You’ve embarked on a beautiful and empowering journey – breastfeeding! I began The Joyful Latch to help families in Northern California because I understand the path can be both rewarding and filled with questions. I’m here to provide you with unwavering support and expert guidance to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate this journey gracefully and confidently and equip your family with the strategies to support you. From personalized prenatal consultations to in-home visits and virtual consultations, my services address your unique needs and goals. We’ll work together to create a plan that honors your breastfeeding objectives and nourishes a fulfilling experience for you and your baby.
Comprehensive lactation care can help you overcome the challenges you face, even in complex cases. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or a first-time mom seeking help with specific challenges, I provide evidence-based care and follow current best practices put forth by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Let’s face it: Moms don’t need one more thing added to their to-do list. I do the research, so you don’t have to. Breastfeeding with peace of mind starts here.
Meet Carissa Crail |
RN, BSN, IBCLC
Hey there, I’m Carissa! My passion for lactation and women’s health ignited during my nursing school days at UC Davis. Witnessing the magic of new life being welcomed sparked something deep within me. I received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and am a Registered Nurse and an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.
My breastfeeding journey, however, wasn’t the picture-perfect experience I’d imagined. It was more like learning a beautiful dance unique to each child. With my firstborn, I felt overwhelmed and alone, struggling to find my rhythm. My second daughter’s rushed lactation consult left me feeling unheard and unsupported. It was a tough time, and it fueled my mission: to create a space where families like yours have access to the empathy and guidance they deserve.
That’s why I’m here. I offer a foundation of education, compassion, understanding, and research-based care. No matter the challenges you face, I’ll be by your side, walking with you through every stage. I’m truly honored to be a part of your journey – let’s connect and find your breastfeeding rhythm together!
“I cannot recommend Carissa and The Joyful Latch highly enough! I just delivered my 2nd surrogate baby (3rd delivery overall), and it has been such a different experience. Carissa helped me to set up the proper pumping schedule that works for what we need to accomplish, assisted in making sure that I had the correct size flanges, and answered all of my endless 'Am I doing this right?!' panic-driven questions. Our aim is to get a surrogate baby to 1 year of breast milk and no formula, and we’re on the right path! Exclusively pumping is an entirely different undertaking, and I would not have been nearly as successful without The Joyful Latch! I will absolutely work with her for any future pregnancies as well."
Breastfeeding offers a special bond between you and your child, but you may have concerns as you move forward. The Joyful Latch is here to give you peace of mind. Whether you seek guidance before your baby arrives or need support after birth, I offer a range of breastfeeding support services and packages to assist you and ensure a happy nursing relationship with your little one.
Get prepared and build confidence with personalized in-home breastfeeding education, strategies for involving your support team, and help prepare your breastfeeding space before baby arrives.
support starts hereGet prepared and build confidence with personalized virtual breastfeeding education. We'll explore the benefits and what to expect before and after your baby arrives.
Start your journeyIn-home support visits provide a relaxed setting for guidance and challenges that require personalized assessments. Together we'll create a care plan to address your unique challenges and set everyone up for success.
get support nowVirtual lactation consultations can address many concerns that don't require physical assessments. We'll address your unique challenges to empower your breastfeeding journey.
support starts hereYou’ve made a choice to experience an incredible, life-changing event, so it’s natural to want to learn everything you can about lactation and breastfeeding. I believe clear communication unlocks the door to understanding every woman’s breastfeeding experience and enables you to make the choices that are right for you and your baby. I want to hear all your concerns, from the tiniest question to the biggest concern. Let’s ditch the confusion and find a successful solution together.
