Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Shapiro.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Becoming an IBCLC was never something I originally planned, but it became one of the most meaningful turns in my life. My journey started after my own difficult breastfeeding experience with my first baby. I felt unheard and unsupported during a time when I needed gentle guidance the most. That experience planted a seed in my heart. I remember thinking that families deserved better, and that new parents deserved someone who would approach them with compassion, patience, and real education.
I was already a registered nurse working with mothers and babies, which gave me a strong foundation, but my personal experience pushed me to go deeper. I wanted to combine medical knowledge with intuitive, nurturing care. I went back to school, completed my clinical hours, and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It felt like the perfect blend of science, heart, and purpose.
Ashley Shapiro Lactation grew from a simple desire to care for families the way I wished someone had cared for me. Over time, word spread, and my practice became a safe space for parents in all seasons of feeding. I now support families from pregnancy through weaning, helping them navigate everything from latch challenges to pumping plans to bottle feeding concerns. What keeps me going is knowing that every visit can transform a family’s feeding journey and often their confidence as new parents.
Today I feel incredibly grateful. I get to hold space for families during one of the most tender times in their lives. My business continues to grow, and each step reminds me of why I started. This work is deeply personal to me, and it is truly an honor to support families in such a meaningful way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been meaningful and rewarding, but it has definitely come with a learning curve. Like many businesses that grow from a very personal place, there were seasons that stretched me and taught me lessons I did not expect.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance being a mother, a wife, a nurse, and a business owner all at the same time. When you care deeply about the families you serve, it is easy to pour everything into your work. I had to learn how to create healthy boundaries so I could give my best to both my clients and my own family.
Another challenge came from growing a business. I wanted to stay true to my values and maintain a high level of care while still learning how to market myself, manage my schedule, handle paperwork, and build trust in the community. None of that comes naturally when your heart is focused on helping people, so there was a lot of behind the scenes learning.
Every challenge has shaped the way I practice today. The difficulties taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded in my mission. Looking back, I feel grateful for every struggle because it helped me create a practice that is rooted in compassion, intention, and genuine support for families.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would love to share more about my work. At Ashley Shapiro Lactation, I support families from pregnancy through weaning and everything in between. My goal is to make feeding feel peaceful, empowering, and deeply supported. I specialize in complex feeding challenges including painful latch concerns, slow weight gain, tethered oral tissues, pumping guidance, bottle feeding mechanics, and creating realistic feeding plans that honor each family’s goals and lifestyle.
I am known for blending medical knowledge with a nurturing, intuitive approach. My background as a registered nurse on the Mother Baby Unit and Labor and Delivery allows me to recognize both the clinical and emotional sides of feeding. Families often tell me that I bring a calming presence into their home and that I make them feel safe, understood, and never judged. I believe feeding support should feel personal and gentle rather than rushed or clinical, and that philosophy guides every consultation.
I feel especially proud of the environment I have created for new parents. Many families come to me feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure of where to turn. Watching them leave our visit with more confidence, more clarity, and more peace is one of the greatest privileges of my work. I also feel proud that my practice continues to grow through word of mouth. The trust families place in me means everything.
What sets me apart is the combination of hands on nursing experience, evidence based lactation care, and a compassionate approach that honors both the science and the emotional journey. I meet families exactly where they are. Whether someone wants to exclusively breastfeed, bottle feed, pump, or combination feed, my goal is to support them without pressure and help them create a feeding journey that feels joyful and sustainable. My care is rooted in kindness, education, intuition, and a deep respect for each family’s unique story.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is the way I lead with compassion. Families come to me during an incredibly tender season. Many are tired, emotional, or unsure of what they need. Meeting them with gentle understanding creates a space where they feel safe to open up, ask questions, and share their fears and goals. That trust is the foundation of every successful consultation.
Another important characteristic is intuition. Feeding is not one size fits all. Every baby and every parent is different. My ability to read the energy in the room, tune into the emotional needs of the family, and adapt my approach in real time allows me to give care that feels personalized and nurturing. Intuition helps me see beyond the clinical checklist and connect with families on a deeper level.
Consistency has also played a key role. I show up fully for every family. I stay up to date on evidence based practices. I remain dependable in how I communicate and how I care. Over time that consistency has built strong relationships and a trusted reputation within the community.
Most of all, I believe my success comes from truly loving this work. When you love what you do, it shows in every interaction. Families can feel that I am fully invested in their wellbeing, and that genuine passion is something that cannot be taught.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyshapirolactation.com
- Instagram: www.inatagram.com/ashleyshapirolactation
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashley-shapiro-lactation-laguna-niguel-8?osq=Ashley+Shapiro+Lactation
Image Credits
Camryn Clair Photography
