Do you need lactation help in central Iowa?
My name is Crystel, and I’m a Registered Nurse and private practice IBCLC (international board-certified lactation consultant). I visit women and families in their homes or my office, before after the birth of their babies, with clinic options available if preferred. My passion lies in empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need their breastfeeding journeys. As a Christian, wife, and mother, my faith inspires my dedication to helping parents and infants during this transformative time.
I strive to offer gentle and thorough support, embracing a holistic approach. My focus is on baby's airway, gut health, and mom's goals. As a mother of two, I understand the challenges of breastfeeding firsthand. After initially struggling with my first child, I used SNS short term and had a chronic low supply. I used the nipple shield with him, and triple fed with him for months until switching to formula full time.
I did not have the support and resources back then. When he was 9, we were finally informed by his new pediatrician at Be Well Pediatrics that he has a tongue tie. (My pediatrician missed it for all those years at a UnityPoint pediatric office, and I never looked under his tongue when I became an IBCLC years later)
When my daughter was born, I was able to exclusively breastfeed her (after 11 weeks of consistent trying to breastfeed) with more confidence and support. Then she self-weaned early at around 8 months. Now I believe this was due to teething, and I wish I would have known that, and persevered.
I have been a nurse since 2009. My journey led me to become an IBCLC- after years of acute care nursing, working as a postpartum nurse and working at an OBGYN clinic. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, making sourdough, working on my apothecary items, and seeing my church family on Sundays in Stuart, Iowa.
I believe that a mother’s milk is uniquely perfect for her baby, and I aim to support mothers through the challenges of breastfeeding/pumping and parenting. Let’s discuss your goals, address any concerns, and ensure your baby is thriving. I’m here to help, collaborating with your healthcare team to provide comprehensive, holistic support.
Services
Prenatal Visits
In an ideal scenario, I would love to meet with you while you're still pregnant, preferably around 20-36 weeks gestation.
These meetings will allow us to go over what to expect, discuss positioning, discuss bottles, colostrum, infant stomach size, manual and electric pumps, milk collectors, your birth plan in relation to the golden hour, and I will show you how to complete colostrum collection.
After childbirth, I would love to see you within 24-48 hours after delivery.
It's important not to wait until you're feeling overwhelmed; early and frequent follow-ups are the most beneficial to meet your goals.
Postpartum Visits
Things I can help with:
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I am trained to identify signs of oral restrictions and connect those signs to real-world feeding challenges.
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I will monitor growth trends, ensuring babies stay on their curve and don't expend too many calories during feeding.
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I collaborate with pediatricians, midwives, and other specialists to optimize feeding plans when needed
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I will assist in directing the infant's the care plan, coordinating when and how often to see bodyworkers (e.g., chiro, OT, PT, CST, OMM) and adjusting strategies quickly based on how baby is progressing.
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IBCLCs perform a comprehensive 12-point oral function and feeding assessment, which may include:
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Tongue elevation, lateralization, and placement on the palate
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Palate shape and height
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Cheek and gum use during feeding
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Tongue suction and peristalsis
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Suck-swallow-breathe pattern
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Most importantly, I support and advocate for the parent’s goals, adjusting care as needed based on weight trends, feeding ability, and the family’s needs.
CST Certified
Craniosacral therapy education is offered at no additional cost during each lactation appointment for your infant (if time allows).
Infant massage sessions available — led by a trained RN IBCLC, focused on nurturing touch and parent bonding. The massage is educational or supportive, not medical therapy.
It helps reduce tension in the neck and body, promoting the free movement of cerebrospinal fluid by relaxing tight fascia and connective tissue, including areas such as the diaphragm, legs, arms, neck, and head.
A gentle touch, similar to assessing the ripeness of an avocado, will be employed. This therapy was taught to me by the highly respected Lori Hendrickson, CST.
Testimonials
