Yvonne Nickel has 30 years of experience as a public health nurse, with a lot of that time and support going towards breastfeeding mothers. In 2008, she became certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and she recently opened her private consulting business, Luna Lactation.
She took early retirement, but felt drawn to continue her passion of helping mothers breastfeed their babies comfortably and confidently, with a holistic and natural approach.
In fall of 2022 her husband’s cousin recommended she reach out to Community Futures Entre-Corp if she was looking for more business support. Nickel arrived at the office, and project coordinator Darren Hall led her to Digital Service Squad expert Taylor Hardekopf, who helped design a website for Luna Lactation. Nickel already had a Facebook page set up, so a website felt like the right next step.
In the first ten days of its launch, two people reached out to Nickel for lactation services.
“I’m just so grateful. There’s no other word that comes to mind. I’m grateful my husband’s cousin recommended Entre-Corp, and I’m so grateful that this program is available,” says the business owner. “I shied away from a website because of the cost, but having this free support made all the difference.”
Nickel felt there was a need. In her experience, she’s seen many mothers struggle. To guide and support mothers along with their breastfeeding journey, and help them reach their goals to feed their babies comfortably for as long as they are able to, is her main purpose. Nickel wants mothers to know there is help available, and Luna Lactation was created to prioritize breastfeeding.
“The website looks professional, warm, and appealing. Taylor listened and, even though his background isn’t anything to do with mothers, babies, or breastfeeding, he was able to create a beautiful website. His perspective led to the ‘dad icon’ on the website, as dad’s tend to feel left out when it comes to breastfeeding. There’s a stereotype that there isn’t much they can do to help, In fact, there are many things dads can help with — most importantly, in their support. Dads are integral in mom’s successful breastfeeding and how long they nurse their babies,” says Nickel.
Luna Lactation offers services to those in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.
Find Luna Lactation online at https://lunalactation.ca/ and on Facebook!
