Meet Ashley Feeley
Your Local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
“Ashley helped us overcome so much including refusal to breastfeed, trouble latching, clogs, and mastitis. She uses evidence-based practices and provides detailed care plans you can refer to. She was incredibly supportive, professional, and warm.” - Elizabeth
Additional Courses I’ve Taken To Support All Families:
Gold Lactation Conference 2023
Gold Lactation Tongue Tie Symposium 2022
Oral Functional Assessment for the IBCLC
Teaming Up with SLPs to Improve Infant Sucking and Swallowing Skills
Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad: A Master Class for IBCLCs
Clinical Complexities in Supplementing Babies
Gut-Brain for IBCLCs
Pumping & Feeding Gear for IBCLCs
Bottle Skills for the Bottle Refuser
Breastfeeding Without Birthing
Supporting Queer & Trans Parents in their Lactation Goals
Advanced Clinical Concepts & Lactation Therapy for the IBCLC
Honestly, in the last 3 years, I’ve racked up close to 200 hours of extra education in various areas of lactation… This IS my passion!
"I am forever grateful for those who educate and care for the feeding dyad (OBGYNs, midwives, doulas, nutritionists, pediatricians, pediatric dentists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, craniosacral therapists, and chiropractors)
My
Story
“Breastfeeding’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever loved.”
The tears flooded my face as I asked, “Is there any other way?”
“No, Mrs. Feeley, it’s not safe for your baby if you continue breastfeeding with this medication…”
All I heard were murmurs after the doctor delivered that heartbreak. I lost myself in the thought that I only had eight weeks of bonding with my first child.
But that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me!
That silence was just what I needed. I decided I wouldn’t just take this, and I’d find a way. So as soon as I got home, I began a search. That search is why I’m your local lactation consultant and why I do what I do for concerned parents just like you.
My drive to not give up led me to find the Nursing Mothers Alliance (NMA), and their guidance helped me uncover just how uninformed that doctor’s guidance was…
If I'd taken it blindly, I would have missed my chance to continue feeding my daughter how I always dreamed. But I still needed to take care of my health. You see, I live with an autoimmune and inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis) that flared up which was unbearable without taking medications.
The doctor followed the medication’s package insert guidance, telling me to take the medication and stop breastfeeding. The incredible people of NMA took the hard steps of finding how both could be done — safely.
My own feeding transformation ignited a passion to help families in my community thrive as new parents.
NMA changed my family’s feeding story and gave us the experience I wanted so badly. So in 2017, I began my lactation education with them as a counselor and board member. I currently volunteer to train incoming counselors to make an even bigger difference in our community.
The knowledge and experience I gained as an NMA counselor helped me navigate breastfeeding trouble with my second daughter. I experienced excruciating pain when she would latch — and wound up exclusively pumping for 1 month because she needed a tongue tie release.
These personal struggles continued to propel me toward wanting to understand best practices in lactation care. I signed up for my first specific courses and never looked back. In 2021 I became an IBCLC — and feel incredibly lucky I get to do what I love.
I offer inclusive support for any growing family, and am proud to serve my community of parents! Advancing my knowledge and skills through continuing education courses allows me to better serve families struggling with feeding difficulties.
An Everyday Caring Mama & Wife
I’ve been a Philly girl (GO BIRDS) my whole life, and grew up in Broomall. As a child, you would find me outdoors: camping, hiking, and playing sports like field hockey and canoeing. I’m lucky enough to have two sisters who were my rocks growing up and remain them to this day.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my biggest supporter, my husband and other half. He was behind me from the moment I knew I wanted to be a lactation consultant. I’m so lucky to call him mine and that he’s the father to our daughters.
We met in college 17 years ago, and to call him my best friend would be an understatement. As a family, we love going on walks, family adventures, playdates with our village, and family movie nights.
5 Tidbits About Me
- I’m a sucker for tacos (and not just on Tuesday). I could talk about food all day long!
- Oh, you’re a Harry Potter fan? Same. I’ll always watch The Office or Schitt’s Creek too.
- I love cooking and entertaining friends and family. It’s one of my favorite things.
- Phoenixville, Pennsylvania has been home to my family for over 12 years, and I’m honored to be so involved in our special community.
- I’ve always believed breastfeeding shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental or physical health — and always will!
My Biggest Advice For New Parents
Take it one feeding at a time, and listen to your body.
I’m serious… Society, the internet, your family, and friends push their thoughts, ideas, and recommendations at you like you wouldn’t believe. (You’re probably starting to see this for yourself!) Of course, they mean well. But when it comes to feeding your new baby — please let an expert help you.
You don’t have to do this alone. And if you live near Phoenixville, you’ve got a caring lactation consultant close by to help you reach your goals!
Love Your Feeding Story — View My Services Here!
What Other Parents Say About Me
“Ashley’s excellent! She is a plethora of breastfeeding and boob knowledge. She is different than any lactation expert I’ve ever met. Ashley’s accepting of any choices you make as empowering you is her main focus!” -PAIGE
“Ashley was great to work with! She was very flexible with scheduling and great with communication. She helped navigate my daughter's tongue tie and immediately provided her top suggestions on where to go and we have since gone back there for regular dental visits! I also had some trouble with clogged ducts later and Ashley provided me with the new protocols which were much different than when I had my first baby. I would definitely recommend her!” -BRITTANY