Walk into postpartum feeling prepared instead of panicked.
We’ve got you covered in Confident Start - expert lactation care from pregnancy through postpartum, with a personalized plan and ongoing support from experienced lactation professionals.
Book your complimentary Prenatal Consultation to learn more 👉🏼
We're reimagining lactation care to provide the kind of ongoing support families actually need.
No, your OBGYN won’t tell you how to do it or support you through it, and you certainly won’t learn everything you need to know at the hospital or from the pediatrician. But you weren’t meant to go through this season alone, and you don’t just have to “figure it out” when you take your baby home.
Breastfeeding isn't solved in one appointment. That's why we provide ongoing lactation care from pregnancy through postpartum.
Confident Start is comprehensive lactation care designed for families who want an experienced lactation professional walking beside them from pregnancy through postpartum - not just teaching them before birth, but helping them navigate whatever comes next.
Fed isn’t best. Breast isn’t best.
Educated, informed, and supported are the best ways to feed your baby.
Meet our signature pregnancy ➡ postpartum breastfeeding care experience:
Confident Start
Designed for families who want an experienced lactation clinician walking beside them from pregnancy through postpartum, Confident Start combines personalized prenatal preparation, ongoing postpartum care, and expert guidance so you never have to navigate this season alone.
Why the comprehensive lactation support model?
Picture this.
It's postpartum. You’re exhausted. You're bleeding. Your boobs feel weird. Your baby wants to feed constantly. You’re spiraling.
You’re wondering:
is (literally anything my baby does) normal?
is it supposed to hurt?
how do I know if my baby is getting enough?
what do I do if I get mastitis?
what if they don't gain enough weight at the pediatrician?
when do I need to start pumping?
am I ever going to sleep again?
Most moms don't realize how overwhelming those first few days and weeks postpartum can feel until they're already in it.
If this is what you’ve heard about breastfeeding (or experienced first hand), we’re here to tell you it doesn't have to be that way.
What if, instead, you had lactation support every step of the way?
If, instead of spiraling at 2am or crying every time you leave the pediatrician’s office, you knew with certainty how to know your baby was getting enough milk?
That your supply was just where it should be?
That you had support if you’re in pain from latching?
Comprehensive lactation care isn’t just a one-off consult.
You’ll have an experienced lactation expert walking beside you from pregnancy until you’re confidently feeding your baby, and every beautiful and messy step in between.
While Confident Start isn't a concierge medical practice, it was designed to provide concierge-style breastfeeding support. Rather than seeing a lactation consultant only when a problem arises, you'll be paired with a dedicated lactation clinician who will support you from pregnancy through postpartum with personalized one-on-one care, secure messaging, and ongoing guidance. We intentionally limit enrollment so every family receives the individualized, relationship-based care they deserve.
We believe in proactive care instead of reactive care, helping you prepare before challenges arise and providing trusted support when they do.
THAT’S where comprehensive support is different. THAT’S why we created Confident Start.
We’re here every step of the way- the wins, the challenges, and every beautiful and messy part in between.
the setup
We’ll create a personalized feeding plan before your baby arrives, ensuring we’ve assessed for any risk factors or specific needs. Every mom and baby are unique, so we’ll make sure you feel prepared for your unique scenario. And if your birth plan changes last minute? We’ll help you pivot!
pregnancy
the survival
The fourth trimester hits, but remember - you’re never alone. We’re here to help you navigate those first few overwhelming days and weeks, and we’ll take each challenge in stride. From pediatrician appointments to latching struggles and learning about your pump, we’ve got you.
early postpartum
the growth
You’re starting to find your stride, but questions still come up. What do I do when baby starts sleeping longer stretches? How do I fit in pumping? How much should I leave in a bottle? Wait, baby doesn’t seem to like the bottle?! I have to go back to work! —> we’re still here, through all of it.
ongoing care
Hi, I’m Kristen!
Hi, I’m Kristen! I’m a board-certified lactation consultant, pediatric dietitian, and founder of The Lactation Mentor™. I started this business because I believe parents deserve more than the bare minimum, impersonal breastfeeding support given for 5 minutes in a single OBGYN appointment or before you leave the hospital.
I have a strong clinical background and practice evidence-based care, but in a way that prioritizes your family’s unique needs. As a dietitian, I have had the absolute privilege of walking alongside families through every possible feeding scenario, and I believe this has shaped how I practice as a lactation consultant. I know and deeply believe that every feeding journey is unique, and there is no wrong way to feed your baby if you are given the tools and information to make informed decisions that work for your family.
