Top 5 Lactation Consultants Near Cleveland, Ohio A Guide for New Moms from Danielle Ashley Photography

As a Cleveland newborn photographer, I spend a lot of time with moms during some of the most emotional and vulnerable days of their motherhood journey. One thing that comes up constantly during my newborn sessions?
Breastfeeding.

From “Am I doing this right?” to “How do I know baby’s getting enough?” There are so many questions. I’ve been there myself, and I know how overwhelming it can be.

While I love chatting with moms and offering support during our sessions, I want to be upfront. I’m not a certified lactation consultant. But I care deeply about this stage of your journey, which is why I’ve put together a list of the top lactation consultants near Cleveland, Ohio. These are experienced professionals I trust to give you the expert help you deserve.

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💬 From One Mom to Another…

I’ve breastfed four children over the last six years (and counting!), and here’s what I’ve learned:
Breastfeeding is hard.
Every baby is different, and every experience has brought its own unique challenges.

Even with all my experience, I’ve still needed help. My youngest had a posterior tongue tie that went undiagnosed for months. Something most doctors aren’t trained to catch. By the time we figured it out, my milk supply had dropped and she wasn’t gaining weight. I chose to exclusively pump for her until she was 8 months old.

It was a whole new learning curve, but I’m so grateful I had good support.
Breastfeeding is hard but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And getting the right help makes all the difference.

🏆 Top Lactation Consultants in Cleveland, Ohio

Here are three amazing professionals (plus one bonus!) who can support you through your breastfeeding journey:

1. Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio — Dr. Ann Witt, MD, IBCLC

📍 Located in South Euclid, OH — Supporting families across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

If you’re facing more complex breastfeeding challenges, Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio is a trusted resource for families who need a higher level of care. This practice is led by Dr. Ann Witt, a board-certified family physician who is also an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) — a rare combination that allows her to provide both medical insight and specialized lactation support.

What sets this practice apart:

• Combines medical diagnosis with hands-on breastfeeding help

• Works with babies who have feeding difficulties, slow weight gain, or other medical needs

• Helps parents dealing with low milk supply, nipple pain, mastitis, and tongue or lip tie concerns

• Offers support for pumping, combination feeding, and breastfeeding after NICU stays

• Provides prenatal education for families who want to prepare before baby arrives

Dr. Witt is also known for developing Therapeutic Breast Massage, a gentle method used to relieve engorgement, improve milk flow, and support healing during common breastfeeding challenges.

They are also home to the first breast milk dispensary in Northeast Ohio, providing access to screened donor milk for families who need it.

Why local families recommend Dr. Witt:

• A calm, patient-centered approach to lactation and postpartum care

• Decades of experience supporting families in and around Cleveland

• Known for helping families who haven’t found answers elsewhere

• Especially helpful for cases where medical and breastfeeding needs overlap

Whether you’re just starting your breastfeeding journey or navigating unexpected complications, Dr. Witt and her team offer a supportive, knowledgeable environment where you can feel truly heard.

2. LiLa Lactation — Personalized In-Home & Virtual Breastfeeding Support

📍 Serving Cleveland, Medina, and nearby Northeast Ohio areas

For moms seeking flexible and tailored lactation assistance, LiLa Lactation offers expert support right where you need it most — whether that’s in your own home or through a virtual appointment. Led by Lauren Lasko, FNP, IBCLC, this practice combines medical knowledge with hands-on breastfeeding expertise to help families thrive.

Lauren is both a nurse practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), giving her a unique blend of clinical experience and practical breastfeeding skills. From managing latch discomfort to boosting milk supply, setting up pumping routines, or navigating weaning, Lauren provides compassionate guidance without judgment.

What you can expect from LiLa Lactation:

• Personalized in-home visits throughout Cleveland and Medina County

• Convenient virtual consultations for busy or distant families

• Support with a wide range of breastfeeding concerns. From nipple soreness to scheduling feedings

• Evening and weekend appointments designed for working parents

• Customized plans for moms preparing to return to work while breastfeeding

Why Cleveland-area moms recommend Lauren:

• Warm, approachable support tailored to each family’s needs

• Evidence-based advice combined with real-world parenting experience

• Focused one-on-one care from a highly qualified medical professional

• Convenient service options to fit your lifestyle and location

If you’re feeling uncertain about breastfeeding or simply want someone knowledgeable to guide you through challenges, LiLa Lactation is a reliable partner to make your journey smoother  all from the comfort of your own space.

3. Rhythms of Life — Doula and Breastfeeding Specialist Support

📍 Serving Cleveland, Akron, and nearby Northeast Ohio communities

For moms seeking a more holistic approach to postpartum care, Rhythms of Life offers expert support that goes beyond breastfeeding alone. Led by Caitlin, a highly experienced certified doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), and Kangaroula, Rhythms of Life provides compassionate care designed to nurture both mom and baby during the delicate postpartum period.

