

I come into full spectrum doula work after a decade of growing my own family through infertility, fostering, adoption, and IVF and documenting our life and births along the way. Showing the power, truth, and beauty of these moments through photography is truly the cornerstone of my work. Being able to facilitate a space that feels safe enough to explore all of your options and decide what's best for you and your family is something I'm very proud to be able to provide to clients from a variety of backgrounds without judgement. Education, connections to other professionals in the industry, and comforting touch are all things my care include.

Care philosophy

As a photographer and Full Spectrum Doula I document and support pregnant people no matter the outcome of their pregnancy, be it a chosen outcome or not. I work hard to build strong, meaningful connections with my clients so that they trust me in their most vulnerable moments.

Areas served

  • greater DMV area

Reviews

  • Zoe
    February 12, 2021 at 4:30 pm | Client review

    Heather was great to work with. As a first time Mom anxious about breastfeeding, she suggested a couple of wonderful resources for me that made a huge difference. She was such a champ during my 26-hour labor, providing hours and hours of counter-pressure relief during low-back contractions. She also had all the “things” to try to help, like a TENS machine, which did help for me. I felt really comfortable given Heather’s experience and knowledge and would recommend her, hands down. We’ve gone on to use her for babysitting as our daughter is growing up and she absolutely adores Heather!

$ flexible
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TayShawn Morgan

Suitland-Silver Hill, MD

4 reviews • 153 families supported • 10 years experience

4 reviews • 153 families supported • 10 years experience

Please visit my website at www.theneighborhoodmama.com to learn more about me, my services, and to book a free consultation.

Care philosophy

Breastfeeding is a natural process that your body was perfectly made to experience. Every mama and her breastfeeding experience is unique. I believe in providing you with information and options by encouraging you to make informed decisions. I strongly believe in reminding you that it is your body and your baby so you should decide how you will be supported throughout your journey.

Areas served

  • Prince George's County, MD
  • Washington, DC
  • Arlington, VA
  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Virtual

Reviews

  • Mahniya
    December 13, 2020 at 3:12 pm | Peer review

    I have only known TayShawn for a few short years but she is an asset to the birthing community. She is such a rockstar doula! The work she has and still is putting into the community is vital and I am very glad to have crossed paths with her!

Lactation Consultant: FAQs

A certified lactation consultant is a professional that helps parents address and solve their breastfeeding problems. Many new parents believe that breastfeeding is easy, only to find more obstacles than anticipated. 92% of parents say they are having problems with breastfeeding their new baby within only 3 days.

Nursing doesn’t always come naturally.

Breastfeeding can be overwhelming and all-consuming. A lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD can identify issues such as low milk supply, latching problems, or nipple engorgement. They also offer advice and techniques to help parents understand existing issues, improve how they read their baby’s cues, and feel empowered about breastfeeding despite existing social norms.

Every parent’s journey is unique, and there might be specific challenges or obstacles in your particular situation. The ultimate goal of a lactation consultant is to support parents who choose to breastfeed their children. A lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD can often save parents time and energy, and also give them some peace of mind.

Many mothers also face issues where they cannot breastfeed in the workplace or lack the family support or time to ensure that their child is breastfed correctly. A lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD can also provide a significant amount of moral support, diagnose breastfeeding issues, and solve latching, positioning, and scheduling issues.

To find a lactation specialist in Bethesda, MD, most parents recommend creating a job post on Meela and having uniquely qualified lactation experts near you (in your budget) reach out to you through the Meela app.

You can interview and chat with as many lactation specialists as you wish and hire a lactation consultant with confidence. It is completely free to create a job post on Meela and find a lactation consultant. There are no commitments to hire any of the qualified and expert vetted experts Meela brings you.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

  1. Post a job for free: Answer some questions and receive responses from top-rated lactation specialists near you. It takes less than 30 seconds to post your job.
  2. Get your list of lactation consultants: In a few hours, you will have a collection of lactation consultants near you who are qualified to meet your needs. You can compare pricing, experience, and read reviews. You can chat with each lactation specialist to learn more about them.
  3. Hire a lactation consultant with confidence: Schedule virtual or in-person interviews with your top choices. Hire your top lactation specialist and start getting the care you deserve.

To find a lactation consultant, you can also browse the available professionals near you in Bethesda, MD and read reviews, compare pricing, experience and fit. Send the lactation consultants you are interested in a message, introducing yourself and setting up an interview. We recommend reaching out to and interviewing at least three lactation consultants before hiring a lactation specialist near you. After interviewing, hire the most qualified lactation specialist near you and start getting the care you deserve.