I am truly so privileged to do this work every day - I absolutely love what I do and I cannot wait to meet you & your baby. ♡
Hi, I’m Taylor!
I’m Taylor — and I cried through the pain of cracked and bleeding nipples with my first. (AND I NEVER want another mom to experience that again.)
As a pediatric nurse, I thought breastfeeding would just come naturally - I was trained to work with moms and babies, after all. But when my baby arrived, I quickly realized that nothing about breastfeeding was as easy as I had imagined it would be.
I struggled and cried... a lot.
The advice I got from well-meaning people wasn't helpful and I got the unsupportive "why don't you just give formula?" more than I can count.
But I was determined to make breastfeeding work. And we did. For 18 months, my baby and I made it through, and I learned a lot along the way (including a lactation certification). Two more kiddos and years of experience later, I now get to work with other moms and babies, helping them write their stories with care and confidence.
Here’s the thing: Breastfeeding isn't always the smooth, natural process people make it out to be.
It takes time, patience, and the right support.
Over the years, we've found that what most moms really want is simple: to feel confident in their breastfeeding journey without the stress and overwhelm. That's why we focus on offering real advice, hands-on support, and plenty of encouragement. You deserve to feel calm, capable, and empowered.
Bottom line - we ‘re here to make breastfeeding feel manageable.
Let’s get started!🥳
This could be you…
See these amazing results from our past clients who were once in your shoes…
“I built my confidence as a mom and became the first woman in my family to breastfeed. My husband and I truly believe we have a healthier baby & mom because we prepared for the hardest season of motherhood: postpartum.”
14 months
breastfeeding
“My husband says this is the best investment we made for the new baby, because I always have someone to talk to when things get hard and he doesn’t know how to help. I purchased with my first baby and it was the first thing on my registry for my second, too!”
17 months
breastfeeding
“After finding Kristen after triple feeding my son for 10 months, I was absolutely certain to reach out when I got pregnant with my second. We are now about 6 months in with baby #2, and THIS journey is all I ever wanted.”
8 months
breastfeeding
Here's how we’ll support you
personalized prenatal planning
the prenatal essentials
You’ll learn what actually matters through quick, easy to binge videos less than 10 minutes each (don’t worry, we know pregnancy brain can’t handle a long webinar). Then we’ll meet with you two (2) times before baby comes to make sure you feel confident & ready for birth.
16 weeks of dedicated 1:1 support
we’re in this with you
After we’re sure you’re feeling ready for birth, we’re on baby watch! You let us know when you deliver and we’re with you every step of the way, from that first latch to returning to work. Includes ten (10) 60-minute 1:1 video consultations.
unlimited secure messaging
you are never alone
In between sessions, you have access to your dedicated lactation clinician through unlimited secure messaging. Ask questions, send latch videos, and get support where and when you need it.
evidence-based resources
discounted add-on visits
Need to add on additional 1:1 sessions or extend support beyond 16 weeks? You’ll have the option to renew unlimited messaging on a month-to-month basis, then you’ll get 15% off any future 1:1 sessions related to this birth.
community support
weekly live support groups
Bring your baby + your questions to our weekly drop-in zoom calls for on-demand feedback. We’ll share what we’re struggling with this week and celebrate your wins with our beautiful community (because we’re all cheering for each other).
continued care
access our resource library
In addition to the prenatal course, we have tons of quick fact sheets for commonly referenced topics like breastmilk storage guidelines, latching 101, bottle selection, pumping, engorgement, clogs, mastitis, and more! + we’re always adding to it (and taking requests for new topics!)
Is Confident Start right for your family?
You know you want to breastfeed but you have NO CLUE where to start and aren’t sure what advice to trust.
You'd rather prepare during pregnancy than spend postpartum wondering, "Is this normal?"
You want confidence in your feeding decisions instead of constantly second-guessing yourself.
You want personalized support that honors your goals, your values, and your family's unique feeding journey without guilt, pressure, or one-size-fits-all advice.
Imagine feeling confident IN:
Feeding your baby in a way that works for YOU and YOUR family. No cookie-cutter advice, because your feeding journey is as unique as you are.
Establishing and maintaining a full milk supply with confidence - know what to do, how to do it, and how to troubleshoot if needed.
Recognizing what's actually normal in the early days so you’re not panicking over every weird thing your baby does.
Advocating for yourself in the hospital and beyond, so your breastfeeding journey is protected right from the start.
