What is a Prenatal Lactation Course?
A prenatal lactation course is not just a slideshow about milk coming in and latch diagrams.
At least… mine isn’t.
It’s an in-depth, hands-on education tailored to real life. The kind where you get to ask the hard questions, talk about your birth plan, and learn how to feed your baby without fear or overwhelm.
We cover:
• How milk supply actually works (and how to protect it from day one)
• Common myths that mess with your confidence
• What normal newborn feeding behavior looks like (spoiler: it’s not a three-hour schedule)
• How to get a good latch and avoid pain
• Building your support team and when to call for help
• Preparing your partner to support you (yes, they’ll have a role too!)

Why Take a Lactation Course Before Birth?
When you’re postpartum, you’re tired. Your hormones are shifting. You’re sore, you might be bleeding, and you’re learning your baby minute by minute.
You don’t want to start your feeding education then.
You want to feel equipped going in—and that’s what prenatal education does.
It replaces panic with preparation.
Confusion with clarity.
Fear with trust.
Even if you’ve breastfed before, every baby is different. Maybe the last time didn’t go how you hoped. Or maybe you’re just ready to feel more supported, informed, and empowered this time.

Especially Helpful for Homebirth & Natural-Minded Mamas
When you’re planning a homebirth or seeking a low-intervention postpartum, prenatal lactation support helps bridge the gap between your birth team and your long-term feeding success.
It ensures:
• You know how to advocate for your feeding choices
• You’re prepared for the normal cluster-feeding marathons
• You can recognize red flags early
• You’re confident in your instincts and your body’s ability

It’s Not Just About Feeding. It’s About Feeling Supported.
When you sign up for a prenatal lactation course with me, you’re not just signing up for a one-time class. You’re beginning a relationship.
You’re getting a guide who will still be there postpartum—whether you need in-home latch help, someone to check your baby’s weight gain, or just a reassuring voice that says:
“You’re doing enough. You’re doing beautifully.”

Ready to Feel Prepared?
I offer group classes and private, in-home prenatal lactation education throughout Akron, North Canton, and Northeast Ohio and even virtual options for those outside of Northeast Ohio—where we walk through everything together, right from the comfort of your home.
I’ll even leave you with a customized ebook based on what we covered, so you can revisit everything when baby arrives.
Let’s make sure you feel ready—not just for birth, but for feeding too. 
Reach out to schedule your prenatal lactation session today.
 Inquire here

Step 1: Learn the Basics Before Baby Arrives
The truth is: you don’t need to be an expert — but you do need to know what’s normal.
That includes:
• How often newborns feed (spoiler: it’s a lot)
• How to tell if your baby is getting enough
• What a good latch looks and feels like
• What to expect during cluster feeds and growth spurts
Most Mamas feel more confident after a prenatal lactation consult, where we walk through everything you’ll need to know — before the sleepless nights hit.
Want a place to start? Download my free guide:
 Surviving Your First Week with Your Baby (linked here)

Step 2: Build Your Support System
The early days of breastfeeding are tender and intense. Who will be in your corner?
Before birth, line up:
• A lactation professional you trust
• A postpartum support plan (especially if your partner will be returning to work early)
• Emotional support: other Mamas, support groups, or even just a friend who’s been there
No one should have to Google “why is breastfeeding so hard?” at 2am.
You deserve real-time support, in real life.

Step 3: Set Realistic Expectations
Let’s be honest: there’s no badge for pushing through pain or going it alone.
Sometimes, even when you prepare, you’ll have rough feeds or moments of doubt.
That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It just means you’re human — and your baby is too.
Take things one day, one feeding at a time. Rest when you can. Nourish yourself, too.

Step 4: Make a Postpartum Plan That Includes You
Everyone asks about your birth plan.
But what about your breastfeeding plan? Or your sleep plan? Or how you’ll eat when you’re holding a baby around the clock?
Postpartum planning is one of the most overlooked forms of birth prep — and it’s one of the most important.
If you’re local to Akron, North Canton, or Northeast Ohio, I’d love to support you with in-home prep or care. You don’t have to do this alone.

Dear Mama, Breastfeeding isn’t just about feeding. It’s about bonding, learning, and growing — together.
So give yourself the gift of grace, preparation, and support.
You deserve it. Your baby deserves it. And when you’re ready, I’m here.

Brittney

Serving Akron, North Canton, Cuyahoga & Northeast Ohio

The first week with your newborn is a blur of snuggles, swaddles, and questions. One minute you’re soaking in that new baby smell, and the next you’re Googling “is it normal for my newborn to sneeze 11 times in a row?”

