Premier Lactation and Birth Doula Support in Utica and Central New York
Collaborative care from pregnancy to weaning, specializing in complex infant feeding challenges
Who We Are:
We are Utica Based team of Lactation Professionals and Doulas providing Birth and Postpartum Doula Support and Expert International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Infant Feeding Support in Utica, New Hartford, Rome, Oneida, CNY, Mohawk Valley, CNY region and virtually from anywhere you are. We offer:
- Holisticly Focused Lactation Visits – Infant feeding support
- Experienced team of 4 birth and postpartum doulas
- Customized support packages tailored to each family
- Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
- Childbirth Preparation Classes
- Breastfeeding Cafe Support Groups
- Holistic and Compassionate Care tailored to your familiy need
Hi! My name is Ania
I'm so glad you found us!
Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating infant feeding challenges, or looking for guidance through your postpartum journey, I want to welcome you to our space and reassure you that you belong here.
I’m a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Post Partum Doula and the owner of Mohawk Valley Lactation. Along with my team of five skilled birth AND postpartum doulas, we support familys throughout the Mohawk Valley and CNY region with expert, holistic, and collaborative care.
Lactation support is a central part of the work we do, and two members of our doula team are also Certified Lactation Counselors currently working toward their clinical lactation hours to sit IBCLC exam, allowing us to support families with continuity across birth, feeding, and postpartum. With over 15 years of experience and having supported more than 5,000 families, I understand how overwhelming and isolating this time can feel.
As a mother of four, I know what it’s like to search for answers at 3 a.m., and how hard it is to find someone who truly cares, listens, and can finally help you navigate your next hurdle.
That’s exactly what you’ll find here — expert care delivered with compassion, whether you’re joining us for a prenatal class, working through complex feeding issues, or looking for birth doula support. We are always expanding our knowledge and continuing to grow our services so we can best meet the evolving needs of the families we serve. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to be your village.
What our clients say about us
Kourtney-lyn Vrydaghs
2 weeks ago
I'm a first time mom and honestly didn't know what to do. Gideon was not gaining weight, only really able to feed him with a nipple shield or a bottle with pumped milk. We almost gave up trying to breastfeed but his pediatrician's office gave me information for Lactation support. I went to their website and it was so easy to book an appointment for myself and Gideon. I preferred an at home appointment as it was middle of winter and I was worried about bringing a newborn out, plus I wanted to figure out how breastfeeding would work with what I had at home. Ania from the beginning was kind and listened to what we were struggling with. She took her time showing exactly what to do and how to hold Gideon to get the best latch as well as how my husband could hold a bottle to feed Gideon. Any questions we had she had the answers for. Ania had encouraged me to go to their lactation cafe and that was probably one of the best choices in my breastfeeding journey I did. The Cafe is a place with no judgement, women who are in different stages of motherhood and people there to support each other. Helping destigmatize breastfeeding as it's a natural process and should be celebrated. Ania and all those at Mohawk Valley Lactation and Doula Support truly embody what it is to have a village.
Badr El Bedour
3 weeks ago
I honestly cannot recommend Erica and Mohawk valley lactation and doula support enough! ❤️
My first delivery was a forceps delivery with a third-degree tear and a very difficult recovery. After that experience, I was honestly terrified of giving birth again and worried I would go through the same thing. So I decided to hire a doula this time and I am so happy I did.
Erica was amazing throughout my pregnancy—always available to answer my questions, suggesting different techniques and ways to prepare, and supporting me when my OB suddenly transferred. She even helped me work through my options when I decided to change where I planned to deliver. She always offered information and guidance without ever pressuring me in one direction.
During labor and delivery, she was incredible. Her calming presence made such a huge difference. With every contraction, she helped me with breathing, positions, and different techniques and tools to get through it. She was always there when I needed her, but never overbearing and never took away from the experience my husband and I were having together.
