Celina brings over 37 years of breastfeeding and infant feeding support and education to Sweet Spot Lactation.
My interest in breastfeeding began after the birth of our first child in British Columbia and segued into helping other families, beginning in 1985, through peer support. After two home births and two hospital births, when our fourth daughter was born, I became more interested in all the nuances involved in helping babies and mothers develop the skills needed to breastfeed well. I also met numerous families who, in spite of their many efforts, needed support to feed their babies by supplementing at the breast and/or by bottle.
In 2007, 8 years into our stay in the US, I was able to, once again, provide much needed peer to peer support in our community after observing our first grandson struggling at the breast and needing supplemental feedings until he was able to breastfeeding effectively.
In 2011, having acquired the University Level Lactation Education required, I fulfilled a years long dream to write and pass the exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I was privileged to establish a private practice in New Hampshire providing home visits. and enjoyed helping hundreds of clients navigate their feeding challenges over the following years until moving back to Canada.
My areas of focused interest and extensive continuing education include the role of oxytocin and other hormones in establishing and supporting milk production, functional breastfeeding, low milk supply and IGT, pumping, flange fitting, oral restrictions (tongue, lip and buccal ties), understanding possible underlying reasons for colic, low supply, poor sleep, difficulty latching and learning more about dysregulation and the effect on infant feeding.
Because of my own background and health care philosophy, I am committed to practicing in a holistic way and collaborating with other healthcare professionals where needed and desired, to help families achieve their ‘sweet spot’ in their feeding experience. I firmly believe in helping families find the tools they need to be able to help themselves and their babies feed happily and comfortably, be that solely at the breast, while supplementing at the breast or chest, supplementing their milk or other milk via bottle, exclusively pumping and bottle feeding, or formula feeding, in a relaxed and comfortable way.
My other interests and experiences include working in plant nurseries and PYO orchards for many years, growing our own organic foods, working as an EMT Basic on our volunteer Fire Department in NH for 7 years, knitting, and reading voraciously on any topic that is currently interesting. Lately, it is the microbiome that piques my curiosity, and the ways that we can influence our wellbeing using mindfulness and visualization.
My husband and I are blessed to be living close to three of our daughters and their families. We have 8 grandchildren in Kelowna and New Hampshire which include breastfed, combination fed and bottle fed babies.
We enjoy getting regular hugs, in depth conversations with toddlers through to teens, and an abundance of love at family dinners.
It is an honour to be able to work alongside and with our eldest daughter, Erin, in bringing support and guidance to families in the Kelowna, West Kelowna and Okanagan area. We are committed to meeting families where they are at and supporting their choices for their families as best we can.”
“A Back to Work consult is designed to help prepare you for being away from your baby while protecting your breast/chestfeeding relationship. Includes breastfeeding goals/history, guidance around pumping frequency and duration (including flange-fitting if required), creating a schedule for removing milk while away from your baby, transitioning from breast to bottle/cup and assessement of baby's ability to use bottles/cups, how caregivers can feed your baby in a way that protects your nursing relationship, and review of safe milk storage and handling. This consult does not provide a breastfeeding assessment (clients wishing to explore targeted breastfeeding support should book an initial consult and indicate that they are also planning a return to work).
Includes 2 weeks of phone/email/text support that can be used once you have started your transition back to work.”2 options
$20090 min
Antenatal Breastfeeding - Group ClassNew patient
“Please note: price is split between the number of pregnant parents wishing to book this class. Please call if you would like to book a larger class (5 or more parents + support) and we can discuss length and pricing based on your needs.