I want to help take some of that guesswork off your plate, Mama.

Let’s talk about what’s actually normal in those first few days — so you can stop second-guessing and start settling in.

Normal Newborn Behavior in the First Week

1. Cluster Feeding (A LOT)
Your baby might nurse every hour — or more. That doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk. It means your baby is regulating your supply, growing, and seeking closeness. It’s biologically normal, especially in the evenings (hello, witching hour).

2. Startles, Jerky Movements & Sneezes
Newborns are still getting used to life outside the womb. Their nervous systems are immature — so sudden movements, hiccups, sneezes, and even grunting while they sleep are all part of the process.

3. Sleepy but Startling Awake
Your baby may sleep for hours… until you put them down. Contact naps are often the most restful for them. It’s not a “bad habit.” It’s survival instinct. You’re their safe place.

4. Wet + Dirty Diapers: The Tally Matters
By day 7, you should be seeing 6+ wet diapers and 3+ mustardy stools daily. That’s one of the best ways to know if feeding is going well.

5. Crying Doesn’t Always Mean Hunger
Crying is communication — not just about food, but also about temperature, overstimulation, or wanting to be close to you. You’re not spoiling them. You’re supporting them.

You Are Learning Together

It’s okay to not know every cue yet. You’ve just met! The first week is full of adjustment for both of you. And if something doesn’t feel right — trust that instinct. You’re allowed to ask for help.

Need breastfeeding support or reassurance?
I offer in-home lactation visits in Akron, North Canton, and the surrounding areas — so you never have to navigate the fourth trimester alone.

Reach out here →

Any information provided is anecdotal, based personal experiences, education and research and should not be used as medical advice. While I am a Lactation Professional, I am not YOUR Lactation Professional unless you pay me to be. Any decisions made regarding your care or the care of your baby should be discussed with your provider of choice.

MmmKay now that that’s out of the way, where were we? Oh yes…

It’s safe to say that by now you’ve noticed everyone has some sort of advice or snippet of wisdom to share with new moms. From the moment you announced your pregnancy, your friends and loved ones have been sharing advice and if your bump is showing you’ve probably got strangers in grocery stores who just can’t wait to share.

But what about the things that no one tells you?

You know the nitty-gritty stuff that you really need to know to not just survive motherhood but thrive.

Below are the ten things no one tells you about breastfeeding.

1. NATURAL DOESN’T MEAN EASY.

For as wonderful as breastfeeding is, as natural as it is for your body to start making milk for your little after birth, it doesn’t start out as the smiles and adoring looks seen in almost every breastfeeding picture ever, and it’s not this biological second nature that you just DO.

Lactation may be natural, but breastfeeding is learned. Both you and your babe are working to figure out how to do this amazing thing while working out the mechanics of your newfound roles – your little as an oxygen breathing, hunger feeling, temperature regulating tiny human for the first time ever and you caring for the tiny human that just exited your body while healing from birth with a hormone shift that can leave you feeling like anything but yourself while and sticking extra-sensitive parts into the mouth of said tiny human in hopes that they’re transferring enough milk to satisfy their grape-sized belly. Trust me, we all feel this way.

2. YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE STUFF.

Once our son’s ties were released I personally was SO grateful to not be toting around my pump, hands-free nursing bra, bottles for storage, cooler for the milk, syringe for feeding, SNS and nipple shield for attempting to breastfeed, bib for the mess and the “I’m a New Mom” overstuffed diaper bag on top of the wiggly squish who would undoubtedly be hungry five minutes down the road. I was so grateful to be walking out the door with just me and my babe, only worried if I’d be able to find a comfy place to nurse wherever we were going.

In those early weeks where we struggled to get the milk from my breast to his belly, it made me realize that the pillows, creams, pads, covers, and chairs on the market are all grand but they’re not truly necessary to actually feed babe.

So if it’s possible for you, borrow someone’s until you’re sure what you do or do not need and don’t be afraid to use it how it works best for you! I turned the boppy sideways and propped it up on my pillow so I had good head and shoulder support for middle of the night feedings – it’s not what it’s marketed for at all but hey it worked for me!

And out of all the things marketed as necessities for breastfeeding-it’s the only thing we used!

3. YOU WILL DOUBT YOUR MILK SUPPLY, OVER AND OVER.

aaaand over and over again (anyone else singing a Tim&Nelly duet now?) Babe will go through growth spurts, cluster feeding and nursing strikes- all of which will make you wonder if you’re making enough milk for babe and if your milk is filling them up-short answer IT IS.

