Discover expert breastfeeding support in Charlottesville and beyond—from hospital and pediatric office lactation consultants to in-home care—plus my personal experience navigating nursing struggles as a mom and newborn photographer.
As a Charlottesville newborn and baby photographer, I have the joy of working with many new moms during those tender early days of parenthood. One thing that comes up often in conversations during sessions is breastfeeding—because while it’s beautiful, it can also be incredibly challenging. I know that struggle firsthand.
When I had my first daughter, I assumed breastfeeding would come naturally. But the reality was far different—I spent the first month trying to establish a good latch, dealing with discomfort and stress. It wasn’t until I worked with the lactation consultants at Martha Jefferson Hospital around four weeks postpartum that things began to turn around. Their guidance and support helped me feel empowered and capable.
I faced another round of challenges with my third daughter. That’s when I turned to the nurse practitioner lactation consultant at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville, who once again made a huge difference. At a time when I was recovering from birth and managing sleepless nights, having professional, compassionate lactation support gave me the reassurance I needed to keep going.
Because of the help I received, I went on to breastfeed all of my children for at least two years (and I’m still nursing my 19-month-old!). Breastfeeding became one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of motherhood for me—a time of deep connection and bonding.
Local Lactation Consultants & Services
Milk & Cradle – Madison, VA (serving Charlottesville area)
- Founder: Tikara Cannon, MPH, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Military Lactation Counselor & Postpartum Doula (MiLC)
- Services: In‑person & virtual lactation consults, postpartum doula support, text/email support with ~24‑48 hr response
- Contact: Phone: 434‑218‑0593, Email: info@milkandcradle.com
I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Tikara as she supported new mothers nourishing their little ones with the Breast Friends & Mocktails event at @the_nest_birth_house. One lucky winner took home a free milestone session for their baby at Somerset Portraits Photography Studio!
Flow Lactation (Flow Lactation Care) – Charlottesville/Crozet
- Founder: Ashley Fore, MSN, RNC‑MNN, IBCLC
- Services: In‑home and office visits via Kindred Cville, prenatal classes, feeding essentials, flexible and insurance‑friendly care (Aetna accepted), community outreach via pump‑donation program Charlottesville Family
- Contact: Email: ashley@flowlactationcare.com
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital – Lactation Services
- Services: IBCLCs available daily (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), outpatient lactation consults postpartum, free breastfeeding classes Jefferson OB/GYN
- Contact: 434‑654‑8440
UVA Health – Breastfeeding Medicine Program
- Services: Hospital‑based support immediately postpartum and afterward, including skin‑to‑skin, rooming‑in, IBCLC visits, a wide range of breastfeeding‑related concerns (latch, supply, pain, tongue/lip‑tie, mastitis, pumping, medications) UVA Health
- Contact: For Charlottesville area appointments: 434‑982‑3316
Lactation Support via Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville
- Name: Lisa McRae, PNP – veteran Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and long‑time lactation consultant (25+ years)
- Services: On‑site lactation services at multiple Pediatric Associates locations (Downtown, North, West, Zion Crossroads) Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville
- Contact (Downtown): (434) 296‑9161
Lactation Support via Piedrmon Pediatrics
- Name: Lynne Dolan, CPNP, a Certified Lactation Specialist
- Service: Support for latch, feeding positions, milk supply management, pumping education, breastfeeding schedules, nutrition, breast surgery or medications affecting supply, and more Piedmont Pediatrics
- Contact (Charlottesville and Crozet Locations): 434‑975‑7777
Support to New Mothers At Somerset Portraits Studio:
In my studio, I aim to offer that same level of care and comfort. Every newborn photography session in Charlottesvilleis thoughtfully designed to be baby-led and mom-friendly. I provide a warm, inviting space with time built into every session for feeding—whether breast or bottle. As a mother and a photographer, I know how important those quiet, nourishing moments are—and I want you to feel supported every step of the way.