Most importantly, Erica helped me turn something I had been genuinely afraid of into such a positive and empowering experience. After my first birth, I never imagined I would walk away from another delivery feeling the way I did.
My husband, my family, and I are so incredibly grateful for Erica and everything she did for us. I will always be thankful that she was part of such an important and special moment in our lives. ❤️
Alexis Rich (Lexie)
4 weeks ago
We had such a wonderful experience working with Ania! She is warm, made us feel comfortable & helped us to establish a better relationship around breastfeeding as it had gotten stressful for both me & baby. With oral restrictions including tension & ties, we were having trouble finding our groove. She gave us some exercises that definitely helped with his gag reflex and latching is so much easier. I was misreading babies cues thinking something was wrong & she helped me to better understand his language, making us both more relaxed. I would highly recommend working with her if you are even considering that you may need help. It could make all the difference!
Kaitlyn Cadwell
4 weeks ago
I couldn’t be more grateful for Mohawk Valley Lactation. When I found them I was ready to quit breast feeding. My baby was struggling with weight gain, I was using a nipple shield due to pain, and I was not being supported or listened to by the pediatrician. Ania came to the rescue and provided a wealth of knowledge, so much support, and connected me to other providers to help our journey. Today, we had a successful appointment after all her guidance he is transferring well, we are no longer using a nipple shield, he is gaining weight appropriately, and most importantly he is happy and healthy! I can not thank Ania enough as this would not be possible if it wasn’t for her. She truly goes above and beyond and is dedicated to seeing her clients succeed.
I also saw Erica for a couple appointments, she was so caring, full of knowledge, and supportive. I couldn’t be more grateful for the help and guidance she provided during such a challenging time.
THANK YOU, Mohawk Valley Lactation my breastfeeding journey would not have been possible without you!
Anastasiia Starukhina
2 months ago
Kind, supportive professional stuff. Place where you can really find support information and your milky way 🌌 ✨️ 😊 Thank you for doing this
Cheyanna Thieme
3 months ago
I can’t recommend Anna highly enough. She came highly recommended to me, and after working with her, I completely understand why.
Anna came to my home during the thick of the postpartum period and provided the support, guidance, and reassurance I needed. She took the time to assess our breastfeeding challenges, offered practical solutions, and shared a wealth of knowledge and resources that gave me confidence moving forward.
Beyond her expertise, Anna is incredibly compassionate, patient, and encouraging. It’s clear that she genuinely loves what she does and truly cares about the families she helps. Her support made such a difference during a vulnerable time, and I’m so grateful for her care. I would wholeheartedly recommend Anna to any new parent looking for knowledgeable and compassionate breastfeeding support.
Amanda Wall
4 months ago
Ania was incredibly helpful throughout my breastfeeding journey and truly took the time to understand our needs and goals during our first visit. One of my main goals was transitioning from using a nipple shield to having my baby latch directly onto the breast, and with Ania’s guidance, we were able to accomplish that after just one session.
She provided excellent advice on positioning and techniques to help my baby achieve a better latch. She also educated both my husband and me on exercises we could do at home to improve our baby’s shallow latch. One thing I really appreciated was the detailed written handout she provided after our visit. It summarized everything we discussed, including the exercises and recommendations, so we didn’t have to worry about remembering all of the valuable information she shared.
During our follow-up visit, Ania answered all of our questions and helped me learn how to breastfeed in the side-lying position, which was something I really wanted to master. By the end of that visit, I was able to successfully latch my baby on both sides independently in that position.
Ania has an incredible depth of knowledge, is patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping families meet their feeding goals. She also connected us with other providers she felt could further support our breastfeeding journey and improve my baby’s latch. Even after helping us achieve our initial goals, she continues to make herself available to her clients as needed.
I highly recommend Ania to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated lactation consultant.
Emma Kaplan
5 months ago
Working with Mohawk Valley Lactation was a great help in my breastfeeding journey! The intake form is very detailed and allowed me to provide context on how breastfeeding was going, and what goals & questions I had for the consultation.
