utica lactation consultant

In-person and telehealth lactation visits are now covered by private insurance. Serving Utica, Rome, Oneida, New Hartford and beyond.

MY NAME IS ANIA

           As an experienced nurse, IBCLC and mother of four, I specialize in supporting new parents through the challenges of infant feeding. 

My mission is to guide you towards a more rewarding parenting experience, free from the confusion and discomfort.

Don’t let uncertainties cast a shadow over this precious time. Let me guide you in making your infant feeding experience a joyful and successful one?

These are some concerns
you might want support for:

  • Feeding multiples
  • Feeding premature infant
  • Feeding special needs infant
  • Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT)
  • Reflux
  • Pumping and working
    Exclusively pumping
  • Elimination diets and food sensitivities
  • Breast/Bottle refusal
    Pumping/ flange fitting
  • Nipple pain
  • Nipple trauma
  • Painful latch or inability to latch
  • Lip and tongue ties
  • Plugged ducts/mastitis
  • Low supply, oversupply
  • Weight gain issues
  • Relactation and adoptive Breastfeeding/chest feeding
  • Feeding when mom or baby is ill
Emily Mae ClappEmily Mae Clapp
22:15 16 Feb 24
Ania is always extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, and thorough. She has been such a help with my breastfeeding journeys for both of my children.
anniegrooveanniegroove
21:36 06 Feb 24
Nadya MowerNadya Mower
04:14 04 Feb 24
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.
Morgan LawrenceMorgan Lawrence
19:01 12 Jan 24
Melissa RichardsonMelissa Richardson
18:14 01 Jan 24
My experience with Ania was extremely valuable to my success in breastfeeding my son. I can't thank her enough for her guidance through the three appointments I had with her. In the beginning, when I was in pain and struggling she even reached out to me on the weekend to see how things were going. She really cares! She gave me the resources I needed to heal and get my son the help he needed. With her expertise, she always answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns. She showed me different positions to feed my son so that we could find what worked best for us. She also did strengthening exercises that benefited my son after his procedure, showing me how to do them. I truly learned a lot from Ania and I am so very thankful for her! I highly recommend her to any mom who needs help with breastfeeding.
Taj MeyerTaj Meyer
00:23 25 Dec 23
Ania is fantastic! She helped me prepare for a healthy breastfeeding journey at the end of my pregnancy and then met with me multiple times postpartum to ensure my kiddo and I got of to a great start! She is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, resourceful and kind. It was such an blessing to work with her.She also works to support the growth of her field. She’s just doing such important work and she does such a fantastic job that I can not recommend her enough!If you’re even considering a lactation consultant I say: go for it! It’s such amazing and important support. Ania is top notch and the Mohawk Valley is fortunate to have her as a resource.Pro Tip: book a consultation BEFORE baby arrives to make sure you’re prepared!Thank you Ania!
chelsea mccarthychelsea mccarthy
19:02 02 Nov 23
Ania is amazing. There is no issue too big or too small. She makes you feel heard and validated. Both mother and baby are taken care of in your visits with her. The after visit summary is so helpful as well because it’s so easy to forget all of the details that are covered in the visit.She has now helped me with both of my kiddos and made the journey so worth while.
Daniella YozzoDaniella Yozzo
00:35 03 Oct 23
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!
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Main Services

Initial Visit

Typically ranges 1.5-2 hours in My office, client home or telehealth

A typical consultation includes:

  • Complete intake of health history completed by you prior to the visit
  • Observation of a feed
    Assessment of the feeding issues
  • An oral exam and suckling functional assessment of your child
  • Discussion of any concerns and questions
  • Individualized care plan to address your concerns
  • Physician report
  • Referrals if needed to local care providers

You can contact me via secured messaging system or email for two weeks following my visit in regards to your care plan.

Follow Up Visit

Typically ranges 1 - 1.5 hours in my office, client home or Virtual

A typical consultation include:

  • Intake prior to consult
  • Observation of a feed
  • Discuss concerns and questions
  • An oral exam of the baby
  • Revised care plan based on the current situation
  • Physician report
  • Referrals (if needed) to local care providers

You can contact me via secured messaging system or email for two weeks following my visit in regards to your care plan

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

Typically ranges 1 - 1.5 hours at my office client home or Virtual

During this visit we will discuss:

  • Your feeding goals
  • Family health history
  • Any anatomical issues, and how they may impact your lactation experience
  • How your birth can affect lactation
  • How to create a lactation friendly birth plan AND how to keep moving towards your lactation goals even if birth doesn’t go according to plan
  • How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk
  • How to establish a healthy milk supply
  • How partners and other support people can be key players in setting and helping you reach your goals
  • How to avoid common obstacles
  • What resources are available in the community
  • When to reach out for additional help
  • What do you need to know about pumping and returning to work

Specialty Services

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Flange Fitting Pumping Consultation

Do you have questions about pumping? Are you unsure what flanges to use and how to use your pump in the most efficient way? Do you feel discomfort while pumping? I can answer your questions and help you make pumping “suck less” with professional flange fitting and pump trial. If you are planning to purchase wearable pumps like Elvie or Willow you can try them before purchasing to ensure you’ll be satisfied. Hospital grade medela symphony is available for renting to established clients.

