Rachel O'Brien, IBCLC

Rachel O'Brien, IBCLC Lactation consultant in Wayland MA
I help you feed your baby (IRL or virtual)
No guilt, no shame!

Rachel O’Brien is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who earned her Master of Arts degree in human lactation in 2015. Rachel prides herself on providing real-life, guilt-free breastfeeding help and specializes in low milk supply, latch difficulty, bottle refusal, tongue tie and lip tie, and LGBTQIA+ lactation. When she isn’t doing office or virtual visits for breastfeeding help Rachel is often blogging about lactation or mentoring other private practice IBCLCs. She uses her expertise, warmth, and sense of humor to help families to meet their breastfeeding and chestfeeding goals. When she’s not working you can find Rachel at home in Sudbury where she is always either playing with her three children, knitting, or watching drag queens.

😮 Triple Feeding: What you need to knowIf your nursing baby isn’t getting enough milk, you may be told to start triple f...
09/05/2025

😮 Triple Feeding: What you need to know

If your nursing baby isn’t getting enough milk, you may be told to start triple feeding. It’s one of the most exhausting feeding plans out there, and here’s what it looks like every 3ish hours:

🍼 Nurse on each breast for ~10-15 minutes
🍼 Pump for ~15 minutes
🍼 Bottle feed for ~10–15 minutes

That’s nearly an hour per session... leaving you little time to rest before it starts all over again. While triple feeding can sometimes help with milk supply and weight gain, it’s not a long-term solution and should be carefully tailored to your situation.

💡 Pro tip: If you’ve been recommended triple feeding, make sure you have a skilled IBCLC guiding you. Often, adjustments to latch, positioning, or schedule can reduce the need for such an intense routine.

💕 You don’t have to struggle through this alone. Comment “triple feeding” ⬇️ and I’ll send you details on booking a 1:1 consult so we can create a plan that works for both you and your baby.

💡 Becoming an IBCLC changed everything for me✨When I became an IBCLC almost 10 years ago, I couldn't have imagined how m...
09/03/2025

💡 Becoming an IBCLC changed everything for me✨

When I became an IBCLC almost 10 years ago, I couldn't have imagined how much it would change me. 💛

Here’s how becoming a lactation consultant transformed me:
🌸 I found a deeper purpose in supporting families.
🌸 I built stronger connections during vulnerable moments.
🌸 I grew personally with patience, empathy, and resilience.
🌸 I witnessed real change in my community.

Being an IBCLC isn’t just a career, it’s heart work. 💕

👉 If you’re an IBCLC (or working toward it), comment and share how this path has changed YOUR life. Let’s inspire and uplift each other!

09/01/2025

💪 Labor Day: Honoring Every Kind of Work

Today we celebrate more than just careers- we celebrate the unseen, tireless work of parents, caregivers, and those who dedicate their lives to supporting families.

As a lactation consultant, I know that feeding, nurturing, and guiding little ones is labor too- heart work that shapes futures. 💕 Whether or not you're getting paid for it!

So here’s to YOU: the parents putting in the long nights, the IBCLCs answering calls, and the caregivers making a difference every single day. Your work matters, and it’s worth honoring. 🙌

👉 Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you believe parenting and caregiving deserve recognition this Labor Day!

The secret to thriving without insurance ✨ IBCLCs and lactation professionals, let’s rethink the model. On Aug 25 at 4 P...
08/25/2025

The secret to thriving without insurance ✨

IBCLCs and lactation professionals, let’s rethink the model. On Aug 25 at 4 PM ET, join our live discussion with Leah Jolly + Annie Frisbie on self pay clients. 🎥 Replay included + live Q&A so you get answers to your questions! Registration $25.

Ready to attend? Comment "self pay" I will send you the link to enroll!

The future of lactation practice is flexible 🔑 IBCLCs, let’s talk about how self pay clients can give you more freedom &...
08/24/2025

The future of lactation practice is flexible 🔑

IBCLCs, let’s talk about how self pay clients can give you more freedom & sustainability. Join Leah Jolly + Annie Frisbie and Me on Aug 25 at 4 PM ET for a live Zoom discussion. 🎥 Includes replay + Q&A. Open to lactation professionals. Save your seat for $25!

Comment "self pay" I will send you the link to enroll now!

Stop letting insurance define your success 🚀Hey IBCLCs, it’s time to think differently. On Aug 25 at 4 PM ET, join Me, L...
08/23/2025

Stop letting insurance define your success 🚀

Hey IBCLCs, it’s time to think differently. On Aug 25 at 4 PM ET, join Me, Leah Jolly IBCLC + Annie Frisbie MA, IBCLC for a live video deep dive into self pay clients. 🎥 Includes recording & live Q&A. Open to IBCLCs & lactation professionals. $25!

Drop a comment "self pay" I will send you the link to join!

The slowest of these baby bottles might surprise you… 🍼😲 VOTE: Which of these bottles do you think is the slowest? 👇Not ...
08/22/2025

The slowest of these baby bottles might surprise you… 🍼😲

VOTE: Which of these bottles do you think is the slowest? 👇

Not all “slow flow” ni***es are actually slow. In fact, flow rates vary wildly from brand to brand and there’s no regulation on what “slow” means.