Getting through that first rollercoaster week with your newborn (you’re just supposed to take this entire human home??)
Not second-guessing every feeding so you can relax and heal postpartum instead of panic.
Knowing when and how to introduce a bottle, honoring your plans for how you want to feed your baby while protecting your supply.
Leaving the house confidently, feeding in public unashamedly, and returning to work knowing your supply is safe & you have a pumping plan.
Book a Complimentary Prenatal Consult & Let’s Chat!
Every family has different feeding goals, different concerns, and different support needs. That's why we don't ask you to figure out what level of care is right for your family.
Instead, we begin with a Complimentary Prenatal Consultation.
During this conversation, we'll get to know you, learn more about your pregnancy and feeding goals, and answer your biggest questions to determine what type of support would best serve your family.
Please note: Because every family in Confident Start receives ongoing individualized care, we intentionally limit the number of due dates we accept each month. This allows us to provide the level of support every family deserves. Book sooner rather than later to ensure support is available for your due date!
During our call, we'll:
✔ Learn about your feeding goals and what success looks like for your family
✔ Review any previous breastfeeding experiences, concerns, or challenges
✔ Discuss your medical history and any factors that may impact breastfeeding
✔ Answer your most pressing questions about preparing for postpartum
✔ Talk through what kind of support you're looking for
✔ Recommend the level of care we genuinely believe is the best fit for your family's needs
don’t see any times that work for you, or have questions before booking?
contact us anytime and let’s find something that works!
Obsessed with our moms
haley, 19 months breastfeeding
“I have seen things about breastfeeding on social media and it gave me anxiety, but I could just message her and she would help ease that anxiety.”
-
Kristen has been such a good support for me throughout my pregnancy. There have been so many moments where I have seen things about breastfeeding on social media and it gave me anxiety, but I could just message her and she would help ease that anxiety. I feel so prepared and confident going into my breastfeeding journey because of her, and knowing I'll have her there throughout the journey. This is the type of support I think all expectant/new moms NEED. She's a literal gem.
taylor, 7 months breastfeeding
“To be honest, I didn't think I would breastfeed but I knew if I could try and make it work, I would need help since I was so unprepared.”
-
Kristen has done everything from message with me to work on latching the first night I got home from the hospital to being my first resource when a problem/concern arose. She has a way of sharing her knowledge in such a gentle, supportive way and I probably wouldn't have made it through the tougher times if I didn't have her. I definitely wouldn't have been able to be so consistent and successful if Kristen wasn't in my corner!
allison, 11 months breastfeeding
“Kristen's support was unique because she offered tangible things to work on but was also empathetic in validating the emotional and mental load of breastfeeding.”
-
I am so grateful for Kristen's lactation support and counseling- working with her was the best decision I made for my breastfeeding journey. Kristen listened to my concerns, helped me troubleshoot issues, and was truly the first provider that empowered me as a breastfeeding mama. Kristen's support was unique because she offered tangible things to work on but was also empathetic in validating the emotional and mental load of breastfeeding. The education Kristen provided, along with her support and encouragement allowed me to make the most informed decisions for how to best feed my baby and take care of myself. Kristen helped me gain so much confidence in my own lactation knowledge and I look forward to continuing to breastfeed my baby for as long as she wants!
At The Lactation Mentor™, we’ve created a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind breastfeeding support continuum that will take feeding your baby from overwhelming to totally doable.
The thing that makes the most difference for our clients?
From pregnancy👉🏻postpartum, they never have to navigate this alone.
Love from our clients
mary, breastfed for 13 months
“The prenatal education gave me such a strong foundation, and the postpartum support was absolutely unmatched. Kristen was always there to answer my questions, ease my concerns, and make me feel seen and validated every step of the way.
They’re not only knowledgeable, but genuinely caring, and that made all the difference.
I’m so grateful I found this program, it has been an amazing support and a resource I trust completely.”
leanne, 11 months breastfeeding (& counting)
“I truly don't think I would have been able to breastfeed my baby long term if it weren't for this program. Kristen & Taylor helped me through early postpartum anxiety and pain with latching and nursing. They helped reassure me with every "silly" question that came along. This is a safe space where I felt comfortable sharing each emotion and moment that I felt during pregnancy and postpartum. I felt empowered through the prenatal education and nurtured during the postpartum period.”