During the session, Erica was able to answer all of my questions which left me feeling more empowered and informed for moving ahead. Having her see a feed session and being able to weigh the baby before and after was also super informative (and cool to see!).
Breastfeeding can be a real challenge and I found great encouragement and guidance from the lactation consultation. Would recommend Mohawk Valley Lactation for this reason!
AnnaMarie Roberts
6 months ago
I had a wonderful experience working with Erica, my lactation consultant. As a first-time mom, I was feeling overwhelmed, but she made the entire process so much easier. She came to my home, which was incredibly convenient, and was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and supportive.
Erica took the time to answer all of my questions and explained everything in a way that made me feel confident and comfortable. What stood out the most was her kindness and the completely judgment-free environment she created. I never once felt embarrassed or unsure asking questions.
I truly appreciated her guidance and support during such an important time. I would highly recommend her to any new mom looking for compassionate and expert care.
Mariah Geigel
7 months ago
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my doula Erica and the incredible support she provided during my birth experience. She was right there with me in the birthing room, and I truly don’t think I could have done it without her. From the very beginning she was so attentive, supportive, and calming during such an emotional and intense time.
She helped keep me calm and focused throughout the entire process, always knowing exactly what I needed in the moment. Her presence brought so much comfort and reassurance to both me and my family.
Even after the birth, she continued to check in on me and offered guidance with breastfeeding, which meant so much during those first overwhelming days. Her care didn’t stop once the baby arrived, and that really shows how dedicated she is to the families she supports.
I am so grateful to have had her by my side. She is truly amazing at what she does, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive doula
Tazz Hanna
8 months ago
As a mother of two, I first had no idea about this program with my first born. I had a not so great experience from carrying to birthing my child the first time around, along with the aftercare, I had a traumatic experience... Once I found out I was expecting with my second.... I was happy, but more so scared due to the first experience and wanted to push for advocacy and voicing my concerns for not only my baby but myself as well... Erica, she was a huge help!! From, finding a new doctors office, to receiving the right care, pushing for whats best for me and my child and making sure I wasnt let down like the first time around. Erica provided me better understanding with the right tips and tricks on how to breast feed, and as a topic that seems a bit awkward for most to discuss its very important to understand how to do things as though a hospital refuses to show you, and or some times help you and tosses the formula at you for supplementing your new born without even giving you the opportunity to try things out. Erica was a huge mentor with the whole process... When it came time to prepare for the hospital on things I needed and to create a check list, Erica was the one to throw in some ideas and things that I'd benefit at the hospital.. A check list on ways to advocate for myself and pushing for what I wanted not what the hospital wanted for me, and when I say fight for what I wanted, I mean literally WHAT I WANT for my plan to be while I am at the hospital preparing for my little one to arrive, the care prior and the care afterwards.... Erica always checked up in on me, every day, every couple of hours, and every night when I was in the hospital, and after I had my second born, she always checked in to see how nursing was going, how things were working for me , ways to do better and she just never stopped reaching out!!!! I am beyond thankful for Ericas help through the process, and the outcome of having my second born, because of her help, her caring and understanding my second time around went wayyyy better than the first time around and I was rather much so prepared for this pregancy then the first.
Its not looked upon much but if you are going to have a child and need help on understanding things and or ways to make things more comfortable for yourself, Mohawk Valley Lactation is where youll find your help, between Erica, Brittany, Ania, They are all awesome, and wonderful ladies who are so encouraged with seeing you all succeed!!! Don't feel awkard and or freaked out by the discussion its so real, and these topics are normal, we are woman who deal with it all....