Caitlin’s approach is uniquely centered on strengthening the bond between parent and newborn while addressing feeding, sleep, and emotional well-being. She understands that breastfeeding challenges don’t happen in isolation, they’re often tied to physical recovery, mental health, and family dynamics. That’s why her services combine practical lactation assistance with gentle postpartum support.

What Caitlin at Rhythms of Life offers:

• Personalized breastfeeding guidance tailored to your family’s needs

• Emotional support and encouragement to help reduce stress and anxiety during postpartum

• Expertise in newborn care techniques that promote healthy sleep and feeding routines

• Gentle support for moms navigating challenges such as latch issues, low supply, or pumping

• Advocacy and education about baby wearing and skin-to-skin contact through Kangaroula certification

Why Cleveland-area families choose Rhythms of Life:

• A caring, hands-on approach that supports the whole family’s well-being

• Flexible services that fit your unique postpartum needs and schedule

• Deep knowledge of breastfeeding combined with doula expertise for a full-circle care experience

• Strong focus on creating calm, confident parents through compassionate guidance

If you want support that blends breastfeeding expertise with emotional and physical postpartum care, Caitlin and Rhythms of Life are an outstanding choice for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio families.

4. Milk and Honey Medina

📍 Located in Medina, OH – Easily accessible from the Cleveland area

Milk and Honey offers a peaceful, supportive environment for new and expecting mothers seeking help with breastfeeding. They provide private consultations as well as a free weekly breastfeeding group, which is a fantastic way to connect with other moms and get guidance from experienced professionals.

 Weekly Breastfeeding Group
Thursdays | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
A relaxed, judgment-free meet-up where you can ask questions, share experiences, and receive support in a friendly setting.

What makes Milk and Honey a great choice:

• Calm and nurturing environment, perfect for new moms

• Free group support each week. No appointment needed

• Ideal for  breastfeeding questions, latch issues, or emotional encouragement

• Serves families in Medina, Brunswick, and the greater Cleveland area

If you’re looking for gentle, community-based breastfeeding support near Cleveland, Milk and Honey is a wonderful place to start your journey.

5. Mama Bird: Breastfeeding & Mother Infant Care

📍 Serving Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Mama Bird Hendry provides compassionate breastfeeding educator and birth doula, making her a trusted resource for families seeking expert support throughout their breastfeeding journey. Known for her warm and personalized approach, she focuses on empowering parents through education and hands-on assistance.

As a certified breastfeeding educator, Mama Bird Hendry helps moms overcome challenges such as early latch difficulties and works with them to establish a sustainable breastfeeding routine. Her services also include doula care, newborn care guidance, emotional support, and advocacy to help you confidently reach your breastfeeding goals. She is also the ONLY Certified Kangaroula advanced doula in breastfeeding and skin to skin contact in the United States.

What Mama Bird Hendry offers:

• Comprehensive lactation consultations tailored to your unique journey

• Birth and postpartum doula services for added physical and emotional support

• Guidance on pumping, milk supply, and resolving common breastfeeding concerns

• Support for families dealing with tongue ties, reflux, or other breastfeeding difficulties

• Flexible in-person and virtual appointments to fit your schedule

 

Weekly Breastfeeding Group Starting Wednesdays in November 

Why Cleveland families love Mama Bird Hendry:

• Holistic support from pregnancy through postpartum

• A nurturing, judgment-free space to ask questions and get personalized care

• Experienced professional who understands the realities of modern parenting

• Strong focus on building parent confidence and promoting healthy bonding

If you want a lactation educator who can walk alongside you from pregnancy through your breastfeeding journey, Mama Bird Hendry is a trusted local expert to consider.

🤱 Types of Lactation Certifications – What Do They Mean?

If you’re looking for breastfeeding help in Cleveland, you might see all sorts of letters after someone’s name. Here’s a quick breakdown:

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💸 Is Lactation Help Covered by Insurance?

Yes! Many insurance plans cover lactation consultations under the Affordable Care Act.

Here’s how to check:

• ✅ Call your insurance to ask if IBCLC services are covered

• 📄 Ask your consultant for a superbill to submit for reimbursement

• 🏥 Some hospital-based services are free but may be harder to book

• 💻 Virtual visits are often eligible for coverage now, too

Tip: Look for consultants who bill under CPT code 99404 – often accepted for preventive care!

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🧡 From Danielle Ashley Photography — You’ve Got This, Mama

Every new mom has questions, struggles, and moments of doubt. If breastfeeding isn’t what you expected, that’s okay. You’re not doing it wrong. You just need support.

If we’re working together during your newborn session, know that my space is always safe for these conversations. And if you need more help, I hope this list of trusted Cleveland lactation consultants points you in the right direction.

📸 Looking for a Cleveland newborn photographer who gets it?
I’d love to be part of your journey.
Visit Danielle Ashley Photography to learn more about my sessions and how I can support you during this special season.