Welcome To The Nest. We are your OHIP covered Breastfeeding & Prenatal specialists in South Western Ontario. Our team of Physicians & LC’s have helped hundreds of parents, just like you. Keep scrolling and see how The Nest can help you on your healthy feeding journey.
Real Moms. Real Help. Real Results.
A Word From The Nest Founder: Elaina Verrette
“I founded The Nest to help Moms and Dads get the most out of their parenting experience. No parent should feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. Having and raising babies is not easy! Our goal at The Nest is to create a safe, comfortable environment where parents can learn, share and ask questions without fear of judgement. With a little help, anyone can be a super-parent. We believe it, and after one of our consults, we want to make sure that our patients believe it too. “
Elaina Verrette - Owner, IBCLC, CBS
OHIP Coverage: How does it work?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3
Step 1: Get a Referral
Get a referral from your family doctor, midwife or pediatrician regarding your concerns with feeding your infant, anatomy issues (yours or your baby’s) or feeding anxieties. If you do not have a referral, please share the practitioner referral link below with your healthcare provider or contact us for more assistance .
Your consult will include one on one time with an IBCLC to collect your medical history and health/mental health/feeding concerns. This is followed by a complete review of your information with a Nest partnered physician familiar with infant feeding & women’s health.
Step 2: Book Your Consult
Based on the results of your consult and the physician’s assessments, the physician will provide a care plan as well as any prescriptions, referrals or necessary procedures/screenings (Blood work, Ultrasound, Frenotomy Etc.) to help overcome your current health & feeding concerns.
Step 3: Physician Care Plan
Referral form link: www.thekwnest.com/practitioners
LACTATION & BREASTFEEDING ASSESSMENT
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If breastfeeding is harder than you thought, don’t worry, this is very common. Most Moms require some form of breastfeeding assistance. We can help with:
Breast Feeding Pain
Difficulty Latching
Under/Over Supply of Milk
Feeding Anxiety
Breast Engorgement
Nipple Cracking/Pain
Baby Weight Loss
Etc.
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Your breastfeeding consult at The Nest always include:
Breast & Nipple Assessment
Latch Assessment
Live Feeding Review
Technique & Position Advice
Infant Weight Check
Post Consult Plan/Notes
Physician assessment, recommendations, including any required requisitions or prescriptions
A chance for you to ask the physician questions
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Consult Costs:
In Office Consult : (~45 Min) OHIP
Virtual Consult: (~30 Min) OHIP
In Home Consult: (~45 Min) OHIP + Mileage Fee $99
Non OHIP Consults: Virtual: $99 Office: $199
**OHIP covered services require a valid ON Health Card**
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The Nest accepts MC, VISA, AE & Debit for any purchases and/or fees.
*All mileage fees are collected in person at the end of In-Home consultations.
TONGUE & LIP TIE ASSESSMENTS
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Ankyloglossia, commonly referred to as a tongue or lip tie occurs when the frenulum under the tongue or under there upper lip is too thick, too tight and/or too short limiting range of motion. Common symptoms include:
Painful Breastfeeding
Poor/Shallow Latch
Click or Smacking sound during feeding
Milk Dribbling from corners of baby’s mouth during feeding
Excessive Gas or Reflux Symptoms
Poor Weight Gain
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Ankyloglossia Assessments at The Nest include:
Breast Anatomy Assessment
Latch Assessment
Review of Baby’s Oral Anatomy
Review of Baby’s Oral Function
Infant Weight Check
Physician assessment, recommendations, including any required requisitions or prescriptions
A chance for you to ask the physician questions
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Consult Costs:
In Office Consult : (~45 Min) OHIP w/ referral
Virtual Consult: (~30 Min) OHIP w/ referral
In Home Consult: (~45 Min) OHIP + Mileage Fee $99
Non OHIP Consults: Virtual: $99 Office: $199
**OHIP covered services require a valid ON Health Card**
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The Nest accepts MC, VISA, AE & Debit for any purchases and/or fees.
*All mileage fees are collected in person at the end of In-Home consultations.
BOTTLE & FORMULA FEEDING ASESSMENT
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That’s okay! Breastfeeding isn’t possible for every Mom. If you have decided formula is the best feeding solution for you and your family, The Nest offers support to help you overcome formula/bottle feeding related health and mental health challenges.
