Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Swan.
Hi Ashton, 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?
I have been supporting moms and babies since 2018, when I began my career as an OB nurse. One of my favorite parts of working in the hospital has always been helping mothers navigate breastfeeding. I found myself taking a special interest in lactation and the unique challenges families can face during those early days.
Over time, I realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to support families beyond their hospital stay and have the opportunity to meet moms where they were—literally and figuratively. I loved the idea of being able to walk into a mother’s home, see her in her own environment, and provide personalized support that fit her family’s needs.
I completed the educational requirements to become a lactation consultant, sat for the board exam, and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I initially began working in private practice as a contractor, which gave me the opportunity to grow my skills and experience outside of the hospital setting.
Eventually, I decided to take the leap and open my own private practice, WellFed Lactation Services. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I love being able to combine my experience as an OB nurse with my passion for lactation and provide families with evidence-based, compassionate, and judgment-free support right in the comfort of their own homes.
There is something so special about being invited into a family’s space during such an important and vulnerable season of life. Being able to help a mother feel more confident, help a baby feed more comfortably, and make those early days a little easier is truly what makes this work so meaningful to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey so rewarding. I was fortunate to already have a strong foundation from working as an OB nurse since 2018, but becoming an IBCLC required a significant commitment. I completed my lactation education through North Carolina State University, fulfilled the necessary clinical requirements, and then studied for and sat for the board exam.
One of the biggest leaps for me came after becoming an IBCLC and deciding to open my own private practice. There is a big difference between being a clinician and being a business owner, you suddenly find yourself learning about scheduling, marketing, insurance, finances, policies, and all of the behind-the-scenes pieces that come with running a business.
There have definitely been moments of uncertainty and plenty of things I’ve had to learn along the way, but I’ve tried to view those challenges as opportunities to grow. I’m proud of how far the practice has come, and I think some of the most meaningful parts of this journey have come from taking those uncomfortable leaps and figuring things out along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of WellFed Lactation Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
WellFed Lactation Services provides in-home and virtual lactation consultations for moms and babies throughout the first year of a baby’s life. I help families navigate a wide range of feeding concerns, including painful or difficult latching, feeding difficulties, bottle refusal or transitions, slow weight gain, tongue ties and oral restrictions, pumping, breast and nipple pain, relactation, and other breastfeeding or infant feeding challenges.
What really sets WellFed apart is my commitment to meeting moms where they are. I understand that every feeding journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to breastfeeding. My goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate, judgment-free care that is practical and actually fits into a family’s life.
Whether a mom is exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, or using formula, my job is never to judge her choices. My job is to listen, understand what she wants for her family, and help create a realistic plan that works for her and her baby.
I think one of the things that makes my approach unique is the combination of my clinical background and my personal experience. I have worked as an OB nurse since 2018, so I bring years of experience caring for moms and babies, but I am also a mom and a breastfeeding mom myself. I understand how overwhelming those early days can feel, and I know that sometimes families need more than information. They need someone to come alongside them, meet them where they are, and provide hands-on support and encouragement.
I’m most proud of building a brand that feels welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free. I want families to know that they don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether they need help getting breastfeeding off to a good start, troubleshooting a challenge, or simply feeling more confident in their feeding journey, WellFed is here to meet them where they are.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was definitely an active and involved kid. I was very involved in FFA, which gave me the opportunity to learn new skills, be involved in my community, and develop a strong work ethic. I also grew up riding horses, which has always been a huge part of my life.
Looking back, I think those experiences shaped a lot of who I am today. I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on, staying busy, working with people, and having something meaningful to work toward. I think my involvement in FFA and my love of horses also taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and showing up even when things aren’t always easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellfedlactation.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589075790023
