Latch

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 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 I travel to provide support wherever needed. 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. Additionally, I’m a professional photographer specializing in newborns, operating under CC Photography in Dexter, Iowa. 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)

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Then, he had a palate expander put in due to his high palate, an evaluation with Dr. Molly Bremen pediatric dentist at Pediatric Dentistry of Greater Des Moines, myofascial therapy to strengthen his tongue with Michelle Tovrea at Central Iowa Orofacial Myology, then braces were put on after we were able to widen his palate and loose more baby teeth. We use Dr. Rasool at Central Iowa Orthodontics.

 

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.

 

My journey led me to become an IBCLC- after years of acute care nursing, working as a postpartum nurse, working at an OBGYN clinic,

I have been a nurse since 2009. 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 support.