The flow rate depends on:
🍼 Ni**le opening size
🍼 Material
🍼 Ni**le length
🍼 Flow control valves
🍼 Squeezing the ni**le or bottle
Some “slow” ni***es barely let anything through (dangerous for baby), while others gush 3 ounces per minute- way too fast for a newborn!

💗 Here’s the slowest to fastest based on independent lab testing:
1️⃣ Avent Natural Response Level 2 (extra, dangerously slow flow)
2️⃣ Evenflo Balance+ Wide Slow Flow
3️⃣ Comotomo Slow Flow
4️⃣ Tommee Tippee Newborn 0+ Months Slow Flow (this is a FAST flow!!)

Was your guess right? Comment below ⬇️ before peeking at the answer!

How to attract & serve self pay clients 💼IBCLCs, discover proven marketing ideas + strategies that actually work! Join M...
08/22/2025

How to attract & serve self pay clients 💼

IBCLCs, discover proven marketing ideas + strategies that actually work! Join Me, Leah Jolly + Annie Frisbie on Aug 25 at 4 PM ET for a live discussion. 🎥 Replay access included + ask us your questions live during Q&A. Open to all lactation professionals. $25 enrollment.

Drop a comment "self pay" I will send you the link to join!

Do you want to see more self pay clients in your private practice? 🤔Hey lactation professionals! Join Me, Leah Jolly, IB...
08/21/2025

Do you want to see more self pay clients in your private practice? 🤔

Hey lactation professionals! Join Me, Leah Jolly, IBCLC + Annie Frisbie MA, IBCLC on Aug 25 at 4 PM ET for a live video deep dive into the pros, cons & retention strategies for self pay clients. 🎥 Includes replay + live Q&A. Open to all lactation professionals. Just $25!

Comment "self pay" I will send you the link to enroll now!

From nutmegs to silicone: the history of ni**le shields! 🤱✨ Fun fact: The first modern-style ni**le shield was introduce...
08/20/2025

From nutmegs to silicone: the history of ni**le shields! 🤱✨

Fun fact: The first modern-style ni**le shield was introduced in the 1950s, made of thin latex and designed to be more comfortable than the heavier glass or metal versions of the past.

But ni**le shields have been around since at least the 1500s! Early versions were made from nutmegs, wax, glass, silver, shells, ivory, wood, rubber, and even lead (yes… lead 😳). Many were used to protect ni***es while they healed, but some did have holes in them like modern ni**le shields.

Today’s thin silicone designs can:
✔️ Act as training wheels for babies struggling to latch
✔️ Protect sore or damaged ni***es
✔️ Be washed & reused safely

💡 Remember: ni**le shields aren’t always a long-term fix. An IBCLC can help ensure it’s the right fit for you and your baby.

💬 Have you ever used a ni**le shield? Share your experience below! ⬇️

**leShields

Because babies don’t wait for 911 🚨⚠️ Most parents prep for feeding, but not for breathing emergencies.Only 60% of paren...
08/18/2025

Because babies don’t wait for 911 🚨

⚠️ Most parents prep for feeding, but not for breathing emergencies.

Only 60% of parents take a childbirth class, yet less than 4% get CPR training each year.
During the lactation stage, babies are at a higher risk for choking or breathing issues, especially right after feeding.

Since most infant emergencies happen at home, your CPR skills can double or triple your baby’s survival chances until help arrives.

Think of CPR training as essential as feeding and safe sleep, it’s all part of loving and protecting your little one. 💗

📣 3 newborn feeding mistakes most parents make (and how to avoid them!) 👶🍼Feeding your newborn can feel overwhelming but...
08/13/2025

📣 3 newborn feeding mistakes most parents make (and how to avoid them!) 👶🍼

Feeding your newborn can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be! These three common mistakes can make things harder than they need to be:

🚫 Following a strict feeding schedule
Babies aren’t robots. Feed on demand to support their growth and your milk supply.
🚫 Ignoring baby’s early hunger cues
Rooting, sucking on hands, fussing? These are signs your newborn baby is ready to eat—before the full-blown cry.
🚫 Comparing your journey to others

Every baby is different. Trust your baby, your body, and your bond. 💛

✨ Want more personalized newborn feeding guidance?

Comment “tips” below and I’ll send you the link to book a 1:1 consultation with me! Let’s set you and your baby up for success from the start.

Address

260 Boston Post Road, Ste 1
Wayland, MA
01778

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+16172319089

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rachel O'Brien, IBCLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Rachel O'Brien, IBCLC:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Breastfeeding can be hard; I can help.

I’m a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who earned my Master of Arts degree in human lactation in 2015. I pride myself on providing real-life, guilt-free breastfeeding help and I specialize in low milk supply, latch difficulty, tongue tie and lip tie, and LGBTQIA+ lactation.

I use my expertise, warmth, and sense of humor (and sarcasm) to help families to meet their breastfeeding and chestfeeding goals- whatever those goals may be. My lactation services are evidence-based and judgement free.

When I’m not doing in-home visits for breastfeeding help or working as a lactation consultant at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester, I’m often blogging about lactation or contributing as a breastfeeding expert on Romper.com and FitPregnancy.com. When I’m not working you can find me at home in Sudbury where I’’m always either playing with my three children, knitting, or watching drag queens.