Meet Megan Dean RN, IBCLC | Megan Dean Lactation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Dean RN, IBCLC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what are you inspired by?
Without hesitation: the families. Every family I meet has a unique story. To be invited into such a vulnerable season of life is incredibly humbling. Watching parents gain confidence, seeing babies thrive, and being able to offer the guidance and reassurance they need, that’s my inspiration every single day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I launched my private practice, Megan Dean Lactation, in 2023. My business was built from a deep passion for helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered in their breastfeeding and feeding journeys. What sets my practice apart is the personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based care I offer. Every family, every baby, and every feeding journey is unique, and I truly take the time to listen, problem-solve, and create individualized care plans that fit the needs of each family.

I offer a wide range of consultations, including appointments in my office, in the family’s home, or virtual. Services include:

Prenatal breastfeeding preparation (especially helpful for high-risk pregnancies or first-time parents)
Newborn feeding assessments
Latching and positioning support
Low milk supply and oversupply management
Pumping and flange fitting consults
Bottle feeding guidance and bottle refusal support
Oral function support (oral ties, high palate, oral motor concerns, etc.)
NICU graduates and medically complex babies
Back to work consultations
Starting solid foods with breastfeeding
Weaning consultations

In addition to consultations, I’m proud to offer lactation and infant feeding supplies available for purchase directly in my office, so families can leave their appointment with the tools and products they need right away; whether that’s the correct flange size, bottles, feeding aids, or other supportive products. This has allowed me to eliminate extra steps for parents and make their journey a little bit easier.

I also host a free weekly community breastfeeding support group at my office in partnership with New Mom School Rancho Cucamonga. This group has become such a special part of my practice- giving parents a chance to connect, ask questions, and receive ongoing support in a welcoming environment.

Another aspect I’m proud of is my ability to accept some insurance plans and offer superbills, which allows many families to access professional lactation care without the financial stress. My goal has always been to make high-quality, evidence-based support more accessible and approachable for the families who need it.

The journey to where I am today was definitely not always easy. Starting a private practice meant stepping out of the comfort and structure of hospital-based care, and building everything from the ground up. There were challenges: navigating business licensing, insurance, marketing, and building a client base while balancing my own family life. But I leaned on my professional experience, the invaluable mentorship of my amazing sister, Michele Crosmer (Registered Dietitian and owner of Plant Based Kidneys), the support of my colleagues, and most importantly, my passion for helping families. I was determined to create something meaningful and sustainable, and every challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow.

A big lesson I’ve learned in private practice is how much ongoing education matters. There is always more to learn- whether it’s updated evidence, new techniques, or a deeper understanding of complex cases. Every family I work with presents unique needs, and staying committed to continued education allows me to provide the most current, individualized support.
I’ve also learned the value of knowing when to collaborate and refer to other trusted specialists. Sometimes the best way I can support a family is by connecting them to the right provider (ex: pediatric dentist, feeding therapist, bodyworker, or other healthcare professional) to ensure they receive the most complete care for their specific situation. Working as part of a collaborative team really allows us to meet families where they are and support them fully.

At its heart, Megan Dean Lactation is about whole family support. My mission is to meet families where they are; whether they’re preparing for their first baby, navigating unexpected feeding challenges, or planning for weaning. I want families to feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My brand represents not just lactation care, but true partnership, education, and empowerment. I am honored every single day to walk alongside families in such a special season of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came for a visit, we’d soak up all the best Southern California has to offer. From beach days to cozy nights in, we’d start with a beach day in Dana Point or San Clemente, letting the kids play in the waves, followed by a delicious dinner. Of course, we’d also make a day trip to Disneyland for some classic family fun. We’d also head up to the mountains for a breath of fresh air, some light hiking, and getting a cold drink and lunch at the Baldy Lodge. A little local exploring would include my favorite spots like Downtown Claremont for coffee and Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga for outdoor shopping, dining, and just walking around with the kids. Furthermore, some of my favorite memories are made at home, the kids running around playing, while we hang out in PJs, sip wine, and stay up late catching up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and organizations who deserve recognition for shaping my journey. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without their support, guidance, and encouragement.

First, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to CHOC Children’s Hospital, where I spent 12 years as a pediatric RN and 2 years as a lactation consultant. The incredible mentorship I received from my team at CHOC helped lay the foundation for my clinical skills, my passion for supporting families, and my deep commitment to this work. The experience I gained there was truly invaluable, and I will forever be grateful for the knowledge, teamwork, and inspiration that came from my time at CHOC.

I also have to recognize my amazing family- my parents, siblings, my incredibly supportive husband, and my two sons who are truly the heart behind my passion for this profession. It was my own personal breastfeeding journey as a mother that first ignited my desire to help other families. My boys continue to inspire me every single day, and my family’s constant love and encouragement give me the strength to keep growing and serving others.

I’ve also been so fortunate to collaborate with wonderful community partners who share my mission of supporting moms. A very special shoutout goes to Daniela Mejia with New Mom School Rancho Cucamonga. Having the opportunity to partner with Daniela to open my office space and build a community support group for moms has been an incredible gift. Our work together has allowed us to create a warm, welcoming space where families feel safe, supported, and empowered.

And of course, I am endlessly grateful to all of the families who have entrusted me to walk alongside them on their breastfeeding and parenting journeys. Each family I serve teaches me something new, and I’m honored every day to be a small part of their story.

This journey has never been mine alone, it’s been built through the love, mentorship, and partnership of so many. I am deeply thankful for every single person who has played a role in helping me do the work I love.

Website: https://www.MeganDeanLactation.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.dean.lactation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.dean.lactation/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/megan-dean-lactation-rancho-cucamonga