About Me
I have been a Registered Nurse in Labour and Delivery since 2010. I absolutely love providing care for moms and babies!
Labour and Delivery is an incredible area of nursing and has allowed me to see first-hand the pressures and expectations that individuals face when the topics of birth and breastfeeding arise.
The vast amount of false information, judgmental attitudes and online negativity surrounding infant feeding inspired me to achieve my designation as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2019.
Strong support systems contribute to confidence and empowerment in labour, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. I want to provide new parents with factual information and skills that incorporate the realities of modern life, while also providing compassion, encouragement, and support.
I use my training, experience. and expertise to bring the best, non-judgmental, and empowering prenatal education and infant feeding support to my clients!
I was born and raised in Edmonton, where I currently live with my husband, Cory, and my teenage step-daughter (any and all teenager-raising advice is welcome!).
Yep, you read that right, I’m a stepmom. I don’t have any biological children, I haven’t given birth. And I have not breastfed. I have definitely wondered if I would even make the choice to breastfeed, if I ever found myself in the position to make that choice (so grateful to have choices!). You will never find judgment from me, no matter what choice you make!
During my decade-long career, I have found that every birth and postpartum experience is completely different. While personal, first-hand experience may be an asset in some cases, and if that is important to you, then I may not be the IBCLC for you. I am able to maintain an open mind, and to not let my personal experiences get in the way of supporting you. This journey is all about YOU and your family, after all.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with our 2 year-old, anxiety-ridden puppy, Bailey, wasting time on TikTok, and listening to true crime podcasts (yes, I’m a proud Basic B all the way!)
- Sheena
Alberta Blue Cross Provider
I believe that prenatal education and infant feeding support should be universally funded….until that happens, check your coverage with your insurance provider! Sometimes reimbursement for at-home Registered Nurse services are granted!
Note: Some insurance companies require you to submit a doctor’s prescription for ‘lactation support’
Why Choose An IBCLC?
The Importance of Certification
IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the gold-standard accreditation for lactation professionals and requires the completion of a rigorous training program, thousands of hours in clinical lactation education experience, successful achievement of a challenging, global exam, and strict regulations on recertification every 5 years.
Some people think that lactation consultants judge, preach “breast is best” mantras, and place unnecessary pressures and shame on mothers (and this is unfortunately true in many cases). I have an in-depth understanding and appreciation for the physical, psychological and sociological influences that impact breastfeeding, and I work to help parents discover solutions that work best for them, their babies, and their lives.
This is a judgement-free zone!
Scope of Practice
The IBCLC scope of practice includes knowledge of infant development and oral anatomy, nutritional requirements and human milk composition, growth patterns, neurological challenges, muscle tone, and reflexes. IBCLCs provide maternal assessments of anatomy, with knowledge of breast changes during pregnancy, impacts of breast previous surgery, and hormonal impacts on lactation. We also have in-depth knowledge of increasing (or decreasing) milk supply, choosing the right tools to help with nursing, assessing for allergies or infections, and assessing maternal nutritional status. IBCLCs have the knowledge, training, and participate in ongoing education in order to understand the complex physical systems and interactions that can lead to breastfeeding and lactation challenges.
Now Is The Right Time
You don’t need to wait until your baby is born, or until you are having challenges to contact an IBCLC. I offer in-home prenatal consults, as well as comprehensive online prenatal classes that will arm you with knowledge and skills to use when baby arrives. Check out the ‘Online Courses’ section of this website for more details!