Hello from Amanda!

After graduating from The University of Guelph with my B.Sc. Biology I married my best friend and had our first child in a beautiful midwife assisted birth. Breastfeeding quickly proved to be very painful and difficult and I sought out a lactation consultant who helped us through those first bumpy weeks.  Once we fixed our latch and treated our thrush, I healed quickly until one day were able to nurse pain free.  I then realized why some folks love breastfeeding!  Having the right support and information really turned my postpartum life around and I was determined to be there for any other parent who asked me for help.

I began my career in maternal care in 2004 as a LLL Leader where I helped hundreds of wonderful women and babies achieve their breastfeeding goals.  Very quickly I realized that many of the difficulties I was helping these mothers overcome began in the hospital at birth.  After the gentle birth of my second child, I met two other mothers through LLL who felt just as strongly about the need for good mother-to-mother support in our area and in 2006 The Vesta Centre in St. Thomas was born.    

It became clear that working as doulas, teaching prenatal education classes, attending births, providing breastfeeding clinics, and holding parenting groups twice per week, we were helping families prevent and overcome all the early difficulties we had faced as mothers.  Our natural parenting shop was thriving and we had a large following of satisfied parents.  

Time passed and Mama working retail hours no longer worked for our family.  I was sad to leave Vesta, but was happy to be home with my family.  A few years later, after the quick, peaceful birth of my youngest child Mindful Mothering was born. Mindful Mothering provided local families with with prenatal classes, breastfeeding support, birth and postpartum doula services, and weekly parenting groups.

I decided to take my doula education to the next level with one of my favourite Canadian Midwifery Educators, Gloria Lemay.  I saved up my doula money, flew to majestic Vancouver BC to attend Gloria’s amazing Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Certification Program, and flew home a Certified Doula Instructor.      

I became a Second Attendant for Norfolk Roots Midwives, and began attending home births as a skilled birth attendant.  I am very grateful for the training and support I have received from the midwives and from the College of Midwives.  It is a great honour to work with Norfolk Roots Midwives families as they birth their babies.  

I was approached by Dr Salim at the Brantford Breastfeeding Clinic with an exciting opportunity.  A few weeks later we opened the Norfolk Breastfeeding Clinic at Norfolk Roots Midwives in Simcoe ON where I proudly served breastfeeding families as their Lactation Counsellor. 

When Phase 1 was implemented in March 2020 the Norfolk Breastfeeding Clinic moved online. Now I am able to help any family in Ontario achieve their breastfeeding goals via OHIP eVisits from the comfort and safety of home.

I look forward to using my training and experience to help you reach your breastfeeding goals!

Wishing you a joyful birth and plentiful milk,

Amanda Antal, IBCLC

Hello from Amanda! After graduating from The University of Guelph with my B.Sc. Biology I marrie... Read More

Hello from Shannon!

My name is Shannon Baysarowich and I am a Registered Kinesiologist, Teacher and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am excited to have the opportunity to support our breast/chestfeeding parents and bridge the gap for additional resources in our northern community.

I am a proud mother of two beautiful girls, and after experiencing difficulties throughout my breastfeeding journeys I became personally invested in providing lactation support for future families. I believe timely LC support can help navigate breastfeeding challenges, and avoid any negative outcomes that impact the wonderful experience of becoming a parent.

As a Registered Kinesiologist for the past 10+ years I was immediately amazed by the physiology and mechanics of pregnancy, lactation, and breastfeeding. I have an in-depth knowledge of human movement, performance and function and believe in a holistic approach for both the infant and parent. By utilizing a multi-disciplinary team with evidence-based research parents can be empowered and gain confidence with each decision made.

There is no such thing as “one” way to breastfeed, and I cannot wait to help you reach your goals for feeding success.

I look forward to meeting you!

Shannon

Hello from Shannon! My name is Shannon Baysarowich and I am a Registered Kinesiologist, Teacher ... Read More

Michelle has a passion for providing personalized care and education to new parents and their babies.

She takes a holistic, whole-body approach to infant feeding and strives to protect and promote breast/chest feeding by creating an environment where babies are allowed to lead.

She is committed to providing safe and inclusive care to help each family reach their feeding goals. 

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s of Health Sciences from McMaster University and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

She has almost 10 years of experience in providing lactation support in hospital, home and community clinical settings.

Michelle has a passion for providing personalized care and education to new parents and their bab... Read More

Hello from Kristi!

Kristi is a mom of three, a Registered Naturopathic Doctor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and is currently working towards becoming certified as an Infant and Family Sleep Specialist. She has completed her Canadian Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (CC-PMH).

Kristi is passionate about helping families to navigate and overcome issues with: latch mechanics, feeding management (long feeds, frequent feeds, fussing at the breast), acid reflux, alternative feeding methods (lactation aid, cup, bottle), nipple/breast pain, milk supply issues, reading early feeding and sleep cues, weaning from the breast, and breastfeeding with complementary solids.