IMG_8345

Bottle Refusal Consultation

Does your baby have difficulties with bottle feeding or refuse to take a bottle? Are you trying to introduce bottle feeding to your baby so you can return to work or be able to get away for a while? Do you wonder how to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding and how much milk you should feed your baby? This is the consultation for you. Together we will develop an individualized plan to meet your and your baby’s needs.

IMG_8343

Oral Habilitation for Infants with Tethered Oral Tissues

Is your baby struggling with tethered oral tissues, like tongue tie or lip tie, affecting their feeding? This consultation is designed to address these challenges. We’ll create a personalized plan to support your baby’s unique needs before and after revision if it’s needed, ensuring their comfort and improving breastfeeding success. Let’s work together for a positive feeding experience.

Give a Gift Card

Are you looking for a perfect gift. Do you have a loved one who is breastfeeding or planing to breastfeed and need Lactation support? You can give them a one-on-one time with lactation consultant, virtual lactation consultation or prenatal breastfeeding class. You can choose any amount from $25 to $500. It can make a world of difference to the experience of a new mother.

What My Clients Say About Me

Ania is one of the most caring and supportive people in the healthcare industry that I’ve ever met. Were it not for her encouragement and support, I don’t think that I would have successfully breastfed my son through a lengthy NICU stay – and still be going strong 6 months later. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate, and has helped to make me feel confident in my abilities to breastfeed my son

Sarah Starring

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.

Andrea O

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!

Meg Lamanna

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

Amanda Agata

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.

Erica Lynn Difondi

Outstanding professionalism, timely feedback and checking in. Ania gave just the right amount of information and web-site resource connections without it feeling overwhelming, and as such, progress was not only likely but achievable! I would recommend and have been recommending Ania to mothers in my community! I also appreciated how sincerely humane Ania was after our appointment by authentically telling me good job (sometimes we need that encouragement).

Cat Wright

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!

Kelsie Osenbach

If you are a breastfeeding mom, call Anna immediately! Anna came to our house when our baby was 3 days old. She gave me so many helpful tips, making a first-time mother that much more confident. Anna respected my opinions and choices. My baby is now 14 weeks old and this past week I had to call her for help with mastitis and multiple clogged milk ducts. I was in pain and very frustrated. Anna offered advice over the phone and after I requested to see her in person, she was able to see me the next day. Anna helped me clear the clogged ducts and I felt instant relief. In addition, Anna provided me with multiple strategies to carryover at home to avoid future difficulty. She is so patient and I felt instantly comfortable with her!!

Rachel Riolo

Ania is amazing! She helped us get through so many obstacles early on including a lip and tongue tie, small mouth, shallow latch, mastitis, and major nipple trauma. She is incredibly patient and a great listener who empathizes with you and provides helpful solutions. Ania is an outstanding resource to moms in our area. She is kind, nurturing, and non judgmental. My kids even warmed up to her right away. We are going strong breastfeeding at almost 11m and we wouldn’t be here without Ania. I am so grateful!

Chelsea S

I am beyond thankful for the recommendation to reach out to Ania at Mohawk Valley Lactation when being discharged from the hospital following the birth of my daughter. She responded immediately and offered helpful tips and much needed support and positive affirmations. I was able to meet with her one-on-one in my home which provided the support I needed and hands on tips that left me feeling confident on my journey to breastfeed. She has followed up and continues to offer support via Susie’s Breastfeeding Cafe! I am beyond thankful for the confidence I have gained and the success I continue to witness as my daughter thrives and grows! Thank you Ania!!

Maureen Petrie

Hi Ania! My Sophie is almost ten months old now. Can you believe it?! And thanks to you, we are still breastfeeding :):):) You have made a world of difference in my mothering as a whole. When you told me "just enjoy her," it's like a light went on in me and I followed suit. I have truly enjoyed every day of her life. This is a 180 from my first experience - I wish I knew you then! 🙂

Caryn Snitchler

I just wanna give a huge shout out to Anna! I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, but I never thought I would be able to because of my struggle with PCOS. (It took us a year and a half to conceive). Then my little man decided he wanted to come early. He was born at 34 weeks and weighed 4 lbs 6 oz. I then really doubted we would be successful breastfeeding. Little man came out ready to eat, this was my first baby, and I had no idea what to do. Anna was a life saver! My supply wasn't in at first so we used the SNS, then the next day we were able to use just the nipple shield, and then a day or so after that little man was latching all by himself and my supply was coming in! My little man was a champ! After 10 days in the special care my little man came home. And has been home for a week and a half. He is almost 3 weeks old and gaining weight steadily. He is up to 5 lbs 1 oz. We are still going with breastfeeding and plan to keep it that way! I can't thank Ania enough for her help and making my dream come true with breastfeeding.

Stephanie Quesnell