This 3 hour breastfeeding class is designed to support up to 4 pregnant parents and their support people (max 2 supports per pregnant person) with review of the following:
--a review of normal infant feeding behaviours in the first 6 weeks of life, with focus on the first few days
--the "basics" of achieving a deep, comfortable latch
--a variety of latching positions (including how to optimize body support)
--how to hand express comfortably (including antenatal hand expression if you have been cleared by your pregnancy care provider to do so)
--signs of an effective feed (and what to do if your baby is not showing those signs)
--how to optimize and protect your milk supply in the first days and weeks after birth
--how your partner/support person/family can help strengthen the breastfeeding relationship
--signs that you may need additional feeding support”
$400180 min
Antenatal Feeding ConsultNew patient
“An antenatal assessment lasts approximately one hour and includes breast/chest assessment, full history (including previous feeding experiences), review of parents' desires for this feeding relationship and applicable teaching (ie antenatal had expression & colostrum storage) as well as an antenatal hand expression kit. This assessment is NOT an antenatal breastfeeding class--focus is on making a plan for the immediate postpartum period rather than position/latch. Ideal frequency of milk removal will be included along with a short written feeding plan.”
$13560 min
Bottlefeeding ConsultationNew patient
“In addition to reviewing pregnancy and birth history, during a bottlefeeding consultation, we will assess your baby's ability to cope with nipple flow, shape, and size, review responsive bottlefeeding techniques, address issues with excessive air intake or spitting up frequently, discuss how to decide when your baby is ready for a faster flow or larger size of bottle nipple, and provide guidance for bottlefeeding breastmilk and formula, including how to determine frequency and quantity of feeds. This assessment may include a pumping and flange-fitting component if you are pumping and require that support. This assessment will include a review of safe storage and handling of breastmilk or formula, depending on how you are feeding. This consultation is for parents who would like to continue bottlefeeding/pumping, and are not actively working toward bringing baby back to the breast to feed.
Please note--any bottles/nipples we leave for you to try MUST be washed in FRAGRANCE FREE dishsoap. Fragranced soaps leave residue and odour on bottle nipples and this can be a cause of bottle refusal. Any nipples/bottles that have residual odour from being washed in fragranced product will be added to your invoice to purchase. Thank you!”
$250120 min
Breast/Chestfeeding Package ANew patient
“Includes initial consult + 1 follow up visit (no hourly rates).
* Packages must be purchased at, or before, the initial consult and used within 6 weeks following the initial consult due to changes parents and babies experience over longer periods of time.
Packages include follow up email, phone, text message support between visits and for up to 2 weeks after the final visit.
Multiples: add $175.00 / each additional infant.”
$415180 min
Breast/Chestfeeding Package BNew patient
“Includes initial consult + 2 follow up visits (no hourly rates).
* Packages must be purchased at, or before, the initial consult and used within 6 weeks following the initial consult due to changes parents and babies experience over longer periods of time.
Packages include follow up email, phone, text message support between visits and for up to 2 weeks after the final visit.
Multiples: add $225.00 / each additional infant.”
$550180 min
Flange fitting (refit)Follow-up
“Choose this option if you have already had a flange fitting consultation with either Erin or Celina, and you feel you need to be re-sized for any reason (later in your pumping journey this can happen as breasts change over time). 30 minute visit either at home or clinic (please bring your pump if a clinic visit, otherwise have it set up and ready to use when we arrive)!
Does not include the cost of new flanges.”
$6030 min
Infant Feeding AssessmentNew patient
“Choose this option if you have already been seen for an initial consult, and need a second or subsequent in-person appointment as your feeding relationship evolves.”3 options
$125–$300· 60–135 minFrom $125 to $300 for 60–135 min — the cheapest and the dearest dietetics appointments this clinic charges for.
Twin Infant Feeding Assessment (3New patient
“An initial twins infant feeding (lactation) assessment usually takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. This consult time may be split into two sessions to accommodate assessment of both babies. Assessment includes thorough history and infant assessment and breastfeeding/chestfeeding observation as well as any supplies parents might need to overcome temporary challenges (SNS, flange fitting for pumping etc).
Follow up email, text messaging and phone support (client's choice) for up to two weeks is included.”