The cost of a lactation consultant can vary based on a variety of factors, including their experience, their services, and their skills or specializations. Overall, the average cost of a lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD is $185 per hour based on a survey of 120 lactation specialists in the Bethesda, MD area.

Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance companies should be covering the cost of lactation services. However, there are a number of factors that determine whether insurance will cover the cost of a certified lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD. You should contact your insurance company for more information.

Here are some factors to consider regarding insurance and your lactation consultant cost:

  • Your insurance provider
  • Your individual health plan
  • The type of lactation specialist
  • The specific service provided

Meela’s network of lactations specialists in Bethesda, MD offer both in-home lactation support sessions or virtual lactation support sessions. Both types of sessions typically last between 1 and 3 hours. In your sessions, your lactation specialist will spend time understanding the issues you are facing and work with you and your baby to diagnose the issues have and also provide specific guidance and hands-on practice and exercises.

Lactation consultants help parents understand the best way to comfortably breastfeed their baby and help them navigate breastfeeding social norms. They can also help reduce stress and anxiety about breastfeeding, or help with specific challenges (such as breastfeeding twins, for example). Other parents might just want emotional support that doesn’t currently exist within their family, workplace, or network or friends.

Certified lactation consultants can also help with specialized issues that may arise with premature children or sick children. A parent may not have thought about breastfeeding help until they notice that their baby isn’t gaining weight properly, and finally realize that they might need some support and knowledge before continuing to breastfeed. On the other hand, some parents might prepare with a lactation consultant months before the baby is born.

Whether you are planning ahead or are thinking about a lactation now that you are having breastfeeding issues or concerns, a lactation consultant can be incredibly helpful and useful for parents.

Lactation counselors in Bethesda, MD can often help parents with breastfeeding and offer breastfeeding advice, training, and troubleshooting. Many of these counselors have taken the CLC exam, or the Certified Lactation Counselor exam. A certified lactation counselor has typically undergone 45 hours of training.

On the other hand, a certified lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD has undergone a specific amount of clinical training hours, which is not a requirement to become a lactation counselor. These lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants, as well. A lactation consultant typically has a bachelor’s degree in a health field and has undergone 90 hours of training and has somewhere between 300 and 1,000 hours of experience with parents.

Lactation consultants in Bethesda, MD are often working with other healthcare teams in collaboration with postpartum nurses to ensure that parents understand how to breastfeed their babies. Both lactation consultants and lactation counselors can provide support, develop feeding plans, and offer actionable advice with respect to breastfeeding.

The best approach is for parents to hire a lactation specialist early in their pregnancy so that they can help you prepare both mentally and physically. Parents don’t need to wait until your baby is born to begin thinking about breastfeeding support and education.

Some parents might be anxious about breastfeeding in public or feel like they want access to a breastfeeding expert to help both inform and support them. A lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD can also help young professional parents schedule their breastfeeding efficiently so that they can return to work quicker, while others might specialize in helping with breastfeeding anxiety issues.

It is never too late to hire a certified lactation consultant in Bethesda, MD. These breastfeeding consultants can also offer emotional breastfeeding support that can be valuable to those who lack family or workplace support. A lactation consultant can also be critical in identifying warning signs that might indicate more serious growth or developmental issues.

There are many documented benefits to breastfeeding, and parents often believe that it will be an easy and natural experience. Unfortunately, many parents run into issues such as low milk supply, nipple engorgement, or latching problems that can affect their baby’s health. These lactation specialists can be useful for troubleshooting, advice, or emotional support.

Certified lactation consultants can strengthen the bond between parents and their babies through breastfeeding advice, tips, and support. This might include showing parents how to help their baby latch properly, establishing feeding schedules, or dealing with sore nipples or engorgement. A lactation consultant can help new parents better understand their baby’s needs in general, and monitor the baby’s growth and development.

Lactation specialists in Bethesda, MD also offer emotional support and help parents breastfeed more efficiently so that they can get back to work and allow them to better manage expectations. Many parents face issues where they cannot breastfeed in the workplace, or do not have the family support or time to ensure that their child is breastfed properly and with care. These expert consultants can also provide a significant amount of moral support, diagnose breastfeeding issues, while also solving issues such as latching, positioning, and scheduling.

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