— mother to mother support —

Breastfeeding Support In The Comfort Of Your Home

Lactation and Perinatal support by West Side Lactation, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
About TraceySupport Options

Tracey Kahelin, RN

Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Hi, I’m Tracey Kahelin, BSN, IBCLC, and the founder of West Side Lactation in Avon Lake, Ohio. I’ve been a registered nurse for over 14 years, with extensive experience in labor & delivery, postpartum care, and the special care nursery. For the past 6 years, I’ve been honored to support families as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), helping parents navigate the joys and challenges of breastfeeding.

At West Side Lactation, I offer compassionate, personalized care tailored to your unique journey. I also teach perinatal education classes, including “Understanding Breastfeeding” and Child & Infant CPR, to help families feel confident and empowered from pregnancy through early parenthood.

My passion for lactation support comes from my own experience—after facing breastfeeding challenges with my two children (now 14 and 10 years old), I became dedicated to helping others feel seen, supported, and successful in their feeding goals.

Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed, need support with a newborn, or just want guidance along the way, I’m here to help.

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— empowering families —

Gain Confidence with Breastfeeding

Explore some of the ways we can help below

Latching Difficulties
Engorgement
Baby Refuses to Latch-On
Assessing for Tongue and/or Lip Tie
Painful Breastfeeding
Milk Supply Issues
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Feeding Assessments and Evaluations
Slow Weight Gain
Nipple Pain
Breastfeeding Classes
Bleeding and/or Cracked Nipples

— ways we can support you —

Options for Every Mom

Initial Home Visit

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Private Class

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Virtual Consultation

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Pumping Help

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— Breastfeeding Support Group —

Breastfeeding Support Group

June 10th, 11:00-12:00

June 24th,  11:00-12:00

Avon Library

Room 155

Email Us to Reserve Your Spot!

A breastfeeding support group led by an IBCLC offers expert, evidence-based guidance from a highly trained professional.

What It Is

A welcoming space where breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping parents come together for support, connection, and expert guidance—facilitated by an IBCLC, the highest level of lactation credential.

What to Expect

  • Professional Expertise: The IBCLC provides accurate information and can spot early signs of issues like poor latch, low milk supply, or weight gain concerns—often preventing small problems from becoming big ones.
  • Informal Q&A: Parents can ask questions in a group setting and get real-time feedback on common concerns.
  • Hands-On Help (if appropriate): Some groups offer quick latch checks or positioning tips during the meeting.
  • Peer Support: Time is given for parents to share experiences and form community bonds.
  • Inclusive Environment: All feeding journeys are respected—whether exclusively breastfeeding, supplementing, pumping, or combo feeding.

Who It’s For

  • New or expecting parents
  • Those experiencing feeding challenges
  • Pumping parents
  • Anyone looking for reassurance or community support

These groups are often more relaxed than one-on-one consults but still provide reliable, professional-level support. They’re a great “middle ground” for families who may not need a full consultation but still want access to expert advice.

— Understanding The Basics of Breastfeeding class —

Understanding The Basics of Breastfeeding

Understand How Breastfeeding Works 

  • Benefits of breastfeeding
  • How the body makes milk

The Importance of Positioning and Latching 

  • Positioning and latching techniques
  • Feeding cues and patterns

Understanding When to Feed Your Baby 

  • How to know baby Is getting enough
  • Feeding logs and weight gain

Challenges and Solutions 

  • Common challenges and how to handle them
  • Partner and support roles
  • Returning to work
  • Pumping basics

Tuesday, May 27th

6:15-7:45pm

Avon Library

37485 Harvest Drive Avon, ohio 44011

Email Us to Reserve Your Spot!

Home Visit

West Side Lactation

At West Side Lactation, your comfort and confidence are my top priorities. During your initial consultation, we’ll take time to listen to your story, explore your feeding goals, and address any concerns you may have.

We’ll gently assess feeding, latch, positioning, and your baby’s oral anatomy, working together to find solutions that feel right for you and your baby. Every family’s journey is unique, and so is every care plan I create.

You’ll leave your visit with a clear, personalized plan, practical tips you can start using right away, and ongoing support as you continue to grow and thrive. A superbill will be provided at the end of your visit for possible insurance reimbursement.

At West Side Lactation, you’re never alone — expert, compassionate care is just a consult away.

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Private Breastfeeding Classes

Where are classes held?
Classes are offered either in the comfort of your home (if you’re local) or conveniently online through a video platform — your choice!