Find Leanne at Imagine Pelvic Health
Frequently Asked Questions
-
In many ways, yes! While Confident Start isn't a concierge medical practice, it was designed to provide concierge-style breastfeeding support. Rather than seeing a lactation consultant only when a problem arises, you'll be paired with a dedicated lactation clinician who will support you from pregnancy through postpartum with personalized 1:1 care, secure messaging, and ongoing guidance. We believe in proactive care instead of reactive care, helping you prepare before challenges arise and providing trusted support when they do. We intentionally limit enrollment so every family receives the individualized, relationship-based care they deserve.
-
Not at all! Our program is designed for expecting parents of any experience level, whether it’s your first baby or your fourth. In fact, many of our clients are second or third time moms looking to have a different experience this time around. If you’re looking to breastfeed or provide human milk in any capacity, this program is for you!
-
While local lactation consultants and hospital staff are great resources, their availability can be limited, and they may not always have time to provide ongoing, personalized education and support. And quite frankly, the hospital isn’t the best place to learn. Our comprehensive lactation support program teaches you BEFORE baby & offers immediate access to lactation professionals, so you can ask questions and receive guidance whenever and wherever you need it. You’ll have an expert at your fingertips AND the knowledge to get started confidently.
-
The most ideal time to sign up is around your second or early third trimester when you're starting to plan for breastfeeding. This allows us to guide you through prenatal education and ensure you're well-prepared before your baby arrives (especially if they decide to make an early entrance!). However, you can join at any time during your pregnancy!
-
We’ve built out our comprehensive program to start during pregnancy for the best possible breastfeeding experience. Prenatal education helps you feel prepared and confident going into the postpartum period, which can make a BIG difference when challenges arise. Early education and support set the foundation for a successful, sustainable breastfeeding journey, then the transition to postpartum is seamless and easy! BUT if you’re postpartum and reading this, head over to our postpartum page to book a consult today and we’ll get you squared away!
-
In order to be accessible and available to our Confident Start clients and provide the level of support we KNOW you need, we only accept a limited number of due dates per month. So if you’re interested, book early to reserve your due date!
-
After your sessions are paid and services rendered, we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential coverage as part of your insurer’s lactation benefit. We cannot guarantee reimbursement, so please contact your insurance company to discuss your benefits, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Payment is required on booking, though we offer flexible payment plans. All major credit cards and HSA/FSA are accepted.
-
Yes! We offer interest-free payment plans from when you sign up through 4 months postpartum (the duration of the program). Meaning the earlier you sign up, the more you can spread out payments at no extra cost!
-
We are here for you no matter how you want to feed your baby breastmilk, in any capacity or in any way! Whether you want to exclusively nurse, exclusively pump, combo feed, feed donor milk, tandem nurse, or even if your baby has medical needs like a feeding tube - we are here for you!
-
With unlimited messaging support, you can reach out to our lactation professionals Taylor and Kristen whenever you have a question or need guidance, with a 24-48 hour turnaround time Monday-Friday. Our platform is HIPAA-compliant and encrypted, so you can securely share photos and videos for our feedback. Whether it's troubleshooting a latch or concerns about milk supply, pumping, or going back to work, we’re here to offer personalized advice and support—no more panic Googling or late night conversations with ChatGPT.
-
No worries! We offer extension options as bundled add-on sessions, or if you’d prefer to book individual sessions, you’ll get 15% off any additional visits related to this birth + baby. You may also extend messaging support past the initial 16 weeks on a month-to-month subscription basis.
-
You have the full 16 weeks postpartum to use all 10 of your 1:1 virtual consultation sessions. After the initial 16 weeks, any unused sessions will be forfeit, so we encourage you to utilize this benefit!
-
The prenatal course is about 4-6 hours total broken down into short videos (less than 10 minutes each). It’s meant to be completed at your own pace (though we do recommend having it completed by 34-35 weeks pregnant, just in case baby decides to surprise us with an early arrival!). The course includes everything you need to know before baby arrives: how to establish and maintain your milk supply, latching, understanding baby’s feeding patterns, pumping 101, how to advocate with your baby’s medical team (in the hospital and at the pediatrician), infant weight gain, common challenges, and more! It is designed to ensure you feel prepared and confident when baby gets here, and have resources to look back on when you need them.
have any other questions?
contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to answer.
The way you feed your baby is only part of the story. How supported you feel while doing it matters just as much.
Whether this is your first baby or you're hoping for a different experience this time, we're here to help you walk into postpartum feeling prepared, not panicked.
Start with a Complimentary Prenatal Consultation, and together we'll create a plan that's right for your family.