It’s oh so rare that Mamas can not make enough to feed babe. As long as you’re eating and drinking enough breastfeeding is supply and demand.

If baby is putting out enough wet and dirty diapers for their age and back at birth weight when they are showing more hunger cues and signs of needing to be at the breast, then let them.

They’ll eat as often as they need while also telling your body exactly how much to make for them.

Some days you’ll spend the entire day curled up nursing, IT’S OKAY the days are long but the years are oh so short. Your day spent on the couch or in bed was exactly what your little needed from you today, the laundry and dishes will be there tomorrow.

4. YOU CAN’T OVERFEED A BREAST-FED BABY.

I’ll say it again for the people in the back, YOU CAN NOT OVERFEED A BREASTFED BABY at the breast.

Babies will nurse as often as they need and the cues their saliva gives your body will make your breast compose milk with the exact right vitamins, nutrients, and antibodies their little body needs.

So when a well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) passerby or visitor says “they’re eating again!?!” The urge to roll your eyes may be great and the doubt may begin to creep in, but if the baby is showing the proper output of wet and dirty diapers, growing on track and generally a happy baby-you can smile sweetly and confidently say “yep! Babies are so in tune with their bodies and listening to exactly what it needs! Their body even tells mine how I can meet those needs perfectly – isn’t that amazing?” say it with a smile Mama because you got this.

5. YOU’LL REACH A LEVEL OF COMFORT WITH YOUR BOOBS YOU WOULDN’T DREAM OF.

Seriously y’all talking about your breasts, feeling them to see how full they are and which side it’s time to feed from, talking about pump output and engorgement and whipping them out in a crowded room like a ninja to soothe a hungry baby.

It’s amazing how quickly we adapt and how big the blinders are when our focus is nurturing our child. It was truly something I personally wasn’t expecting but was pleasantly surprised by having always been shy and uncomfortable.

6. YOUR BOOBS WILL BE DIFFERENT SIZES.

Fun fact your breasts are already different sizes, but they also have a different amount of milk ducts which means they will produce at different speeds meaning one will be a great producer and the other you will lovingly refer to as your “slacker” boob.

In our house, we frequently reference the old kitchen trash bag commercial and called one boob “hefty, hefty, hefty” and the other “wimpy. wimpy. wimpy.” hey I warned you, parenthood makes you weird-or in our case even weirder.

7. HAVING A CHEERLEADER, SOUNDING BOARD AND PLACE TO GO FOR HELP IS VITAL.

Having a support person ups your chances of successfully breastfeeding, oftentimes surpassing how long you imagined you would be.

Your cheerleader can be a friend, sibling, partner, your mother-just somebody who is willing to listen when you want to give up, to hold your hand when it’s hard (whether physically or virtually) and to celebrate the milestones & victories.

Don’t worry if your partner isn’t on board now, you’d be amazed how quickly they come to the defense of the mother of their child and your amazing ability to nourish your child.

Having a support system is vital so if your biggest cheerleader isn’t your partner (yet) seek out other Mamas in your area via Mom Groups, your local La Leche League chapter for when it’s just too hard to get out of the house or it’s socially unacceptable to call someone crying at 3 am. I highly recommend joining their associated Facebook groups to help you through the tough moments. We’ve ALL been there Mama, the ability to span the world means someone is almost always awake to talk to you.

8. YOU WILL EAT AND EAT AND EAT-PREGNANCY CRAVINGS HAVE NOTHING ON BREASTFEEDING CRAVINGS.

When you sit down to feed a baby, you’ll suddenly be ravenous yourself. You need extra calories and liquids- keep snacks and a full large water bottle near your favorite nursing stations.

If your partner needs a task those first few weeks while you’re healing and all about establishing your supply this is a great way for them to be involved and to help nurture you while you nurture your baby.

I personally had this deep need for Klaassen pickles, salt and vinegar chips and turkey avocado sandwiches- things I didn’t crave while pregnant but now suddenly couldn’t go a day without! My guy has a milk protein allergy and amazingly the grilled cheese, quesadillas and pizza I craved while pregnant all sounded terrible now (our bodies are so cool!)

***If you find yourself in the fourth trimester and suddenly battling a suspected milk allergy or intolerance like I was, check out some great dairy-free snacks and meal options here to help ease your transition into dairy-free life & welcome to the club Mama! Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need a shoulder to cry on! ***

9. IT IS TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY NORMAL FOR BABE TO WAKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

For some reason, sleeping through the night seems to define “good baby” for most people.

