Top Lactation Consultants in Charlottesville & Crozet: Your Breastfeeding Support Guide

Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys for new parents. As a former nursing mom & NICU nurse who often assisted families with breastfeeding and now as a professional newborn photographer serving Charlottesville, Crozet, and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of a strong support system. That’s why I’m sharing this resource to help you find the best lactation consultants in our community.

Why Lactation Support Matters

The breastfeeding journey isn’t always straightforward. From latching difficulties to concerns about milk supply, many families face challenges that can feel overwhelming. I, myself, remember the struggles and tears when nursing my youngest and was so incredibly thankful for the lactation resources provided to me through my obgyn and my own network of nurses at UVA’s NICU. Professional lactation consultants offer guidance, personalized solutions, and reassurance when you need it most.

As a former NICU nurse, I spent years working alongside families in those precious, early days, assisting with breastfeeding in some of the most tender and trying moments. Now, as a newborn photographer, I continue to see the incredible bond breastfeeding fosters and how empowered parents feel when they have the right support system in place.

Lactation Consultants in Charlottesville and Crozet

Here is a curated list of exceptional lactation consultants in our area to help you navigate your breastfeeding journey:

1. Flow Lactation | Ashley Fore, IBCLC
   • Location: Charlottesville, VA
   • Services: Ashley offers personalized, in-home lactation consultations, virtual support, and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating new challenges, Ashley’s expertise as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant ensures you get the care and attention you deserve.
   • More About Ashley: If you want to learn more about Ashley’s approach and services, check out my previous blog post featuring Flow Lactation.
2. Milk & Cradle | Takara Cannon, IBCLC
   • Location: Charlottesville, VA
   • Services: Takara provides compassionate, evidence-based lactation care, including in-home visits and virtual consultations. Her practice focuses on helping families feel confident and supported throughout their breastfeeding journey.
3. Joyful Start Lactation | Joyce Funston RN IBCLC (and team)
   • Location: Charlottesville, VA
   • Services: Offering one-on-one consultations, Joyful Start Lactation specializes in addressing a variety of breastfeeding challenges, from latch issues to pumping support. I personally worked side by side with Joyce in the NICU and know first hand the support she can provide.
4. UVA Breastfeeding Medicine Program
   • Location: Charlottesville, VA
   • Services: UVA’s program provides comprehensive breastfeeding support for families, including consultations with medical professionals and lactation experts.
5. Latched Love Lactation
   • Location: Staunton, VA
   • Services: This practice offers personalized, family-centered care with a focus on empowering parents to meet their breastfeeding goals. Services include in-home and virtual consultations.
6. Jefferson OB Lactation Services
   • Location: Charlottesville, VA
   • Services: Jefferson OB provides hospital-based lactation support, including prenatal education and postnatal breastfeeding consultations with skilled professionals with a variety of options and providers to choose from.

Breastfeeding and the Newborn Stage

Those first few weeks with your baby can feel like a beautiful blur. As someone who has worked with families both in the NICU and now through newborn photography, I understand how precious this time is. Breastfeeding, in particular, can be a tender and emotional part of the newborn stage, and having the right support allows you to focus on bonding with your little one.

As a newborn photographer serving Charlottesville, Crozet, and surrounding areas, I often incorporate these serene and intimate moments into my sessions. Whether it’s the quiet moments during a feeding or capturing your baby’s sweet early days, my goal is to help you preserve these memories forever.

Ready to document your baby’s first milestones?
If you’d like to learn more about my cozy, artistic newborn sessions, let’s connect! You can view my portfolio and session details [ check me out].

Your breastfeeding journey is unique, and the right support can make all the difference. From experienced lactation consultants like Ashley Fore at Flow Lactation to other local professionals, Charlottesville and Crozet are fortunate to have incredible resources available to new parents.

These early days may be challenging, but they are also filled with beautiful moments worth cherishing. If you’re ready to capture these fleeting memories through a heartfelt newborn session, I’d love to be part of your journey.

Contact me today to learn more or book your session.