Lactation Support
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Feeding Support for Every Stage
Lactation support can be helpful at any point during your feeding journey — whether you’re preparing to feed your baby, navigating challenges, or looking for reassurance and guidance along the way.
YOLO Breastfeeding provides personalized, compassionate lactation care led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Our goal is to support you with practical guidance, evidence-based education, and a care plan that aligns with your family’s goals.
What Lactation Support Includes
Lactation support at YOLO Breastfeeding is collaborative, family-centered, and tailored to your goals. Our visits are designed to provide hands-on guidance, education, and reassurance — whether you’re preparing to feed your baby or navigating challenges along the way.
Support may take place during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, and visits can be held in your home, in our office, or virtually when appropriate. Each appointment begins with listening and understanding your concerns, followed by practical, evidence-based support to help you feel confident moving forward.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we work together to create a personalized plan that supports both you and your baby.
When to Seek Lactation Support
You don’t need to wait until something feels “wrong” to reach out for lactation support. Families often seek support when feeding feels painful, stressful, or confusing, or when they simply want reassurance and guidance.
Lactation support can be helpful if you have questions or concerns about:
Latch or positioning
Milk supply
Pumping or bottle-feeding
Supplementation
Baby’s weight gain
Returning to work or school
Feeding plans that align with your goals
Early support can offer reassurance, practical guidance, and a personalized plan that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re preparing to feed your baby, navigating challenges, or planning a transition such as returning to work or school, lactation support can help you feel more confident and supported every step of the way.
Lactation Appointments & Visits
We offer several types of lactation visits to support families at different stages. Not sure which appointment is right for you? We’re happy to help.
Initial Lactation Consultation
1.5–2 hours
This comprehensive visit is ideal for families seeking in-depth assessment, education, and feeding support.
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Intake assessment
Breast assessment
Infant oral assessment
Pre- and post-feed weight check for baby
Feeding observation and hands-on support
Education on nursing positions
Breast pump education and flange fitting
Customized care plan
Referrals as needed
Follow-Up Lactation Appointment
1 hour
Designed for families who have already completed an initial visit and would benefit from continued support or adjustments to their care plan.
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Infant weight check
Review and follow-up of previous care plan
Addressing new or ongoing concerns
Feeding observation
Follow-up on referrals
Returning to Work Lactation Plan
45 minutes
A focused visit to help families prepare for returning to work or school while continuing their feeding goals.
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Personalized return-to-work plan
Breast pump education
Flange fitting (breast pump)
Milk storage education
Tips for maintaining milk supply
Common Concerns We Support
Every feeding journey is different, and it’s common for questions or concerns to come up along the way. Families reach out for lactation support for many reasons — sometimes because something feels challenging, and other times simply for reassurance or guidance.
We work with families to address a wide range of feeding concerns, including:
Painful or difficult feeding
Latch or milk transfer concerns
Low milk supply or oversupply
Pumping challenges
Combination feeding
Baby weight gain concerns
Tongue or lip tie questions
Engorgement, mastitis, or weaning
Emotional support and reassurance
If your concern isn’t listed here, you’re still encouraged to reach out — we’re happy to talk through what’s going on and help you decide next steps.
Coverage, Cost & Access to Care
YOLO Breastfeeding is committed to making lactation support accessible to families in our community.
Lactation services are available at no cost for Flint and Genesee County families through grant-funded programs and partnerships, including the Michigan Breastfeeding Network.
We also partner with healthcare providers and community organizations to support timely lactation referrals. Providers and community partners can learn more about referrals here.
client love
Families we support often share how meaningful it is to feel heard, supported, and empowered during their journey.
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Paige
I had such a wonderful experience with my Shonte!
From the very beginning, her communication was outstanding, she was always available when I needed support and made sure I felt heard and understood. I felt completely comfortable around her, which made a huge difference during such a vulnerable time. Her experience truly showed in the way she guided me with care and confidence. What stood out most was how she not only supported me but also checked in on my bab and followed up with us - the extra care meant so much. Shonte is the BEST! First time mom with first time issues, who now has lifelong solutions, advice and someone I can actually trust to go to. I can’t wait to keep coming back to Shonte for my future babies. I’m so grateful for her help and would absolutely recommend her to any new mom needing lactation support.
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Alyssa
I highly recommend her for your doula and lactation service needs!
I had a very long labor and just about nothing went as I’d hoped or planned. But having Shonte’ there gave me a calm and peace of mind that I genuinely needed. She never left my side through the entire process; making sure I was nourished, giving me back rubs, dancing, encouraging me throughout. She was a godsend, my birth angel. If it wasn’t for her I don’t believe I would have been able to have my natural, med free, home birth! Shonte’ also taught me everything I would need to know to breastfeed my little one and is an incredible resource for all of my questions. And she continues to check in on me and my family! She goes above and beyond. Of all the things you can spend your money on to welcome your baby into this world, really nothing is nearly as important.
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Lindsey
Shonte’ was amazing!
As a first time mom, I didn’t know anything about breastfeeding. I felt so lost and frustrated before my appointment. She could tell on the phone I was struggling and stressed and so she squeezed me in right away. After one session with her we fixed the little kinks and she showed me how to use the nipple shield and the correct hold so my baby would latch better. Since then, she’s been in regular contact with me to check in and is quick to answer any questions I have. I’m so grateful for her! My baby has gained weight and is thriving thanks to Shonte’ for helping me learn how to breastfeed. I HIGHLY recommend her!
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Katherine
I cannot recommend Shonte’ from YOLO highly enough.
First, her expertise in all things breastfeeding related is unparalleled. Shonte’ diagnosed my daughter’s tongue-tie immediately, a diagnosis that had been missed repeatedly by several pediatricians. Shonte’s knowledge base is remarkable, offering evidence-based and up-to-date information. However, the things that makes YOLO Breastfeeding stand out is Shonte’ herself. Her personable and compassionate personality radiates through from the second you meet her. What can be an uncomfortable situation for new moms is met with understanding and grace. Shonte’ continued to follow-up long after our initial consultation and quickly became a meaningful member of my new-mother support system. I feel blessed that I was able to work with Shonte’ and YOLO Breastfeeding and wish the same experience for anyone seeking a lactation consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Lactation support can be helpful during pregnancy, postpartum, or at any stage of your feeding journey.
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Yes. Prenatal lactation visits can help you prepare, ask questions, and feel more confident before your baby arrives.
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Virtual visits offer education, guidance, and troubleshooting, while in-person visits allow for hands-on assessment and support. We can help you determine which option is best for your needs.
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Yes. Our support is centered around your goals and may include breastfeeding, pumping, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding.
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Yes. Many families in Flint and Genesee County are eligible to receive lactation services at no cost through community partnerships.
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Yes. With your consent, we can coordinate care and provide referrals or follow-up with your healthcare team.
Ready to Get Support?
Whether you’re preparing to feed your baby, navigating challenges, or simply looking for reassurance, lactation support can make a meaningful difference.