
We strive to ensure that all guidance offered is judgment-free and designed to support your individual goals – whatever they may be.
The Nesting Place offers lactation consulting services and support groups to help every family meet their infant feeding goals. Our providers are trained to support a mother in order to navigate breastfeeding. Whether your goal is to exclusively breastfeed, assist with latch issues, alleviate pain at the breast, increase milk supply or foster a better feeding schedule, our providers are here to help.
Breastfeeding Support Group
We offer a free weekly drop in support group. Expectant parents welcomed.
In person in Yaphank and virtual on Wednesdays at 11am with Cariann
Book your spot here
Meet Our Lactation Specialists
Gabriela “Bella” Rochford, MSOT, OTR/L, IBCLC
Located in our Merrick Center
Bella is an Occupational Therapist and Lactation Consultant who specializes in lactation and infant feeding (breast & bottle) and development.
She offers:
-Breastfeeding Consultations
-Pumping Guidance
-Bottle Feeding Support
-Infant Oral Sensory Motor Therapy (pre and post frenectomy care)
-Infant Development Screening
As a NYS licensed OT with experience across healthcare settings-including hospitals, early intervention (birth-3 years old), and now her community-based/ mobile private practice Nurturing LIFT, LLC- Bella is dedicated to empowering her clients across the lifespan to live their lives to the fullest. She’s committed to providing a holistic therapeutic approach that respects the journeys of motherhood and infant development.
After receiving her Bachelor’s in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo, she went on to receive her Master’s in OT from Touro College. Bella has competed 90-hours of continuing education in lactation and is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. She has also taken advanced Oral Sensory- Motor coursework in early pediatric feeding therapy. Being a mama herself, Bella has dedicated her practice to equipping other mamas and their little ones with the information and tools to thrive!
To learn more about how she can help you, or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Bella:
Email: grochford@nurturinglift.com
Phone: 516-550-5396


Cariann Wood, MA, CBS, LC, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
Located in our Yaphank Office
Cari is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Lactation Consultant, La Leche League member, and a proud breastfeeding mama and advocate. She is also the founder of MamandTots LLC, which delivers supportive and individualized lactation and feeding care to all Mamas. She whole heartedly believes in the power of motherly intuition, and the strength of the sacred bond that is forged through breastfeeding. She believes that “Matrescence” (the transition to motherhood) is the most powerful transformation on the planet, encouraging women to discover just how resilient they can be. Lactation is such a beautiful element of motherhood, and one that she understands can also come with challenges. Understanding that all mothers’ journeys and ambitions are truly unique, she understands how imperative initial and ongoing lactation support is for a breastfeeding dyad to succeed.
She is dedicated to uplifting mamas and their families and offering continuous support so that they may achieve their own unique lactation goals.
Services include:
– 1:1 consults at The Nesting Place (in Yaphank), in-home, and virtually. (60-90 mins) – Schedule a session in Yaphank here.
– FREE in-person weekly breastfeeding support groups in our Yaphank location on Wednesday afternoons – book your spot here.
Consults include:
– Discussion of any existing concern(s), and reason(s) for the visit
– Discussion of goals as it relates to lactation
– Evaluation of both mother and baby as it relates to lactation
– Evaluation of a full feeding session, including the reassurance of milk transfer via a medical- grade infant scale
– Focus on any additional concerns
– Clear Plan of Care and resource packet provided
– Continuous support and follow-up care as needed
*Offering 3-session bundle pricing, good for 12 months from the time of purchase, so you can ensure ongoing lactation support throughout your unique journey. Purchase here.
Get in touch with Cariann:
Phone: 631-875-0272
Email: heretohelp@mamandtots.com
Kelly Crawford, BSN, RN, CLC IBCLC
Located in our Yaphank Office
Being a mother is what led Kelly Crawford to finding her passion in maternal/child health. Kelly is a Registered nurse who specializes in postpartum, a Certified Lactation Counselor and currently works as a full time International Board Certified Lactation Consultant after completing over 1000 clinical hours as well as 95 continuing education hours in lactation education.
Kelly strongly believes that breastfeeding success is much more attainable with knowledge and support. She has created her own business to serve the community called Long Island Latch. Her services include but are not limited to:
-Prenatal consults discussing breastfeeding 101, how to be successful, discussion of potential challenges & an individualized assessment as it pertains to lactation.
-Postpartum consults including intake of medical history as it pertains to lactation, intake of subjective information to identify needs, assessment of the mother/baby dyad, full written care plan, provider reports, weighted feeds & ongoing secure support for 1 week.
-60-90 minute consults can be done in the office, at your home or telehealth.
Kelly also works through the Lactation Network and accepts some insurance policies.
Get in touch with Kelly:
Phone: 631-480-7551
Email: Kellycrawford@longislandlatch.com
Website: www.Longislandlatch.com
