We have learned that the transformation into parenthood is one of the most profound experiences of life. We approach each breastfeeding consultation with sensitivity and compassion during this tender time. We recognize that by empowering families their bond is strengthened. This may be one of the most important outcomes of our work.
Comprehensive Breastfeeding Support
For Families in Portland, Oregon
With Love
With Care
We recognize that every family is unique, with unique goals and aspirations. To honor this special time we come to you, either in your home, at your birth center or hospital. We take the time to listen to you and your baby’s story and help you gain insight on the challenges that are presenting themselves. We provide opportunities for ongoing support through peer groups, as well as phone and email communication.
With Skill
We make it a priority to stay current with evidence-based research and information. We share our skills from observing hundreds of babies breastfeeding and help empower you to make informed choices for your family. We communicate closely with other members of your care team to help you receive the best possible support in reaching your breastfeeding goals.
Services
Private Lactation Consultations
Full service lactation support in the comfort of your own home. Serving Portland, Milwaukie, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham Oregon & Vancouver, WA
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
A comprehensive class providing valuable information to help achieve the best start in breastfeeding your new baby
Returning to Work for the Breastfeeding Family
A comprehensive approach to balancing work, family and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Support Groups
A weekly breastfeeding support group where you can weigh your baby, connect with other moms and ask questions.
Our History
Our experience as a team includes 20 + years experience in lactation, midwifery, birth and postpartum doula work, many years teaching childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care, as well as bodywork for women during pregnancy and beyond.
Meg began her lactation work with the wonderful team at Beyond Birth Lactation Services at Zenana Spa and Wellness Center. She then founded Natural Latch in 2010.
As Natural Latch continued to grow, Sejal and Rosemary joined the company creating one of Portland’s few independent team lactation private practices.
Our goal is to support the breastfeeding relationship between mother, child and family as a child grows. We plan to continue our work with companies and businesses to support women in the work place. We also plan to continue our advocacy work with local and international organizations to support breastfeeding worldwide.
Our Team
Natural Latch IBCLC’s (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants)
IBCLCMeg has been working with breastfeeding families since 1990, as a doula, midwife and lactation specialist. She teaches childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care classes & also facilitates mother-led breastfeeding support groups.
IBCLC, CPD, CKC, CEIM, TTSejal is a board certified lactation consultant serving the families of Portland metro area. Through both her experience as a lactation consultant and as a breastfeeding mother herself, Sejal appreciates the critical importance of skilled breastfeeding support in the early postpartum period and beyond.
IBCLC, CDRosemary Ragusa is the newest IBCLC in our team of lactation consultants. Rosemary's work with parents and babies is infused with a passion for inclusivity and empathy.
From Our Blog
As a Lactation Consultant and former Midwife and mother myself, I have learned well that the transformation into parenthood is one of the most profound experiences of life. Becoming a …
One of the great privileges that I have as a lactation consultant is to spend time meeting and getting to know lots of babies. As I say to parents all …
Yesterday I taught a newborn care class and I asked the pregnant moms and their partners what kind of parent they wanted to be. They all answered the question with …
Client Testimonials
Meg, you have held me with such compassion in some of my most challenging moments as a new mother. Over and over again. Your calm and caring convinced me, even when I felt so lost, that it was going to be ok, as you aptly helped me trouble shoot one obstacle after another in feeding my babies. Your passion for what you do is so clear and you are so giving to all of those who are lucky to work with you. Breastfeeding was something that I mistakenly thought was so simple, yet I consider myself so lucky to have had Meg’s coaching and help to give the gift of the breastfeeding experience that I had so hoped for.
Erin
Mother of 2
Meg is more than my lactation consultant. She is an expert in newborn health and behavior, a tireless cheerleader, and a wealth of resources and knowledge about the natural course of breastfeeding and care of the breastfeeding dyad. She has become like a member of our family. My breastfeeding experience with both of my boys was anything but normal. In fact, I would describe it as two of the most challenging, disheartening, emotionally draining and painful experiences in my life. Before I met Meg, I was told that my first baby just could not nurse. I was told I was being selfish and was putting an ideal of nursing before my baby. Both of my sons had unidentified posterior tongue ties. Three IBCLC's and two pediatricians, plus a litany of hospital staff missed these ties. My supply suffered as well because of this. My son was about 5 weeks when he met Meg. She was available by phone and text and her encouragement was so inspiring. He was about 3 months when he was finally able to nurse normally. My second son had a crazy breast aversion from birth. We saw Meg within the first few days after his birth. He was a stubborn one. It took him 5 months and 2 tongue tie revisions to nurse normally. Meg was always there to encourage me. I couldn't even make my mouth form the words "I want to quit," because she inspired and believed in me and my son so much. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
Danise
Mother of 2
Meg exudes warmth and wisdom. She has a breadth of knowledge and experience and offers support and guidance with sincerity and respect. Every time I speak with Meg I leave with the assurance that my concerns are valid, that there is a way through, and that my babies are okay. Meg has a creative and accessible approach that has helped me to learn what I have needed to know about breastfeeding, pumping and bottle-feeding. I'll never forget her visual aids and the motion of the baby's natural latch! From the moment I met her, I knew Meg as a rare and valuable wise elder for whom I am forever grateful!
