403-977-0778

PRENATAL SUPPORT $99 Consultation

  • Support at anytime during pregnancy
  • Helps to prepare for breastfeeding and successful breastfeeding after delivery
  • Helps identify possible challenges early or prevent challenges from reoccuring
  • Information that can help with easier birth and minimize birth interventions
  • Instruction and hands-on help with expression of colostrum at 37 weeks gestation (colostrum collection kit is $32 in addition to consult fee.)
    • Call Now!

    LACTATION SUPPORT $120 Consultation

    The early days and weeks of having a new baby can be a challenging time so having someone come to see you in the comfort of your own home and offer professional care and attention is invaluable!


    I provide assistance and support at any time during your nursing journey to overcome the particular challenges you face:
  • Painful latch, sore nipples, and attachment issues
  • All things concerning milk supply, baby weight issues, supplemental feeds, milk expression, and pumping
  • Tongue-Tie - including referral for treatment and follow up therapy
  • Engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis
  • Colic, reflux, allergies and sensitivities
  • Breast surgery challenges, multiples and adoption
    Other baby care issues including:
  • Sleep Concerns
  • Starting Solids
  • Breastfeeding and Return to Work
  • Weaning


    Initial home visit consultation includes unlimited text support for one month and one follow up phone call after the initial visit. I also provide follow-up visits at $60 for weight checks and other lactation challenges such as diet and lifestyle that can impact breastfeeding.

    Other Services Provided:
  • Lactation Consultation visits are provided in my home office for moms living outside the Medicine Hat area.
  • Virtual Consultations
  • Phone Calls
    • Call Now!

    FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS SUPPORT $99 Consultation

    We are all affected by toxins...in our food, water, air, environment, EMF exposure (cell phones etc.), from dental materials and procedures you have had, personal care products (soap and shampoo), cleaning products, household goods (carpets and furniture) and even toxins in the natural health supplements we take.

  • I look at the factors that can prevent our innate, divine and God given ability to self-heal that can cause you or your family's health to go sideways or off track.

  • I help inform and facilitate steps to remove or mitigate these toxins and encourage lifestyle changes that can improve the overall health and wellness in families.
    • Call Now!

    MANY INSURANCE COMPANIES NOW COVER VISITS BY IBCLC CONSULTANTS

    ABOUT ME

    Welcome to Luna Lactation! If you are looking for expert Breastfeeding knowledge, care and support with a natural, holistic focus when feeding your baby, you've come to the right place.

    I am an experienced IBCLC with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, a diploma in Advanced Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing and over 30 years of experience in Public Health Nursing. My passion for breastfeeding support led me to certify as an IBCLC in 2008 with 2000+ practice hours. With this certification and knowledge, I am privileged to support women and their families on their breastfeeding journeys in my private practice at Luna Lactation!

    Breastfeeding is incredible, but that doesn't mean it's always easy! If you hit a bump in the road or want to prevent problems, a consultation with the guidance of a professional breastfeeding specialist (IBCLC) can help set you on the right path.

    I really look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me @ 403-977-0778 or email ymnickel@gmail.com

    An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. They have been awarded this highest of qualifications after in-depth study and practice, followed by rigorous examination. This qualification is recognized all over the world. IBCLC's adhere to professional standards and a code of conduct. When you choose to hire an IBCLC, you can be sure you are getting the highest standards of care to help you get what you want from your breastfeeding journey.

    The Superpowers of Breastfeeding: How Nursing Can Benefit Mom and Baby

    Are you aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding? It's not just "Breast is Best" – it's a whole lot more! As an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I've seen firsthand the many perks of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. It's worth noting that every woman's breastfeeding experience is unique, and not all of these benefits will apply to everyone. But the ones that do apply can provide considerable benefits for both mother and child.

    FOR MOMS:

    * Help lose those pregnancy pounds: Breastfeeding burns extra calories and causes a hormonal response in the body that helps to contract the uterus back to its normal size, which can help reduce belly fat post-pregnancy.

    * Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease: Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in mothers due to the decreased insulin resistance and the role of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin in the process. Studies also show that breastfeeding can lower the risk of heart disease due to the decrease in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

    * Reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer: Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer due to the suppression of ovulation, which reduces the number of times that ovaries are exposed to potential cancer-causing agents. Breastfeeding also decreases the risk of breast cancer by decreasing the number of menstrual cycles, which is believed to lower a woman's exposure to hormone levels that may be associated with the risk of breast cancer.

    * Improve quality and quantity of sleep: Breastfeeding releases hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin that aid in relaxation and sleep, which can help mothers get better quality sleep as well as more of it. Breastfeeding mothers have reported feeling more rested and less fatigued than non-breastfeeding mothers.

    * Improved bone health: studies have found that breastfeeding is associated with higher bone density, which can help lower the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

    * Cost savings: breastfeeding is free, and it can save a considerable amount of money that would have been spent on infant formula and feeding supplies.

    * Convenience: breastfeeding eliminates the need to prepare formula bottles, measure and mix formula, clean bottles, and sterilize equipment. It can also be done anytime, anywhere, as long as the mother and baby are together.

    * Emotional and psychological benefits: breastfeeding can help mothers bond with their babies and increase feelings of maternal love and satisfaction. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety and postpartum depression.

    FOR BABIES:

    * Breastmilk is the perfect food custom made by mom for her own baby. Breastmilk is rich in pre- and probiotics which help babies develop a healthy gut microbiome and the growth of good bacteria.

    * A healthy gut microbiome and good bacteria is protective and results in fewer colds, flu, ear infections, stomach bugs (diarrhea), and urinary tract infections: Breastmilk transfers antibodies and other immune-boosting substances not only from all the germs mom has encountered in her life, but transfers in addition the protection she received from her own mother’s milk.
    Baby gets protection from two generations of germs!
    Breastfeeding can mean fewer hospitalizations and less time off work for mom.

    * Lower the risk of being overweight or obese or developing diabetes when older: Breastfeeding seems to fine tune the child's own control of appetite and the feeling of fullness which improves glucose and insulin regulation. (Bottle-feeding does not seem to offer this same appetite control and could lead to over feeding.)

    * Lower risk of childhood cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas: Breastmilk contains certain substances that have been found to have anti-tumor properties, which may help kill off cancer cells. Also lowers the risk for autoimmune disease, allergies and asthma.

    * Studies have shown that breastfeeding can lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when combined with being put to bed on their back on a firm surface. Breastfeeding has been found to improve babies' arousal which can help them wake up more easily if they are in an unsafe sleeping position.

    * Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests. This can mean staying in school longer and better careers as adults.

    * Human milk fills the immunity gap until the child's own immune system is working well (after 2 years of age). The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years of age and beyond with the introduction of foods at 6 months of age.

    The positive effects of breastfeeding last long after baby is weaned.

    Please be advised that the information provided on this page regarding breastfeeding, pregnancy, labour, and birth is intended for informational purposes only . It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any questions or concerns related to your health.