Brittany and David (Sept. 2022-2023)
We were fortunate enough to be referred to Jenelle when our son was 2.5 weeks old. Up until that point, we had no success with breastfeeding and had been exclusively pumping which was exhausting for the whole family. Even before our consultation, Jenelle took the time to talk on the phone with me about my goals for breastfeeding and how she could support me. At the time, I was not sure breastfeeding would be successful and was committed to continuing to exclusively pump - Jenelle supported that if it was the road we ultimately had to take.
At our initial consultation, we were met with such compassion, kindness, and support and were optimistic about our ability to breastfeed. Jenelle has experience as not only a nurse but also as a mom and uses that combined knowledge to provide exceptional education and support to both me and my husband. My husband knew breastfeeding was important to me, but left that consultation with a much deeper knowledge of all of the benefits it would provide our son, which allowed him to be my biggest supporter in the journey.
Jenelle helped us with getting a latch and positioning as well as coming up with a plan that worked for our family to establish successful breastfeeding. Within a week, we were exclusively breastfeeding - something I did not think would be possible! We continued to work with Jenelle to make adjustments and she provided consistent support. When we discovered some food sensitivities, she was quick to give me a call and talk through her own first-hand experience to help me through ours.
Now, our son is 14 weeks old and is thriving! I can honestly say that without Jenelle, I don’t think we would have been able to get to where we are today.
Jenelle has gone ten steps further and created a space for new moms to gather on a weekly basis - the Lactation Lounge. This space has been tremendously valuable postpartum and during maternity leave. It has given me, and other new moms, an opportunity to practice leaving the house alone with the baby & the ability to connect with and talk to others who are also on the same exiting journey of motherhood.
Lisa P. 37 weeks Pregnant (January 2025- current)
“I can’t say enough great things after 1 session with Barbara. Her rapport building, prescriptive approach and educational skills are amazing and I feel so much more empowered.” LP 1/8/25
Lauren and Theo (Oct 2024-current)
I was referred to Breastfeeding Savvy by a lactation consultant at Albany Med after my son was born almost two months premature and spent a few weeks in their NICU. As a first time mother I didn't know anything about breastfeeding or how to care for a medically fragile newborn, so I was nervous to go home with my son and leave the continuous monitoring of the NICU and support of the hospital's lactation staff. That is why I was so relieved to learn that Breastfeeding Savvy was located so close to my home in Clifton Park and had a team of lactation consultants with medical backgrounds who could continue to help me care for my son. After reaching out through their website I was paired with a lactation consultant, Barbara. She was so patient and kind as I worked through all my breastfeeding anxieties. Those first couple of weeks we met regularly to make sure my son was latching well, gaining weight, and growing as he should. Her office was clean and cozy, and there was enough space for my husband to occasionally accompany me during my appointments. I was an over-supplier for the first few weeks and Barbara helped me to safely decrease my supply so I could be more comfortable. Working with her made me feel more confident in my nursing abilities which helped me to keep nursing longer then I thought I could. I had individual sessions with Barbara regularly for the first six months then transitioned to attending the free weekly on-site support group. Even now, 16 months into my breastfeeding journey, I still appreciate having access to the support group so I can spend time with other breastfeeding mothers and get my nursing questions answered by the lactation consultants who facilitate the group. They also facilitate infant CPR classes and offer help with introducing solid foods which helped me feel more confident when my son reached that milestone. Every stage of breastfeeding from newborn to toddler has had its challenges, but I've been able to navigate through all those challenges thanks to the help and support of the staff at Breastfeeding Savvy. I recommend their services to all the pregnant and nursing mothers I know, we are so lucky to have this amazing resource right here in our community!