You run into them at the grocery store and they want to know how everything is going and if your little is a ‘good baby’ it’s almost always immediately followed up with “are they sleeping through the night?” My favorite response to this eye roll provoking transaction is always, “He sleeps like a baby should and I don’t sleep through the night, so I’m not expecting him to.“

I honestly don’t know why this correlation came to exist and if this exchange hasn’t happened yet give it time-I promise it will and when it does I want you to know that babies aren’t meant to sleep through the night.

In fact, it is a developmental, physiological protection to ensure their safety-so don’t believe the babe “needs solids, your milk isn’t enough, they should be sleeping through the night” stories…your milk is so perfectly tailored to babe’s needs their body uses every bit of it, isn’t that neat? and middle of the night nursing sessions are about more than just calories.

Some more sleep facts from Dr. Sears to help your tired mama heart:

Medically, a 5 hr stretch is sleeping through the night, so is stirring for milk and going back to sleep immediately or dream feeding.

In fact, not sleeping is defined by wanting to party in the middle of the night or have stretches of awake time in the evening.

Baby needs to be fully asleep before you put them down or try to move them, they fall into “light sleep” for about 20 min before being deeply asleep. Look for eye movement to stop, limbs to relax and go limp and breathing to regulate and become more shallow. Keep their head higher than their body to avoid triggering their Moro Reflex (they’ll think they’re falling).

A baby has shorter sleep cycles than an adult, while an adult sleep cycle is typically 90mins, where we go from light to deep back to light sleep. A baby’s sleep cycle is typically 50min of deep sleep before they’re back in light “active” sleep; meaning they have more opportunities for night waking. A simple comfort of your hand, some Mama milk or just being close can help them get through without waking completely or going back down quickly.

Parents often exaggerate how long their baby is sleeping (or even awake), and every child is different. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.

10. IT GOES BY SO QUICKLY, SO SOAK IT ALL UP, BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.

You get it figured out then suddenly they’re in a growth spurt, cutting a tooth, experiencing a sleep regression, on a nursing strike or cluster feeding all night just to keep you on your toes.

It’s totally normal and okay to go from feeling like you’ve got it all together finally then a few days later feel like you’re clueless as to what baby needs because their cues have changed or they only want to nurse in the most awkward position, heck a few feedings later.

Just know that old cliché is so true, the days are long but the years are short.

You’ll look down and wonder how your sleeping tiny squish is this babbling chunky crawler, that crawler is suddenly cruising along furniture with laughter and just how they grew so much when you blinked.

So be in the moment Mama, whether that moment is curled up with babe on the couch or down on the floor doing tummy time together – the laundry and dishes can wait.

It’s okay to love being a Mom but not love every moment being a Mom, ask for help when you need it, give yourself grace and remember doing so doesn’t make you any less of the amazing Mama that you are, in fact it proves that you are making the right decision for your family (and it is absolutely okay to include yourself in that equation).

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An In Home Session means less time prepping, you already made and birthed a whole human, those first few weeks at home, heck the first YEAR is all about sleep deprivation, survival and soaking it all up while also feeling like you’re doing it all wrong. (Trust me Mama, you’re not. YOU are exactly what that baby needs and you’re both figuring it all out together. )

Being at home means all the things that tiny human needs are right there, when something is uncomfortable, spit up on or the victim of a blowout everything you need to feel comfortable is just a few steps away. It also means that we capture real life, the home you brought your baby to as they joined your family. The place you rocked them into the wee hours of the morning, the kitchen you sleepily perfected your balance of caffeine, hydration and one handed snackage. The place they’ll take their first steps. The place they’ll spit take their first food. The place they’ll babble along in their high chair while you make dinner or do the dishes. Your home is the backdrop for this epic, exhausting, amazing first year, it is the most authentic way to capture your love for the newborn baby who has stolen your heart and has you wrapped around their little finger.

MAKE PRECIOUS MEMORIES YEAR ROUND

There’s no denying Ohio winter weather can be unpredictable, I grew up in Florida where the joke was don’t make outdoor plans at 230 because it will be raining and anything during hurricane season had a 50/50 chance of being rescheduled. But does Ohio take the cake on all four seasons in a week, sometimes it feels like in a days time! Unpredictable Ohio weather can make planning sessions a little challenging when you also have to account for comfort of newborns or young children in such extreme temperatures! I’m all about adventures and getting the memory where it fits your family so if that’s on the snowiest day of winter and y’all want to go sledding or have a snowball fight awesome! but that doesn’t quite work for newborns and that’s why in home sessions are the perfect fit! Baby gets to be cozy and warm, there is less stimulation for them in the quiet of their home and YOU are comfortable having less unfamiliar things happening around your new baby.