In her naturopathic practice, she focuses on nurturing Mom throughout the perinatal and postpartum period so that she can thrive (and not just survive).

She takes a compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care. She believes in creating brave spaces, meeting families where they are at in their unique parenting journey. She believes strongly in empowering parents to make evidence-informed choices free of judgement and guilt that work for their family.

Kristi offers virtual appointments, home visits in Cobourg and Peterborough, and office visits in Peterborough.

Hello from Kristi! Kristi is a mom of three, a Registered Naturopathic Doctor, an International ... Read More

Hi! I’m Bethany Heintz, a nurse and lactation consultant who sees health and wellness in a different way than many medical professionals. ​ I have a passion for integrative and functional medicine and have spent my career diving in deep. My path has fostered in me a sincere appreciation and respect for the importance of both the contemporary western and alternative medicines realms.

I have a particular focus in holistic and integrative medicine including nutrition, lactation, airway function, tethered oral tissues and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as herbal and homeopathic medicines. ​ After graduating as a nurse, I worked in hospital and long term care facilities, and soon found my career calling in primary care. Following the birth of our second child and my second time experiencing significant breastfeeding challenges, I trained at the Newman International Breastfeeding Institute in Toronto with my baby worn on my back. Before writing my IBCLC boards, I was determined to be able to truly help the families I serve by having loads of experience under my belt. So, I spent more than 2,000 hours in direct contact with breastfeeding mothers, working closely with them and their families to achieve their personal feeding goals. ​ With 5 years dedicated to my colleagues, I’ve served on the board of the non-profit Canadian Lactation Consultant Association as Chapters Director, President and Past President. I was honoured to instrumentally support the Baby Friendly Initiative Committee at the Woolwich Community Health Centre in St. Jacobs, Ontario, proudly one of 4 community health centres to have earned their BFI credential in Ontario.

At the end of 2021, I said goodbye to work as a primary care Clinical Nurse and Digital Health Nurse in St. Jacobs and began working full time as founder, operations director and IBCLC at Ontario Breastfeeding Clinic. At OBC, we provide OHIP subsidized and private lactation consultations across Ontario.

As an avid life-long learner, I have completed countless hours in pursuit of cutting edge education. The value given to my clients through my being up to date with the latest research is of the highest importance to me. Because of this I have received advanced training in Functional Nutrition, Tethered Oral Tissue (TOT’s), Oral Habilitation for Breastfeeding Babies, Infant Structure and Function, Rhythmic Movement, Herbal Medicine for Women and am certified in Craniosacral Therapy. ​ You’ll find little bits and pieces of my family life on social media channels where we work together and celebrate a life of regenerative organic agriculture, nutrient dense livestock farming, gardening, and preserving of our harvests. We are delighting in our children, the antics of crazy animals and a peek into the joy of the ordinary everyday.

Hi! I’m Bethany Heintz, a nurse and lactation consultant who sees health and wellness in a diffe... Read More

Hello from Susan!

I have been a certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2001. In my previous role as a Registered Midwife, I assisted many families with lactation support during a 27-year career. As a midwife, I made it a priority to help parents initiate breastfeeding soon after birth and provided follow-up home visits during the first week, and up to six weeks postpartum. During that time I also completed a Masters of Arts in Health and Wellness in Lactation Consulting in 2015. I also provided extra lactation support through a breastfeeding clinic held at Kawartha Community Midwives.

In January 2022, I began working in private practice as a Lactation Consultant with Maternal Infant Lactation Consulting. I offer home visits for prenatal and postpartum lactation support for families in the Peterborough and surrounding area. I also provide a breastfeeding clinic and prenatal breastfeeding classes for clients of Midwives of Lindsay and the Lakes.

I am very happy to be able to offer accessible lactation consulting services through the Ontario Breastfeeding Clinic with virtual, clinic, and at home visits. I look forward to working with you and your baby!

Hello from Susan! I have been a certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2001. In my previou... Read More

Hello from Melanie!

Melanie Jacobson, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Naturopathic Doctor (ND), works with families from pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond with prenatal education and lactation support (from newborn to weaning, and all feeding types). Melanie began working with postnatal families after her challenging start to motherhood. After having her own children, she developed a passion for helping others in their journeys and received her IBCLC designation. With this additional training, Melanie was able to focus her work on providing families with the much-needed lactation support that she felt was missing in her community. Melanie believes that the best way to assist families with their individual breastfeeding goals is by meeting them where they are at in their journey. Whether it be in the early days with latching concerns, nipple pain and supply issues, or with longer term breastfeeding management questions and weaning. Melanie is delighted to provide accessible, virtual lactation support with the Ontario Breastfeeding Clinic.

Hello from Melanie! Melanie Jacobson, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBC... Read More

Hi from Hillary!

I’m a mama of two who is passionate about women’s healthcare. When my son was born I learned the hard way what a lack of support, misinformation, and the isolation of new-motherhood can do to your mental health and confidence as a parent. My mission is to help families “find their feet” and grow into the parents they hope to be.

