A Lactation Consulting Appointment is beneficial if you are experiencing feeding problems, such as:

• Difficulty latching

• Painful breastfeeding

• Milk supply concerns

• A baby who is fussy or sleepy while feeding

• Difficulty with pumping or expressing milk

An appointment can also be helpful if you’re finding yourself wondering, “Am I doing this right?” or “Is that normal?”. An expert assessment and some reassurance can go a long way!

Usually the earlier you seek lactation support the quicker and more easily I can help you resolve challenges and improve your confidence. But that said, it’s never too late to work towards your goals.

I offer in-home, virtual, and in-office lactation support appointments to meet your needs—whether you need reassurance that things are going well or if you’re having challenges with feeding your baby. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Yes! I work with families with all kinds of feeding situations and goals. If you are pumping and bottle feeding all of the time or some of the time, or if you are planning to transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding, I can help you optimize your pumping and milk supply, create a sustainable pumping schedule, and assist with bottle feeding.

In-home services are offered within a designated service area in York Region and Toronto. Families outside of this area can often be accommodated but may be subject to an additional travel fee.

Virtual appointment are available to families anywhere in Ontario.

In-office visits are located at Kindercare Pediatrics in Forest Hill (Midtown Toronto).

In-home appointments are provided by Alex Thompson RD, IBCLC. We will spend the entire appointment (generally 60-90 minutes) working together one-on-one. These appointments allow for in-depth discussion about your concerns, practical feeding support (e.g. with latching, bottle feeding, pumping), and development of a detailed care plan. The appointment is not rushed and, of course, takes place in the comfort of your own home.

Lactation Consultants/Dietitians are not able to make any diagnoses. This includes diagnosis of tongue-tie, mastitis etc. Breasts and your infant’s mouth will be assessed and referrals will be made to other health care providers as necessary.

There is an out-of-pocket fee for private in-home or virtual consultations that may or may not be covered by private insurance plans.

Virtual appointments are similar to in-home appointments, however the ability to provide practical feeding support and physical assessments is limited.

In-office appointments at Kindercare Pediatrics are 60 minutes long and the time is shared between the Lactation Consultant and Pediatrician. Your concerns will be discussed, practical support will be provided, and a care plan will be developed. Tongue-tie releases and lactation-related prescriptions are available. However, these appointments may not always be as comprehensive as the private options because of time constraints/scheduling.

The first appointment with the lactation team is provided at no charge, as long as you and your baby have OHIP coverage. OHIP is billed for your care and the doctor generously shares his income with the lactation consultant. There is a $78 fee for each subsequent appointment.

I combine a parent and baby-centred approach rooted in evidence with thoughtful and practical strategies to move you closer to your personal feeding goals. I meet my clients where they’re at and collaborate with them throughout our work together.

No agenda, no judgement, and no pressure here!

In-home and virtual appointments can be requested through my online booking system.

You can also reach out to me directly— I’m happy to walk you through the booking process and answer any questions along the way.

In-office appointments are booked by Kindercare Pediatrics.

Before your appointment date you will be asked to complete consent forms and intake forms about you and your baby’s health history, birth, etc.

On the day of your appointment it is helpful to have the following ready:

• Your baby, who is ideally beginning to get hungry when the appointment starts

• Any pumping equipment you use or have questions about

• Bottles or other feeding supplies

• A list of questions or concerns

Payment options for in-home/virtual appointments include:

• Credit card

• Debit card

• Cash

• E-transfer

Payment is due at the end of your appointment. A receipt will be provided.

Lactation Consultants and Registered Dietitians are not covered by OHIP.

Appointments with private Lactation Consultants are only sometimes covered by private health insurance/extended health benefits, however, Registered Dietitians are often covered. Your invoice/receipt will show that you have been provided in-home or virtual lactation support services by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Registered Dietitian. Contact your insurance company to see if your appointment may be covered.

The initial in-office appointment at Kindercare Pediatrics is subsidized by our Pediatrician’s OHIP billing - there is no out of pocket cost provided you and your baby have OHIP coverage and a referral from either a doctor or midwife.

In-home and virtual appointments may usually be rescheduled or cancelled up to 24 hours in advance without penalty. Changes made within 24 hours of the appointment may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Please contact Kindercare Pediatrics directly for information about their current cancellation policy.

You can reach me via phone or email. I aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.