My daughter is almost 12 months old and I have breastfed her most of that time, in large part due to Rachel. By 6 weeks, Willa was not nursing and I was pumping around the clock, plus supplementing, and crying was my other main activity. We had worked with a lactation consultant when Willa was only a three days old and not latching, but after three visits she kind of gave up and just told me to keep pumping. We went to a second consultant who was very kind and recommended a few things but then was stumped. When she referred me to Rachel, I was really discouraged. It had been six weeks and I did not have much hope. Rachel came to my house and was so competent, caring and kind. She watched me (try to)nurse and was so encouraging. She recommended we see a pediatric dentist for a very subtle tongue tie and helped me try different nursing holds, and Willa latched for one of the first times ever. She reminded me that babies in the NICU and adopted babies who have bottles for months learn to nurse, and that Willa and I had plenty of time. She told me she was confident we would do it. We did it, but it was a lot of work--and Rachel was a huge part of our success. She answered texts and calls weeks and months after that initial consult and would not take any money--she answered questions and made recommendations and kept encouraging me. When we had a small crisis at 3 months, she came right over. At 6 months when Willa started biting, she responded immediately and helped me to keep going. I really don't think I would have had a breastfeeding relationship with my daughter without Rachel's help. She is so knowledgeable and warm, and generous. I highly highly recommend her. read more

If you are looking for the best lactation consultant, look no further. Not only is Rachel the sweetest and nicest person you'll ever meet, she also knows her stuff. And it's evident she truly loves what she does. I took Rachel's class at the end of my pregnancy because breastfeeding my baby was one of my #1 goals. I also wanted to have a contact for a lactation consultant in case anything went wrong after my baby was born and I needed help. And boy did I end up needing some help. After weeks of a crying (hungry!!!) baby and nursing around the clock and without any real help from our pediatrician, I called Rachel in tears. Rachel discovered a severe lip and tongue tie that my son had. After a simple procedure, things started to improve and continue to get better as each day passes. I don't know what I would have done without her. I love the way she explains things and she has such a calm, loving demeanor. And she is very patient as well. Let me give you a great piece of advice. If you are currently looking for a lactation consultant, but aren't sure if you really need it... or if it'll help, do yourself a favor. Don't wait. I wish I would have called Rachel the second things were going wrong instead of turning to our pediatrician. Breastfeeding is such a wonderful, amazing blessing to share with our babies. Do not give up! Get you and your baby the help you need! read more

Rachel Deckler is a fantastic lactation consultant. Her knowledge and skills go far beyond what normal societal information provides. I had made the decision that I wanted to breastfeed my baby exclusively. It was difficult at first, but with a lot of hard work I managed to be fairly successful. However, when my daughter turned three months old, my milk supply started to decrease, and I didn't know if I would be able to continue breastfeeding her. Finally, after struggling for two months, I called Rachel, and she talked with me on the phone for an hour walking me through the steps I needed to take to increase my supply. I tried her suggestions, and they really helped. I then set up a consultation with her, and she stayed at my house for several hours until she answered all of my questions and made sure that I was very comfortable with everything she had shown and discussed with me. After the visit, Rachel provided me with written information and followed up with several phone calls. She also walked me through introducing solids with my baby at six months. The amount of time that she spent with me was amazing. She was so caring and compassionate, and it is evident that she loves what she does. I am so thankful for Rachel - I'm successful with breastfeeding, and my very healthy and happy seven month old baby is doing great thanks to her! read more

I'm so very glad that I called Rachel! I'd seen a great lactation consultant in the hospital (twice actually), but things seemed to quickly go downhill when I got home and my milk came in. I had problems with fast let-down, my baby choking almost every feed, bleeding, and an excruciating latch. My hospital had given me a list of all the area lactation consultants, but Rachel was the only one on the list with both lactation and RN certs. I called her on a Sunday night, and she was able to come to my house (which was really out of her way) by lunch the next day. She weighed my baby before and after feeding, asked tons of questions about my history and delivery, worked on baby's latch, and made lots of suggestions to improve things in the short and long-term. She even called my doctor's office while at my house to get a prescription cream in the works, and it was ready at the pharmacy by that afternoon. Within 24 hours my pain was getting better, and she continued to check-in with me over the next 2 weeks to see how things were going. She also provided an invoice and suggestions on how to talk with my insurance about getting her fee reimbursed. I can't recommend Rachel enough and will definitely be calling her for another consult if we hit another bump in the road...or with a future baby! read more

I would highly recommend working with Rachel if you're having trouble breastfeeding. Rachel came to my house and was extremely courteous and friendly. She was so knowledgeable about breastfeeding, and dealing with postpartum life in general. Before Rachel's visit I was pumping and exclusively bottle feeding my newborn because nursing was too painful. With Rachel's assistance and advice, I was able to get my son back on the breast full time within a week of her visit. She will stop at nothing to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. As I said, I highly recommend Rachel, she is fantastic! read more

I contacted Rachel a week after giving birth as I was experiencing difficulty with breast feeding... and she couldn't have been more amazing! I felt so positive and empowered after an in-home session with her. She offered advice on how to adjust my latch to be more successful/comfortable during feedings and she was super responsive via text when I had additional questions. She was so warm and kind, and instantly put me at ease (when I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed). I would 10/10 recommend Rachel, and wish every new mom could have a support system like her! read more

Rachel is amazing! She is very patient, helpful and caring. She was able to come to my house the day I called her, and she helped me so much over the next week. She isn't pushy or judgmental -- she helps assess the situation and gives plenty of options. If it wasn't for her, I probably would have given up on the whole BF thing. I highly recommend her services. read more

Rachel came to my house to help with some latch issues I'm having with my little one. I'm still working through the challenges, but Rachel has been great to work with so far. It's clear she cares about the women and babies she helps. She's made herself available to continue answering questions beyond the in person consult and is committed to helping me succeed. read more

It was important to me to breastfeed but I was having an extremely difficult time. I was desperate for help and Rachel did a phenomenal job. She was so sweet to my little girl and was able to help me get relief. She knew what she was talking about and was very thorough and patient. read more