I understand firsthand the complexities and emotions that come with this journey, and the necessity of judgment-free assistance and guidance to families, regardless of their unique dynamics and backgrounds.

Hi from Hillary! I’m a mama of two who is passionate about women’s healthcare. When my son was b... Read More

Hello from Angie!

Bonjour! Hi! I’m Angie, a mom of 3, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, breastfeeding advocate, and owner of The Perfect Latch Breastfeeding Services. I am passionate about maternal and child health and want to help you succeed in your infant feeding goals. I was born and raised in Northern Ontario. Over my 23 years of nursing experience, I have worked in many different settings from hospitals, community clinics and public health. I understand that our healthcare needs in the north are different, and I am ready to support you. I am happy to work with families before baby arrives, after birth, as baby grows and during transition periods. There is no age limit as to when support can be available. Whether this is your first time or not, each baby is different, and each breastfeeding experience will be unique. This is your journey, and I want to help you succeed, whatever your goals are. Since becoming a Lactation Consultant in 2011, I have continued to pursue opportunities to increase my knowledge and skills to help expectant and new parents in their breastfeeding journey. I am an advocate for breastfeeding, and in 2013 was awarded the Sylvia Segal Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions in the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding in my community. I have been mentored by Dr. Jack Newman, founder of the International Breastfeeding Center, and am an active director on the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, and member of the Baby-Friendly Initiative Ontario. I am a very family-oriented person and I spend much of my personal time with my husband, my children, and my extended family. Having been raised in a large family it was instilled in me to nurture those connections and relationships that are so important. I have always been surrounded by moms and babes, and it is truly my passion to share my knowledge and help support these connections that can start early. I am proud to offer services in both French and English. Offering in-person appointments to families in the Temiskaming region, and virtual appointments to those further away. Thank you for trusting me to help you on your breastfeeding journey. I look forward to meeting and supporting you. Je suis fière d’offrir des services dans la langue de votre choix. Je suis disponible pour des rendez-vous en personne aux familles dans la région de Témiskaming et virtuellement si vous êtes plus éloignées. Merci de me faire confiance dans votre parcours d’allaitement. J’ai hâte de vous rencontrer et de vous appuyer.

Hello from Angie! Bonjour! Hi! I’m Angie, a mom of 3, registered nurse, International Board Cert... Read More

Hello from Ashley!

Ashley Pickett, IBCLC has a passion for helping families find practical solutions in the Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto areas. She assists parents in finding ways to meet a baby`s authentic sleep, feeding and parenting needs while still finding ways for the grown-ups to feel rested, find gratitude in the journey and to avoid feelings of overwhelm. She has extensive cross-training in the fields of infant feeding, attachment-focused parenting, labour and birth, infant mental health, and developmentally normal infant sleep.

Hello from Ashley! Ashley Pickett, IBCLC has a passion for helping families find practical solut... Read More

Hello for Aibhne!

Hi! My name is Aibhne, which is an Irish Gaelic name meaning river and it’s pronounced “Aev-nee”. I am an infant feeding specialist who adores inspiring confidence in the families I support in York Region to discover resolutions to lactation and feeding challenges. I am an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE). I absolutely love working with new parents to help them build joyful relationships with their children and ‘begin again’ after experiencing challenges with a new outlook, fresh skills, helpful techniques and creative, compassionate support. As a strong advocate for informed self-determination in the magical transition into parenthood, I provide evidence-based, guilt-free, personalized care plans using empowering and practical strategies and approaches. Bringing nurturing care to difficult situations is a true honour, and I am here to help you resolve your concerns and guide you forward with the joyful experience of parenthood!

Hello for Aibhne! Hi! My name is Aibhne, which is an Irish Gaelic name meaning river and it’s pr... Read More

Hello from Lisa!

Lisa is a pharmacist and International Board Certified Lactation consultant dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of her clients.

She has been providing high quality patient care within community pharmacies for more than a decade. Her passion for not just treating illness, but actually preventing disease, has led her to develop a strong knowledge base in the role of nutrition, supplements and other lifestyle measures that benefit health.

Lisa has worked with patients from many different demographics and has a natural ability to understand and empathise with others.

Lisa became passionate about breastfeeding after her own experiences as a breastfeeding mother. As an IBCLC, Lisa is determined to provide accessible breastfeeding support to mothers and ensure babies get the healthiest start possible.

She aims to offer holistic solutions to breastfeeding challenges by integrating best practices, normal physiology and mother’s intuition. Her approachable and compassionate nature is appreciated by mothers during times of uncertainty and stress.

She is available to serve families virtually and in-person throughout the Niagara region.

Lisa is honoured to support you during this very special (and often challenging!) phase of your parenting journey.

Hello from Lisa! Lisa is a pharmacist and International Board Certified Lactation consultant ded... Read More