Who should take this class?
Anyone expecting a baby and wanting to learn more about breastfeeding. Whether it’s your first baby or you’re hoping for a different experience this time, this class is for you.

What topics are covered?
We’ll talk about:

  • How breastfeeding works and how milk supply is established
  • How to get a good latch and comfortable positions
  • What to expect in the first days and weeks
  • Signs your baby is getting enough milk
  • How to prevent or manage common challenges
  • Pumping and storing milk if you plan to pump
  • How partners and support people can help
  • And anything else you want to discuss!

How long is the class?
Most sessions last about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your questions and needs.

What makes West Side Lactation’s classes different?
Because the class is private, it’s fully customized to you. No crowded classrooms, no rushing through topics — just relaxed, judgment-free learning with personalized guidance and support.

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Virtual Consultation

In a virtual lactation consult, you can expect a supportive, interactive session where the lactation consultant helps assess feeding, address concerns, and offer personalized guidance—all through video call. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:

1. Before the Appointment

  • You may be asked to fill out a brief intake form with your medical history, birth story, and feeding concerns.
  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection, good lighting, and a quiet space.
  • Have your baby with you, and ideally, someone else to help with camera angles if needed.

2. During the Appointment

  • Introductions & history review: The consultant will talk with you about your goals, concerns, and feeding history.
  • Visual assessment:
    • Baby’s positioning and latch while feeding.
    • Any visible anatomical issues
    • Pumping setup, if you use a pump.
  • Guidance & demonstration:
    • Adjustments to latch, positioning, or pumping technique.
    • Suggestions for increasing supply, managing discomfort, or improving feeding efficiency.
  • Q&A: Time to ask questions—no concern is too small or silly.

3. After the Appointment

  • You’ll usually receive a care plan, which may include:
    • Positioning/latch tips.
    • Feeding or pumping schedule suggestions.
    • Resources or referrals (e.g., for tongue-tie evaluation)
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Pumping Support Consultation

Planning to pump? Heading back to work? I’m here to help!

This 60–90 minute private consultation is designed for parents who want to learn how to pump, bottle-feed, and maintain their milk supply — whether you’re exclusively pumping, combining breast and bottle feeding, or returning to work.

During your session, we will cover:

  • Choosing the right pump for your needs (and how to set it up!)
  • Getting the correct flange fit for comfort and better milk output
  • Building a pumping schedule that fits your workday or home routine
  • How to safely store, handle, and warm breastmilk
  • Introducing bottles to your baby using paced bottle-feeding techniques
  • Strategies to protect and maintain your milk supply over time
  • Troubleshooting common pumping challenges

You’ll leave with a customized pumping plan, and a clear next step for your unique situation.

In-home and virtual appointments available.

You deserve to feel confident about your feeding journey — no matter what it looks like.

View priceBook Now

— learn more —

Resources

Below are some external links that might help

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Handouts
Ohio Breastfeeding Laws
Get a Pump through Insurance – MommyXpress
Get a Pump through Insurance – Aeroflow
Insurance and Pricing

Cigna Insurance

If you have Cigna Insurance, we are partnered with WildFlower to help cover the cost of our services. Click below to register for WildFlower.
Check WildFlower Coverage

All Other Insurance

For all insurances, we are partnered with Lactation Network to help cover the cost of our services. Click below to register for Lactation Network.
Check Lactation Network Coverage

Insurance Reimbursment

If you are not covered by WildFlower or Lactation Network, don't worry! We will provide an invoice to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
More Information

Initial Home Visit

$200 1 hour
  • Assess feeding
  • Explore feeding goals
  • Make a personalized plan

Private Class

$200 per hour
  • What to expect when breastfeeding
  • Common challenges
  • How to get a good latch

Virtual Consultation

$100 per class
  • Visual assessment
  • Guidance and demonstration
  • Personalized plan

Pumping Instruction

$60 per session
  • How to choose the right pump
  • Flange fitting
  • Safe milk storage
  • Protecting milk supply

— schedule with us—

Book a Consult

Use the form below to request a follow up to start our journey together!

    Name:
    Email:
    Phone number:
    What are you interested in?:
    Initial Home VisitPrivate ClassVirtual ClassPumping Class

    Notes:

    We can't wait to meet you!

    Send us your information and we will be in touch to schedule

    — questions? —

    Contact Us Today

    Send message

    (216) 586-4911
    Avon Lake, OH
    wslactation@gmail.com
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