Lait Please Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Support in Terrace, BC
Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Support
Covid19 Pandemic **Updated: April 2023**
**April 2023
I am happy to announce that in person home consultations have resumed. I ask that all adults present wear a mask, and that a COVID waiver is completed and signed.
If you are unwell or not comfortable with in person, I continue to offer home consultations via Doxy.me (a secure video platform) in order to best protect everyone involved.
Please see my blog page for more details.
Lisette Calkins
IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant), RRT (registered respiratory therapist)
I have been working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Edmonton, AB as a respiratory therapist since 2000 in the NICU, and attending high risk deliveries since 2003. I did my clinical training to become a lactation consultant in this NICU. My chief mentor being Alice French (an RN of 40 years and lactation consultant of over 20 years).
Why I became a lactation consultant
I quickly realized how breastfeeding has become a lost art when I gave birth to my 36 week old baby and knew nothing about breastfeeding as it had not been covered in my prenatal classes yet. I had been surrounded by breastfeeding and pumping mothers in NICU for over 12 years and had no clue what to do. Luck had it that my good friend and coworker/lactation consultant was able to support me. She enabled me to realize the dream of getting my baby to the breast. I am forever greatful for her help and support. What an amazing feeling, to be empowered to feed your baby how you were meant to and create such an intense bond with your baby.
Mother of two girls
I am the proud mother of two beautiful girls who I was able to successfully exclusively breastfeed. I know the trials and tribulations of breastfeeding as well as the joys and empowerment it brings to you as a mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far along should I be to attend a prenatal breastfeeding class?
I suggest that you are close to 30 weeks, but this is only for retention purposes. Feel free to attend the class at any point in your pregnancy. If you attend prior to 30 weeks gestation then I would recommend reviewing the material closer to your due date.
Please contact me by sending me a message below if you would like to be on the email list for upcoming classes.
What should I bring to a class?
I highly recommend bringing your partner or support person. Studies show that if you have peer (friends, family, partner) support as well as professional support (doctors, nurses, midwives etc), you are more likely to successfully breastfeed.
I also recommend bringing a doll or stuffed animal to practice positioning. Pens are nice to have too in case you have some notes to add to the supplied handouts.
How long is the prenatal breastfeeding class?
The prenatal breastfeeding class is 2 hours long. I teach for 1 1/2 hours and leave the last 30 minutes for questions or to discuss topics that the class requests.
Please come to class with questions.
Should I bring my partner or support person to the prenatal breastfeeding class?
Yes, definitively! I highly recommend that your partner or support person attend the class with you. Studies show that if you have peer support as well as professional support that you are more likely to successfully breastfeed.
How long is a home consult?
An initial home consult is approximately 1.5-2 hours long.
We arrange my visit to coordinate with baby's next feed. If baby isn't quite ready to nurse (or if baby is hungry then we work around baby) its no big deal, as we can then go over your history (of your pregnancy) and I will then do a physical exam or your breasts (if there are any concerns) as well as a oral exam of baby. I then watch a feed and we come up with a plan on how to meet your breastfeeding goals.
No need to take notes. After the visit I email you our plan.