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Bottle/Formula Feeding consults at The Nest include:
Review of feeding experience so far and your concerns about yours or your infants health/mental health concerns
Review current formula quantity & bottle feeding method
Review current feeding routine & schedule
Discuss paced bottle feeding
Review importance of burping in formula fed babies
Symptoms of GER and what to watch for
Symptoms of cows milk protein sensitivities & allergies
Discuss signs that baby is being over or under fed
Spitting up, what is normal, what is excessive
How to know when baby is full
Physician assessment, recommendations, including any required requisitions or prescriptions
A chance for you to ask the physician questions
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Consult Rates:
In Office Consult: (~45 Min) OHIP
In Home Consult: (~45 Min) OHIP + Mileage Fee $99
**OHIP covered services require a valid ON Health card**
For more information, please reach us by phone, email or social media
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The Nest accepts MC, VISA, AE & Debit for any purchases and/or fees.
*All mileage fees are collected in person at the end of In-Home consultations.
PRENATAL CONSULTS
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Prenatal breastfeeding consults are designed for expectant parents who want to best prepare for their breastfeeding journey. Prenatal visits address feeding anxieties or concerns with feeding anatomy (breast, nipple) prior to baby’s arrival. This service gives soon to be parents a feeding plan that helps overcome the psychical or mental health challenges they may be facing during pregnancy.
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Pre-Natal Breastfeeding consults at The Nest include:
How Your Breasts Are Changing - Breast/Nipple Anatomy Assessment
Breast Feeding Basics (Positions, Latch, Etc).
Pumping and Storing Milk
Managing Engorgement & Nipple Pain
Past breastfeeding experiences, if applicable
Physician assessment, recommendations, including any required requisitions or prescriptions
A chance for you to ask the physician questions
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Consult Rates:
In Office Consult: (~20 Min) FREE - No OHIP Required
In Home Consult: (~45 Min) $150.00 + Mileage Fee $99.00
For more information, please reach us by phone, email or social media
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The Nest accepts MC, VISA, AE & Debit for any purchases and/or fees.
*All fees are collected in person at the end of consultations.
Needing Help Is Normal!
Don’t be so hard on yourself! Needing breastfeeding help is very common. Did you know that over 85% of moms who breastfeed seek help from a healthcare professional or lactation consultant at some point during their feeding journey? Advice from a breastfeeding professional is likely all you need to overcome your feeding hurdles. Whether you’re suffering through painful feeding, dry cracked nipples, milk production concerns or breastfeeding anxiety, The Nest team can offer the support you need to turn things around.
Formula VS Breastfeeding
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Formula Costs - Up to $3,000
The average cost of formula feeding baby during his or her first year of life ranges between $2,000 - $3,000 in Canada. In some cases, where allergies exist in new babies, specialized formulas can drive this cost even higher. Formula is harder for babies to digest, can alter the gut flora and doesn’t contain the same nutritional components as Mom’s milk. For these and many other reasons breast milk is the gold standard for feeding.
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Breastfeeding Saves Thousands $$$
Not only does breastfeeding offer proven health benefits for baby, it also eliminates the high cost of formula feeding from your expenses. With a breast pump (from $200) one breastfeeding consultation ($0 with Valid OHIP) and a few accessories (less than $100) most Moms can make breastfeeding a success, reducing year one feeding costs by as much as $2700.
VIP Access Plan
Looking for more than a consult. Try a 30 day email and texting plan to reach The Nest . Including after hours calls and texts.
From $199/month
VIP plans provide telephone and text access to patients who need support outside of standard consultations. Plans are limited to 5 dyads per month to maximize availability.
Breastfeeding Twins?
We can help!
The Nest is your breastfeeding expert when it comes to twins! Having helped dozens of Moms breastfeed their twins we are equipped to support your goals to feed two! Our consults for parents of twins offer insights on:
Tandem Feeding
Milk Supply & Production
Feeding Schedule
Combo Feeding Options (Milk & Formula)
Feeding While Laying Down
And more…
Rent a hospital grade breast pump from only:
$70/month
The Nest Store
Shop everything “baby” at our online store. From nipple shields to breast pumps at lowest prices anywhere online.
