I Was Skeptical About Virtual Lactation Support. Here’s What Changed My Mind.
Meghan's Story
When I was pregnant with my first child, I had access to a wellness company through my employer that helped me navigate the overwhelming logistics of preparing for a baby, including purchasing a breast pump. Without that support, I honestly don’t know how I would have figured out what I needed, or even whether I needed one at all.
By the time I was pregnant with my second child, my situation had changed. I was no longer working and didn’t have access to those employer-sponsored resources. So I called my insurance company to understand what support was available to me. That’s when I was introduced to SimpliFed.
At first, I felt discouraged. The support was virtual only.
Technically, my insurance covered in-person lactation consultants but the only in-network provider didn’t travel outside of the five New York boroughs, and I live on Long Island. I went back and forth with my insurance company trying to find an in-person solution, but nothing was resolved before I delivered.
Eventually, I decided to give the virtual option a try.
I’m so glad I did.
The Scheduling Experience: Surprisingly Simple
Scheduling an appointment was incredibly easy. I loved that communication could happen via text. It made everything feel accessible. Whenever I submitted a question, someone responded quickly, either by text or with a follow-up call.
Even recently, I was able to book an appointment within a day of requesting one. As a mom juggling two kids, that kind of responsiveness matters.
A 10/10 Provider Experience
My provider, Brittney, is the number one reason I had such a successful nursing journey with my second son.
I went into this experience with low expectations. I had struggled significantly breastfeeding my first child, and in those early days with my second, things felt hard again. I was starting to lose hope and considered giving up.
During my very first call with Brittney, she corrected my hand positioning within minutes. The difference was immediate and noticeable. From there, she continued to provide practical strategies, tools, and reassurance that carried me through the challenging early weeks.
What truly set her apart was the combination of deep clinical expertise and extraordinary empathy. Her calm demeanor made me feel safe. Her knowledge made me feel capable. That balance changed everything for me.
Why Virtual Lactation Support Actually Works
I was deeply skeptical about how effective lactation support could be over video. Breastfeeding is vulnerable. The idea of being on camera didn’t appeal to me.
In reality, I only needed to be on video once—for help measuring flange sizes. Beyond that, the experience felt no more exposing than nursing in public.
What surprised me most was this: virtual support required clear, verbal coaching. Instead of someone physically adjusting me and expecting me to remember it later, Brittney had to explain what she was seeing and guide me step by step. Because of that, I truly understood what to do.
Both in-person and virtual lactation support have value. But I never imagined virtual care could be this impactful.
Maternal Mental Health Matters, Too
As a new mom, I’ve completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale multiple times, at my OB’s office, at the pediatrician, and other times. Often, it felt like paperwork. Once, a nurse even apologized for having to ask the questions, as if discussing mental health was uncomfortable.
Completing it with Brittney was completely different.
For the first time, I felt safe answering honestly. I didn’t feel judged. I didn’t feel like I’d be “punished” for an answer that seemed concerning. Most importantly, I believed that if I needed support, she genuinely had the tools and resources to help.
She treated the screening as meaningful and not a box to check. That made a lasting impact on me.
What I Want Other Moms to Know
If you’re hesitant about virtual lactation support, I understand. I was, too.
But it works.
It’s convenient. It’s accessible. It can be deeply personal and incredibly effective. And when done well, it supports not just how you feed your baby, but how you feel as a mother.
I would absolutely reach out again if I have a third child. And I’m grateful I gave it a chance.