From finding the right doctor, to making sure you are prepared to being ready and feeling ready to having all the divided support and advocating for what you want, it all matters and its worth it for your little one
Alexis Streeter
8 months ago
Danielle Lawrence
8 months ago
Ania and her team are so thorough, patient, and encouraging. They were a pleasure to work with. I reached out to Ania after discharge from the hospital and had my first appointment with her at 2 weeks postpartum. My baby was having trouble latching and Ania indicated it was likely due to oral/body tension the baby was holding on to from the pregnancy and birth. She introduced me to body work specialists that have helped my baby come such a long way and she continued to work with me multiple times a week to get my baby to latch. By week 5 we were nursing full time! Ania supported me in proper pumping technique, she supported me through a stint of mastitis, and everything else! She provides you in depth follow up care instructions after every visit and will go out of her way to make sure you succeed and achieve your goals. Forever grateful!!!
Mackenzie Anna
8 months ago
In having a successful breastfeeding journey with my first, I thought the second would be a cakewalk. After delivery however, I was met with a quite humbling alternative. Noah had every kind of tie imaginable and a Laryngomalacia diagnosis to boot. I was "encouraged" by his doctors (more or less pressured) to use bottles as it would be easier for him, even though it wasn't what I had imagined my breastfeeding journey to be, or wanted for it either. I felt so defeated and let down by the healthcare system. I reached out to Ania for help and she went above and beyond for us every single time. She pointed us in the right direction of an osteopath to try and alleviate some of Noah's symptoms, helped find an occupational therapist that would support his feeding goals. She had essentially built a care team for him from the ground up and made sure to stay in contact with each one for progress so we functioned as a well oiled machine. I've never felt more supported, heard or seen... even when my fears and doubts seemed like they'd take over. We owe it to Ania and everyone that she put in our path for making it this far (and hopefully further yet). I'm forever grateful for her support in making my last breastfeeding journey one I am proud of and will cherish forever.
Melissa Smith
8 months ago
Ania is great and extremely knowledgeable. She played a huge role in my breastfeeding journey and I wouldn’t be exclusively breastfeeding without her help. When I first met Ania I was pumping, breastfeeding, and supplementing with formula. I’m proud to say I am now exclusively breastfeeding. She first helped me find the correct flange size so that I could pump efficiently while working towards a better breastfeeding experience with my newborn. She was able to help with my baby’s latch and ability to transfer more milk. She also made me more confident in my ability to breastfeed. I would recommend her to anyone that needs support in their breastfeeding journey!
Daniella Yozzo
9 months ago
Anna was a savior during my breastfeeding journey! It was a very stressful experience to start with and with her help and corrections it took the stress and pain out of breastfeeding! She taught me how to bond with my baby and make it an enjoyable experience for us both. Grateful for Anna! Thank you!
Samantha Hozanovic
9 months ago
Ania has helped me feel more confident in breastfeeding and to just trust the process. She has provided feedback with any and all of my concerns making me feel heard and comforted when needed to help me continue on with my breastfeeding journey. If you want to be confident in breastfeeding and need help I would highly recommend Mohawk Valley Lactation.
Gianna Iacone
10 months ago
Joined Ania and her team for their 2-hour breastfeeding course and would highly recommend! It was an open, judgement free space where they touched on all of the basics around feeding - breastfeeding dos/donts, pumping, burping, adjusting to returning to work and so much more! They were kind, professional and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you Ania and team!
Hadyn Weakley
10 months ago
Ania got us through the first 8 weeks with our newborn. She first showed me how to use my pumps and fit me for flange sizes that worked for me. If it wasn’t for her helping me with them I would have gave up and switched to formula because my supply wasn’t coming in due to wrong sizing. During that time she never once made me feel uncomfortable or out of place. Ania also showed us a different way to feed our baby as well as a different way to burp him as he was spitting up every feed. She also showed us stretches to do with our baby to help with his gas. Ania is very easy to open up to. I will forever be grateful to have found her. Her knowledge on just about anything you have questions on is remarkable. She is respectful of your wants and needs, listens to your concerns and never pressured me into anything I wasn’t comfortable with.I would recommend her to anyone who needs a little help starting out!!