NO TRAVEL TIME

It’s no secret babies have a lot of stuff, especially in those early days where you’re trying to learn their personality, likes and dislikes and feel like you need every gadget and baby device you’ve ever seen PLUS your own bag of postpartum supplies getting to the grocery store can be an exhausting an event and the last thing you want to do is all of that AND have to look nice. In home newborn sessions mean no travel time, no packing things up hoping you have enough outfits, diapers and the carrier they like. It means everything you need is right there and the only thing you’ve got to worry about is finding clothes for the day that you feel good in, and you don’t have to worry about that cause I bring the wardrobe to your session and even show up early so you can take a minute to feel your best!

HOME IS WHERE THE COMFORT IS

Home is where older siblings are most comfortable and a newly postpartum Mama can continue to heal from the person she just grew with all the fourth trimester things with in reach! Siblings are happily able to run off and grab their favorite book to read to new baby, they really like showing of their stuff to me which helps us become fast friends and it allows them to swell with pride when they say “this is my baby do you want to meet them?” It allows everyone to not only be physically comfortable thanks to the climate control of your home but also settled because they’re surrounded by their familiar space.

LIFESTYLE IN THE PLACE YOU’VE MADE HOME

There’s nothing more authentic than capturing your love for that brand new baby than capturing you loving on and caring for that baby in the house you brought them home to, the place where you’ll wear out the floor during witching hour with your pacing, find yourself staring at them while they sleep, the place where you’ll debate if that was a real smile or just gas and the place where you’ll watch all their firsts and lasts happen.

Your home is the backdrop for this epic, exhausting, amazing thing called life with kids, it is the most authentic way to capture your love for the newborn baby who has stolen your heart and has you wrapped around their little finger-so the question then becomes why not at home?

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So many times I hear “my home isn’t the best for pictures” or “I don’t think we have enough space to get good photos”, and let’s just shut that down right now! Pinterest perfection is NOT required to get beautiful images of your family. We are focused on the connection, the love and the tiny little details of who your family is right now and what is out of frame is out of sight. We really only need one good source of natural light and an area that is big enough for a cuddle puddle! But if you’re anything like me you still want to know exactly how to prepare for your in home newborn session, so here are a few tips for just that!

Schedule the session within the first two weeks:

To get that brand new babe before they’re growing and changing before your eyes every day it is best to schedule a lifestyle newborn session is within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. During this time, your baby is still sleepy and snuggly and their skin is smooth and clear.

Choose a comfortable and cozy location:

Lifestyle newborn sessions are done in the comfort of your own home, we choose the best spot with plenty of natural light! And since we chose this spot prior to your session during our pre-session prep you are able to make sure the temperature is warm and comfortable for your baby.

Great places to take photos are the baby’s nursery, the couch, Mom and Dad’s Bed or anywhere in the home that has great light, neutral background and everyone can get comfortable. I bring neutral color blankets with me if needed to help create your desired look, and am not afraid to move a comfy chair or two to get your shot.

Dress your baby in simple clothing:

Each Session comes with styling items such as newborn gowns and caps or headbands. If you would like to dress your baby in simple, comfortable clothing, such as a onesie or a swaddle that you already have that is of course absolutely okay! Avoid busy patterns or clothing with logos so that baby remains the focus of the images and not their clothing.

Include meaningful items in the photos:

Consider including meaningful items in the photos, such as a special blanket or stuffed animal. A nursery decoration that has great meaning or like I did with my own boys something you can take photos with every year on their birthday to show how much they’ve grown and changed year after year. These items can help personalize the photos and make them even more special.

Relax and enjoy the experience:

The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the experience. Newborns are unpredictable, so don’t worry if your baby is fussy or needs a break. Trust me to capture beautiful and natural moments that you will cherish for years to come.

Remember, the goal of a lifestyle newborn session is to capture the beauty and love of your new family in a relaxed and natural setting. So take a deep breath, enjoy the moment, and let me work my magic!

The BEP experience comes with a lot of pre-session contact, we’ll have conversations about your family’s personalities, the vision you have for the art you’d like to display in your home and so much information about what to expect, come session time you won’t be able to feel anything other than comfortable and confident!

let’s be pen pals! join the Mamas getting encouragement, support and “hey me too” type stories delivered straight to your inbox to help you get through the most demanding and wonderful job title you’ve ever held. Mommin’ ain’t easy and we could all use a little encouragement!

send me nice things

I’m looking for kindness, support and community for this journey called Motherhood!

help me build my village