"Melissa has been so helpful and has made me feel so much better about having expert guidance on how to improve my supply."
— Carly, Highland Park, IL
Get Breastfeeding Off to the Best Possible Start — Before Baby Arrives.
The first days of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. Our IBCLCs help you prepare before baby arrives, so you can start with confidence from the very first feed.
4.9300+ Reviews- Most Families Pay $0
- Same-Day and Next-Day Visits
- In-Home, Clinic & Virtual
- Trusted By Thousands of Families
What We Cover
Planning to Breastfeed? Here's How We Help You Prepare.
The families who feel most confident breastfeeding often started before their baby arrived. A prenatal visit helps you walk into those first days knowing what to expect — and with an expert already in your corner.
Know What to Expect
Learn how breastfeeding actually works in the first hours and days, so the early moments feel familiar instead of overwhelming.
Built Around Your Goals
Whatever breastfeeding looks like for you, your IBCLC builds a plan around your goals, not anyone else's.
Feel Calm, Not Overwhelmed
Get your questions answered before the pressure of a newborn, so you start from a place of confidence instead of anxiety.
Get Ahead of Common Challenges
Latch, supply, and pain are far easier to prevent than to fix. We help you avoid the issues that catch families off guard.
Prepare for the Golden Hour
Understand those critical first feeds after birth and how to make the most of them, whatever your delivery looks like.
Start With Confidence
Walk into day one with a plan and an expert already in your corner, instead of figuring it out alone.
A little preparation now makes the early days so much easier. Let's build your plan.
You Are Not Alone
Why Meet With an IBCLC Before Baby Arrives
A prenatal visit isn't a one-time class — it's the start of a relationship with an IBCLC who knows you, your goals, and your history, and is there whenever you need them.
- It Starts Before Baby ArrivesWe get to know you, your health history, and your goals during pregnancy — so when your baby comes, your IBCLC already knows your story.
- We're There for the Early DaysTell us when you're in the hospital and you'll have priority, same-day support — right when those first feeds are happening and questions come up fast.
- And for Every Step AfterLatch, supply, pumping, return to work, weaning — whatever comes next, the same expert team is one message away, no starting over.
How We Help
What's Included in Your Prenatal Visit
A prenatal visit is a relaxed, one-on-one session with an IBCLC — no rush, no pressure, just expert guidance tailored to you before your baby arrives.
Your Health History
We review your health history, including things like breast surgery, hormonal conditions, multiples, or a planned C-section, so your plan fits your real situation.
The Skills You'll Actually Use
We walk through latch, positioning, and feeding cues — and practice the basics — so your hands already know what to do on day one.
What to Expect in the First Days
We map out the first hours and days, from the Golden Hour to milk coming in, so the early days feel familiar instead of overwhelming.
Getting Your Setup Right
We help you sort out what you actually need — pump, flanges, supplies — so you're stocked with the right gear, not the marketing hype.
Your Written Feeding Plan
You leave with a plan in hand, built around your body and your goals — not generic advice from a book or app.
Your Questions, Answered
Bring every worry — pain, supply, pumping, returning to work — and get real answers from an expert, not the internet.
Walk into day one prepared, supported, and confident. Let's build your plan.
Real Families, Real Results
Prenatal Success Stories From Chicagoland Families
All reviews from real patients on Google.
"Melissa was able to meet with me through telehealth less than 24hrs after I reached out. She was very knowledgeable, supportive, and reassuring about my concerns and provided a thorough care plan. I definitely recommend."
— Jenna
"Melissa was nice and very knowledgeable! Within one session and the provided resources I saw a significant improvement. I would highly recommend."
— Akia
"North Shore Lactation was such a gift. They answered every question, never made me feel rushed, and gave me a plan I could actually follow. I felt prepared instead of terrified."
— Claire
4.9
300+ ReviewsCompassionate care.
Expert guidance.
Real results.
All reviews from real patients on Google.
When to Reach Out
When Should You Schedule Your Prenatal Visit?
Schedule your prenatal visit for 34–36 weeks — close enough to delivery that everything's fresh, with time to prepare before baby arrives.
Prenatal support is for you if:
- This is your first baby and everything feels new
- You had a hard time breastfeeding before and want this time to be different
- You want to start with a plan instead of figuring it out as you go
- You want to understand your options before making decisions
- You simply want to walk in feeling prepared and confident
Prefer to talk first?Call or text us at 847-220-4192
Where We Serve
Proudly Supporting Families Throughout Chicagoland
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Your Prenatal Questions, Answered
Below are answers to common questions about prenatal lactation support, preparing to breastfeed, insurance coverage, and working with an IBCLC before your baby is born.