COMING SOON
About The Team…
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Elaina, The Nest’s founder, is quickly becoming a household name in the parenting community across Ontario. As an IBCLC, Certified, Breastfeeding Specialist, Doula and Mother of 3, Elaina has put her passion for Moms & babies to work in her community. While Elaina is best known for her extensive infant feeding knowledge, her reputation for uplifting bedside manor and her empathetic approach to her work contributes to her popularity with new parents. Elaina has worked with hundreds of parents and boasts one of the highest service ratings in the industry from her patients. Book a consult with Elaina to see first hand why she is one of the most recommended IBCLC’s across SW Ontario.
Focus Areas: Slow Weight Gain, Poor Milk Production, Painful Breastfeeding, Tongue & Lip Ties, Cracked & Bleeding Nipples, Combo Feeding, Pumping Solutions, Feeding Schedules, Acid Reflux, Tandem feeding, Tongue and Lip Ties (Ankyloglossia) and more…
QUALIFICATIONS:
IBCLE Certified: IBCLC with completion of all IBCLE requirements and examination
NOMAS International: NLP Certified- Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale
Lactation Consultant Training Program - Interstate Post Graduate Medical Association
Lactation Consultant Training Program; Formula Feeding - Interstate Post Graduate Medical Association
Comprehensive Tongue Tie Review - International Breastfeeding Centre
Ankyloglossia (Tongue/Lip Tie) In Infants - Diagnosis & Management - University of British Columbia
700+ Clinical Hours Shadowing Paediatric NP - In Clinic/Lactation Consulting Setting
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Administrative Manager
Michelle has an extensive background in managing admin/ professional offices & marketing. Michelle also boasts a background in natural healthcare, having supported practitioners in this field during previous roles. Her genuine care for our patients overall experience is evident in her interaction with every Mom, Dad and baby that choose The Nest. Michelle’s presence makes the office and booking environments as welcoming as possible, reflecting The Nest’s goals and mission to help all parents make the most of their new baby experiences.
FAQs & Breast Feeding Tips
Should breastfeeding hurt?
Even though breastfeeding can be an uncomfortable adjustment for new moms, feeding should not hurt. Some discomfort during the first few days of feeding should be expected, but considerable or prolonged pain should be investigated with a lactation consultant to be sure technique and/or anatomy aren’t the cause.
How do I know my baby is full?
A full baby will generally appear relaxed and content after he/she is done feeding. Watch for open palms and loose arms as an indicator feeding was successful and your baby’s tummy is full. Some fussing can be expected after removing baby from your breast, but this should be easily soothed by soother/swaddling etc.
Can I breast feed with flat/inverted nipples?
Yes! Breast feeding is still possible. Nipples come in all shapes and sizes and there are a number of strategies and tools that can be implemented into your feeding routine that will help. This includes nipple shields, pre-feeding stimulation and other feeding techniques shared during a consultation.
How long should my baby feed?
Although every mom/baby dyad is a little different, newborns will generally feed for ~10-20 minutes per breast. Longer feedings can be the result of ineffective milk transfer, or your baby may be comforting himself/herself by suckling at the breast. If your feedings seem to be taking too long, contact a lactation consultant for help.
Why does my baby choke while feeding?
Some moms may experience rapid let down of their milk. In this situation, the rate at which milk is expressed can be too fast for some infants to drink. If this sounds like you, try expressing milk with an electric pump or hakka to induce the first let down. Once initial milk expression slows, your baby should be able to keep up with your flow.
Is it normal for my baby to lose weight?
Weight loss can be expected within the first few days of your babies life. Most babies will begin to re-gain any lost weight within the first 10 days post partum. If your baby has lost more than 10% of his/her body weight or does not produce at least 4 wet diaper’s per day, seek medical assessment from your doctor, midwife & lactation consultant.
What About Dads?
Since breastfeeding is a “Mom” thing, Dads often have questions about their role & how they can support their partner. We built a guys page to help new Dads find their place in the breastfeeding dyad. #fortheboys
Already had a consult with us? Send us your feedback and let us know how we can improve our services for other Moms & Dads.
Your feedback will help us make The Nest even better. Click below to email us at info@thekwnest.com