Kiara Whitaker
11 months ago
Ania is the absolute best. I wanted a to quit breastfeeding all together when I went to her for pain nursing and a fussy baby. I have a happy baby and I breastfeed with ease thanks to her guidance, I would recommend her to any mother I know.
Lily
1 year ago
Ania played a huge role in my breastfeeding journey with my second child. First one went smooth for the most part. But with my second I had a challenge with latching, reflux, & coughing. Ania answered all questions, encouraged to try new things, & helped with positions. After 1.5 weeks, I saw a huge improvement in all symptoms. In addition, she was easy to talk to & made it comfortable to address all concerns. Thank you!
Jenna Hurley
1 year ago
Ania is the absolute best and extremely knowledgeable at what she does. She makes you feel so comfortable and confident in any of your breastfeeding needs! She helped me with my first child when I was having trouble to get him to latch. He was also able to make sure that my pumps were the correct sizes. With my second she was able to make sure he was latching properly as well as help us navigate taking care of his oral ties. She was able to point us in the right direction of what we needed to do, as well as give us great referrals! She really made me feel very confident in my breastfeeding journeys. And I’m very grateful to her. She also is very clean and sanitary and has a bunch of tips and tricks! And her breastfeeding class is great too!
Juliea Hindmon
2 years ago
Ania was super helpful and got my baby to latch for the first real time since my baby was born! Love her!
Kaity Stewart
2 years ago
Ania is incredibly experienced and knowledgable about a wide variety of issues and questions. She is empathetc and direct, providing support and encouragement, while also addressing the reality of your situation and struggles with professionalism and competence. She provides excellent service and gives you plenty of time to really talk through things and practice/demo/learn hands-on with her. I feel very fortunate to have had her support in my breastfeeding journey.
Kelsey Ross
2 years ago
Ania helped us to be successful with breast feeding without the use of a shield (we had previously relied on the shield since we were in the hospital and for days after discharge). She is so knowledgeable and made us feel so comfortable. I can't say enough about how grateful I am for her help!
Heather Rand Cirelli
2 years ago
Ania has been such an amazing resource to help me have a positive breastfeeding experience. She is so patient and positive I felt so much more confident after our first appointment. Ania has helped me to improve latching, find different positions, get the right fit for flanges, and work through introducing bottles to my son. I am so thankful to have her as part of my support network!
Annie Aaroe
2 years ago
Ania’s encouragement, plus the facts, and just a couple tips, literally saved my breast-feeding journey, because it saved me, and empowered me to literally save my daughter.
She was in the failure to thrive zone for weight when I first came in at 4 1/2 weeks. We bought formula to have on hand because her inability to transfer milk had tanked my supply. I wa so scared and sad for her. She was sooooo scrawny. (But still bright eyed and hopeful) Some nights we were down to the last bag of pumped milk in the freezer and it felt like my breasts were soft and empty… but the plan Ania suggested for me worked and I started to wake up mornings with breasts full of milk for my little one. We never did open the formula. Then we addressed the continued issues with her breast feeding until she was nursing normally finally at 10 1/2 weeks. Now she is 15th percentile and nursing is a joy for us both.
She is my third, and I never had issues with my first two so I was not expecting to struggle. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Ania.
denise nicole
2 years ago
We had our first lactation appointment with Anna today. She was so wonderful and really took her time addressing all of my emotions, questions, and concerns. She had so many wonderful ideas to try to get my baby back to breastfeeding as I was away from him for several days due to emergency surgery. We will continue to see her as long as we can to help with our breastfeeding journey. Thank you so much Anna
Nadya Mower
3 years ago
Fourth baby and I still needed help! I had a great experience with Mohawk Valley Lactation Consulting. Ania is very knowledgeable, caring, kind and compassionate. She answered all my questions. Showed me best possible positions that suit me and my baby in our feeding chair. It was awesome to have her come to our home and assist me to a better understanding of breastfeeding/clogged ducts/positioning/supply. Thank you so much Ania! Highly recommend!