$475240 min
Introducing a bottle to your breastfed babyNew patient
“This is NOT a Bottle Refusal consult—for bottle refusal please book the bottlefeeding consultation option.
Choose this option if you're wanting to introduce a bottle to your primarily breastfed baby without disrupting your breastfeeding relationship.
This is NOT a bottlefeeding assessment for babies who are primarily bottlefeeding--please choose a Bottlefeeding Consultation if you need this depth of assessment.
Introducing a Bottle to your Breastfed Baby Consult includes education around paced feeding, trial nipples for you to determine which is the best fit & flow for you baby, resources for breastmilk storage and warming, and options for alternate ways of feeding (sippy or straw cup) if needed/depending on the age of your baby.
This consult does not include bottles/nipples to KEEP, but may include trial nipples which MUST be washed in FRAGRANCE FREE dishsoap and stored separately. Nipples left for trial that are washed in fragranced soaps/have residual odor will be added to your invoice.”
$12560 min
Latch and positioning assessmentNew patient
“Choose this option ONLY if you meet the following criteria:
—your baby has no concerns with weight, jaundice, oral restrictions or medical complications/diagnoses
—you are not pumping or do not require any assessment of pumping/flange fitting
—you do not require help with nipple shields or feeding tubes at the breast
—you have no concerns with breastmilk supply and breastfeeding is not painful/you have no nipple trauma.
This option is for parents who simply require a private latch assessment in their home, with tips & tricks for positioning and basic education around normal newborn nursing, feeding reflexes, and behaviour. Please contact us to book this option so that we can make sure this is the correct level of care for you and your baby! This option does not include help with bottlefeeding or introducing a bottle, or supplies like nipple shields, SNS tubing, flanges or pumping supplies, etc. This option does not include an infant oral assessment.
Clients who book this option and later find they need a full infant feeding assessment will receive a discount on the full feeding session.”2 options
$15075 min
Private Antenatal Breastfeeding Class (1.5New patient
“***Only book this option if you are currently still pregnant*** The antenatal breastfeeding class will introduce you and your support person (if desired) to the following:
--a review of normal infant feeding behaviours in the first 6 weeks of life, with focus on the first few days
--the "basics" of achieving a deep, comfortable latch
--a variety of latching positions (including how to optimize body support)
--how to hand express (including antenatal hand expression if you have been cleared by your pregnancy care provider to do so)
--signs of an effective feed (and what to do if your baby is not showing those signs)
--how to optimize and protect your milk supply in the first days and weeks after birth
--how your partner/support person/family can help strengthen the breastfeeding relationship
--signs that you may need additional feeding support”
$200120 min
Pumping and flange fitting consultation (45New patient
“Includes an assessment of your flange sizing for each breast, optimizing your pump settings and schedule for comfort and to maximize milk supply, and a pair of the correctly sized flanges (with option to purchase a second set at cost).
Up to one week of text/troubleshooting support and "swap" option for flanges if you find the original size fitted is not as comfortable as you first thought.”
$13560 min
Twin ApptFollow-up
“Select this option to add a twin follow-up ONLY. Includes the followup to a feeding consult for TWO babies total, and extends the total f/u time to approximately 120 minutes.”
“Includes private Antenatal BF class + Lactation package "B" + one additional followup appointment--a total of 8 hours of preparation and support!
This is a great gift for expecting parents who have expressed a desire to prepare thoroughly for their breastfeeding journey!”
“For clients who have completed their initial intake and are moving forward with release of oral restrictions.
Assuming you were given targeted "pre-hab" exercises to start during your initial consult, this option starts with an in-person visit approximately 3 days post release to ensure all of your questions are answered and that oral exercises and wound care are going well.
Please contact us before booking if you have scheduled a release appointment with a provider and we have NOT already seen you for pre-release exercise planning (almost always done during an initial lactation consult).
Also includes text/email/phone support in the 4 weeks following release (and extends any existing post-consult support to at least 4 weeks).”