Devora
Mother of 2
Meg is outstanding. She restored my faith in breastfeeding, when I had almost given up. When my son was a few weeks old, he was supplemented with formula because he failed to gain weight. Soon after my cousin introduced us to Meg. Meg gave me the knowledge, and the encouragement I needed to continue with breastfeeding. She monitored our progress closely, and gently presented effective feeding methods. Now my little guy is six months old, healthy, happy, and is still breastfeeding, all thanks to Meg.
Sable
Mother of 1
My husband and I have had the good fortune of having Meg as our instructor for our childbirthing, breastfeeding and breastfeeding at work classes. During our childbirthing courses, we were struck by what a wonderful educator she is. Meg knows her content so well and is passionate about sharing it which comes across in her dynamic workshops. Not only does she have a knack for sharing great, up-to-date content, she also has a down to earth style that makes her approachable. So approachable that we would have liked to have asked Meg to join our family! It was our great fortune that we had the opportunity to continue our relationship with Meg. After our daughter was born we struggled with breastfeeding as she had tongue-tie and I developed a yeast infection in my breasts. Meg was just a phone call away. Her home visits were timely, professional and incredibly informative. We were so thankful to have her as a resource to work with us in our home over the first few months of our daughter's life. As a result, breastfeeding is still the main source of nutrition for our daughter now nine months later. Meg was instrumental in making this possible for us.
Kristin
Mother of 1
I am so grateful to Meg for her ongoing support throughout my son's first year. She has helped me navigate so many challenges with nursing, pumping, nutrition, and balancing parenting with work life. During the very trying first few weeks when we were trying to figure out why my body wouldn't produce enough milk for Grove, I looked forward to every visit from Meg. She offered patient, clear latch coaching and information and also just brought a warm, supportive, kind energy into our home that helped me gradually move past feeling like a failure. Participating in the breastfeeding support group she facilitates brought me into a supportive community of mamas that I cherish, and also gave me the opportunity to get weekly feedback from Meg about our breastfeeding journey. She has continued to be available to answer questions and share her insight throughout the year. Even though my body will never be able to make enough milk for my baby, I am so much more confident and comfortable as a breastfeeding mama because of Meg's support.
Dot
Mother of 1
Meg has been by my side as a complete breast feeding resource for both of my children from their first day, and with my son Vincent, still. When I was a first time mom, I didn't feel that breast feeding was happening easily and I remembered Meg's prenatal advice to not wait to seek help. She urged me that if I felt uncomfortable at all or had any questions, to call immediately and I did. She was there every day if I needed her, helping with positioning, latch, weighing my daughter before and after feeds so I could be sure of her intake. She continued to be my resource as my needs changed: supply issues, mastitis, milk blisters. Because of her support, I was able to breast feed my daughter for 18 months while completing a nursing degree. When my son was 4 weeks old, we moved to Amsterdam, and she remained my support through email and offered to support me through Skype video if I needed it. Meg has a way of nurturing my own intuition by giving me confidence in myself. Her knowledge of breastfeeding, birth, and child development coupled with her aptitude as an educator is so powerful that I believe she gives women the opportunity to have a natural birth and breastfeed their babies. My own mother watched her teach me and she said, "If I had Meg around after you were born, I would have been able to breastfeed you longer than 3 weeks." Whenever women tell me they couldn't breastfeed, I often think, they just didn't have the opportunity for the right support. I am eternally grateful to have had such an amazing woman in my life to give me the opportunity to give both of my children breast milk, the most perfect food for a healthy happy baby and a bond that is irreplaceable.
Hillary
Mother of 2
I met Meg at the very beginning of motherhood after bringing home a 4.11 oz baby who was not nursing well or thriving. I was beside myself with worry as my baby seemed to grow more lethargic and wasn't gaining weight after her first week at home. Meg was a calm, reassuring presence that first day and helped me put together a plan to address the immediate issues - primarily getting my daughter to gain weight and become more vigorous. As my daughter began to grow, I met with Meg weekly to address the little things that come up. Meg's knowledge about breast feeding and children in general are what sets her apart. Beyond that, she has an ability to relay information in an easy to understand way and I truly felt like she was part of our "team" and cared for my baby and me. Without Meg, I would have resorted to formula for peace of mind in those early days but I'm glad to say my baby is now 3 months old and is thriving, happy and healthy. Thank you Meg!
Gina
Mother of 1
Meg, is by far, one of the best lactation support people you could know. She is extremely knowledgeable and up-to-date with her information. I feel I can put my trust in her 100%. Also, her straight forward yet loving and compassionate demeanor is what any postpartum mama could use. I feel so luck to have had her support and expertise.
Heidi
Mother of 2
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you. For the most timely response, phone is the best way to reach us.