P.s even if you’ve had children before (breastfeeding experience), never be afraid to reach out for support/advice/help from a lactation consultant.
Ania is the most supportive, caring and genuine lady out there. I truly believe without her my breastfeeding journey wouldnt have happened. Through every struggle (tounge and lip tie, NICU, jaundice, low blood sugars, nipple pain) my son and I had Ania was there for us to answer questions, provide support. Anytime I needed help she was there for us even after leaving the hospital. We have been breastfeeding almost 6 months now and I love every minute of it. I am so glad I had the honor of working with such an amazing lactation consultant.
Ania was beyond professional and knowledgeable. She went above and beyond to provide suggestions both prior and after our initial meeting. It was super convenient to have her come to my own home and see me in my environment. I felt that the initial evaluation was very complete and all of my questions/concerns were answered. I highly recommend Anna for anyone that is even remotely struggling with BF. For something so natural, it is not always easy and it is such a comfort to have such a great support.
I have sought breastfeeding help from Ania with 3 of my children. Each time the care has been compassionate, professional and supportive. She has helped me with my babies having tongue and lip restrictions, dairy intolerances and tandem nursing. She is a treasure for the nursing mothers of the mohawk valley area
I don’t think I would have been able to breastfeed if it wasn’t for Ania. I am still going strong 8 months later. Anna was VERY helpful and knowledgeable when we were in the hospital! She encouraged me to never give up, never pushed me and always offered to come back and give me time if needed. I was in the hospital for 10 days… longer than most new moms and she was there everyday she worked and helped me. She could have stopped after a few days since normal people are discharged home but she spent endless hours with me!
Ania is the most supportive, caring and genuine lady out there. I truly believe without her my breastfeeding journey wouldnt have happened. Through every struggle (tounge and lip tie, NICU, jaundice, low blood sugars, nipple pain) my son and I had Ania was there for us to answer questions, provide support. Anytime I needed help she was there for us even after leaving the hospital. We have been breastfeeding almost 6 months now and I love every minute of it. I am so glad I had the honor of working with such an amazing lactation consultant.
I had so many issues when it came to breastfeeding! My son had a bad latch to start with and I wasn’t able to get a lot of time with the lactation consultant in the hospital. He was extremely frustrated and refusing the breast. So he became jaundice. Then he got thrush. I met with Anna and she helped me so much! She listened to our concerns and gave us ideas and suggestions to try. She thought my son was tongue tied and after seeing a doctor she recommended, he had revisions done to the upper lip and tongue. All of which the pediatricians missed. Now he’s getting better at nursing and we are on way to exclusively breastfeeding. Anna has been so helpful and quick to respond to any questions. I wouldn’t be breastfeeding today without the support of Anna!
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Still Unsure? Here are a few more reasons to help you decide
We understand that choosing the right support for your infant feeding journey is a big decision, and we want you to feel completely confident in taking this step. That’s why we’ve made it as risk-free as possible for you.
Insurance Coverage:
Over 90% of our clients’ visits are fully or partially covered by their health insurance. This means you can receive expert, personalized lactation support with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Proven Track Record
With over 50 “5-star” Google reviews and countless positive testimonials on social media, you can trust that our services have made a real difference for many families just like yours.
Follow-Up Support
After your consultation, you’ll have access to a secure messaging system or email for two weeks. This ensures you can get any follow-up questions answered and continue receiving support as you implement your care plan.
Community Access
You’ll also gain access to our free parent breastfeeding support group on Facebook, where you can connect with other parents, share experiences, and receive ongoing encouragement and advice.
With so much to gain and so little to lose, there’s no reason to wait. Let us help you transform your feeding journey into a positive, confident, and joyful experience.