Kalvie
Private Prenatal Lactation Class
The best time to prepare for breastfeeding is before baby arrives. A private prenatal lactation class gives you and your partner the knowledge, confidence, and personalized plan you need to start your feeding journey on the right foot.
Unlike group classes, a private session is tailored to your specific situation — your birth plan, your goals, your concerns, and your body. Willow draws on 28+ years of nursing experience and her background as a Certified Childbirth Educator to create a class that actually prepares you for real life with a newborn.
Many families tell Willow after their baby arrives that the prenatal class was the most valuable thing they did to prepare — because they knew what to expect, what was normal, and when to ask for help.
Who this is for
Wanting to feel confident and prepared before baby arrives.
Had a difficult experience last time and want a different outcome this time.
Twins or higher-order multiples need a specialized feeding plan.
Wanting to build a pumping and feeding plan before maternity leave ends.
Needing a trauma-informed approach to feeding preparation.
Wanting to know how to actually support feeding, not just "be supportive."
How it works
Schedule your private class — ideally in your third trimester, around 32-36 weeks.
Share your birth plan, feeding goals, and any concerns before we meet.
A 90-minute private session — in-home or virtual, tailored to you.
Leave with a personalized feeding plan and resources for after birth.
90 minutes · in-home or virtual
Anthem Blue Cross (virtual prenatal program) may cover this service. HSA accepted. Cash pay always welcome. Includes a personalized written feeding plan.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally between 32-36 weeks. This gives you time to absorb the information and ask questions before baby arrives, while being close enough that the material feels relevant.
Feeding positions and latch basics, normal newborn behavior and feeding cues, pumping basics and flange fitting, what's normal vs. when to ask for help, building your support team, and a personalized plan for your family.
Absolutely. Partners who attend the class report feeling more confident in their ability to help with feeding — and that support makes a real difference in feeding success.
Yes — private prenatal classes are available in-home across Central Oregon or by video anywhere in the US. Many families find the comfort of their own home ideal for this kind of learning.
Willow supports all feeding goals. If you're planning to formula feed or combination feed, the class can be tailored to your goals — including paced bottle feeding, safe formula preparation, and responsive feeding.
Willow primarily offers private classes for the personalized attention. She also teaches breastfeeding classes and staff development in Family Birthing Centers — contact her for group class availability.
Send a message and Willow Merchant will reply within 24 hours with available times.
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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna & HSA. Credentialing with most insurers.
© 2026 Willow Merchant, RN, IBCLC. All rights reserved. This site is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.