Meet Ashley Shapiro | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, RN, BSN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Shapiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
It is not uncommon for people to be unaware that their insurance will cover lactation consultation visits. Many people may not realize that lactation consulting is considered a form of medical care and is therefore often covered by insurance. Additionally, even if people are aware that lactation consultation is considered medical care, they may not be aware that their specific insurance plan covers these visits. I’m contracted with The Lactation Network, which pre-approves PPO plans with Anthem, BCBS, and Cigna. This lack of knowledge can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of information provided by the insurance company, a lack of understanding of the terms of the insurance plan, or simply not thinking to check with the insurance company to see if the visits are covered.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My love for lactation started in 2018 when I personally went through breastfeeding challenges with my child. I struggled through 6 weeks of breastfeeding issues, my baby also had a lip tie and tongue tie, which was a huge learning curve on how to navigate as a first time mom. I discovered a lactation consultant that changed my life and saved my breastfeeding journey, thats when I knew I had to be a Lactation Consultant. I obtained my International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential from The University of California San Diego. What makes me unique is that I have my Bachelors of Science in Nursing! I have experience working as a Postpartum RN (Registered Nurse) on the Mother Baby Unit and a Baby Nurse on Labor and Delivery. This is an added bonus because I can provide tips and tricks for the family unit and have experience with complex medical issues that can affect breastfeeding. What I have learned along the way is that no two families are the same, and each baby is different; for this reason your consultation will be personalized to fulfill your specific needs and goals. Whether you have preconceived ideas related to breastfeeding, or a previous unpleasant feeding journey, I will work closely with you to help overcome those challenges and reach your desired feeding goals. My purpose is to create an overall positive feeding experience by creating a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment for you and your infant.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
South Orange County, California is a beautiful area with plenty of things to see and do. Here are just a few of the best things to do in this area: 1 Visit the beach: South Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California, including Laguna Beach and Dana Point. Whether you want to soak up the sun, go for a swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, the beaches in this area are not to be missed.
2 Explore the outdoors: The South Orange County area is home to a number of beautiful parks and hiking trails, including the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. These parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
3 Go shopping: South Orange County is home to a number of high-end shopping centers, including South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island. These centers offer a wide variety of retailers and dining options, making them the perfect place to spend a day shopping and exploring.
4 Check out the art scene: The South Orange County area is home to a number of art galleries and museums, including the Laguna Art Museum and the Irvine Museum. These institutions showcase works by local and international artists, making them a must-see for art lovers.
Overall, South Orange County is a beautiful and diverse area with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in the outdoors, shopping, or the arts, there is something for everyone in this area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing mentor, Shelly Jacobs. From the very beginning, she took the time to provide valuable guidance. Shelly provided ongoing encouragement, always pushing me to be my best and never letting me give up on my dreams. She believed in me and my business, and that belief was instrumental in helping me thrive and succeed. I am so grateful for the time and energy Shelly dedicated to helping me succeed, and I am confident that her guidance and support will continue to be an invaluable asset as I move forward with my business.

Website: www.ashleyshapirolactation.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ashleyshapirolactation_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-shapiro-468aba244?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Shapiro-Lactation-IBCLC-109231211712927/

Yelp: https://yelp.to/onbBzIC5qwb

Image Credits
Camryn Clair Photography