Meet Rebecca McCann, RN and IBCLC — Personalized Lactation Support for Moms in Gig Harbor, Kitsap County, and Across Washington
Takeaway: Looking for a lactation consultant who can help you feel more confident with feeding—even before the baby arrives? Rebecca McCann is a Washington-based IBCLC and registered nurse who supports families through every stage of infant feeding, starting in pregnancy. She helps women prepare for their feeding journey before baby comes, and then works with moms navigating painful latch, bottle feeding challenges, return-to-work planning, and the ups and downs that often come with feeding.
“My goal is always to meet families where they are and support their feeding goals.”
Rebecca McCann, IBCLC and RN, Lactation Consultant
Meet Rebecca McCann, IBCLC, RN in Her Own Words
Rebecca and I finally managed to grab a park playdate this summer after months of trading "let's find a time" texts. She's a busy lady! Not only does she support women in their breastfeeding journeys each week, she’s also a military mom to three kids—often doing it solo while her partner is deployed. Talk about impressive.
Rebecca and I connected over our shared belief that support for moms has to start in pregnancy. We talked about how so many new moms only reach out once things are really, really hard—and how much we wish this would shift toward proactive care. We lamented the limitations of the healthcare system and bonded over our mutual desire to change things for the better.
I left our playdate with two major insights:
Rebecca is deeply knowledgeable. She began her career as a labor and delivery nurse, so she’s seen it all and understands the kind of medical and lactation support women receive in the hospital. That experience directly shapes her proactive, accessible approach.
She’s incredibly kind, endlessly patient, and the kind of person you can talk to about anything.
Her blend of clinical insight and human connection is exactly what makes her stand out in the local infant feeding support community.
What Makes Rebecca McCann Different
Rebecca McCann is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and registered nurse providing infant feeding support to families across Kitsap County, Gig Harbor, and beyond. Her care blends clinical expertise with warmth and accessibility, creating a safe space for families to navigate breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, and weaning.
Rebecca is one of the few lactation consultants in Washington State offering prenatal breastfeeding consults. That means you can meet with her before the baby comes. As a therapist for moms, I love this. It gives expecting women the chance to prepare, which is a protective factor against perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) like PPD and PPA. It also expands your support network—so if feeding doesn’t go as planned (which is often the case), you already have someone you know and trust to call.
Q&A with Rebecca McCann, IBCLC, RN
Q: What led you to become a lactation consultant?
A: I started my career as a mother-baby nurse, where I developed a love for helping families breastfeed in those early days. That led to eventually becoming a hospital-based lactation consultant, and then opening my own private practice.
Q: What kinds of challenges do you help families with, and at what ages or stages?
A: I help with a wide range of breastfeeding concerns—from planning ahead during pregnancy through weaning. Some of the most common issues I support include painful latch, nipple trauma, low or oversupply, and combo feeding. I also provide guidance for breast-to-bottle transitions, pumping strategies, and return-to-work planning. For families navigating more complex situations like tongue- or lip-tie procedures, NICU transitions, reflux, or feeding aversions, I collaborate with pediatricians, therapists, and bodyworkers to ensure everyone is supported by a unified care team.
Q: How does a mom know she could benefit from lactation support? When is the right time to reach out?
A: Anytime something doesn’t feel right with feeding, reach out—even just for reassurance! It’s never too late to ask for help. But the best time is during pregnancy so you already have someone in your corner.
Q: Do you have a particular feeding philosophy or framework that guides your approach?
A: My goal is always to meet families where they are and support their individual goals, so my approach may differ from one family to the next.
Q: What’s one myth about breastfeeding or formula feeding that you wish more parents understood wasn’t true?
A: One common myth is that breastfed babies wake more at night. Studies show that feeding method doesn’t affect how often babies wake—only how they are soothed back to sleep. Formula-fed babies wake just as often.
Q: How is your support different from what families might find in Facebook groups or online advice threads?
A: Personalized support is so important. Online advice might help some families, but it can also be overwhelming and filled with misinformation. One-on-one, evidence-based support simplifies the process and leads to better outcomes.
Q: What does support from you typically look like for a new mom who’s feeling overwhelmed by feeding challenges?
A: I aim to simplify. That could mean adjusting the feeding plan, reducing stressors, or expanding the support network. We talk about goals and how they can evolve if things change.
Q: How can families work with you, and what areas do you serve?
A: I offer home visits in Kitsap County and Gig Harbor, WA, and virtual appointments in many states. The 4th Trimester is so special—challenging, beautiful, and transformative. It's an honor to walk alongside families during this time.
How to Connect with Rebecca, Lactation Consultant for Moms in Kitsap County, Gig Harbor, and Across Washington State
Instagram: @rebecca.ibclc.rn
Why I Write This Blog: Hi, I’m Dr. Julie Franks, LICSW, a postpartum therapist for Washington moms and the founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood. I believe that all moms need and deserve support, which is why I write this blog—to help create the village every Washington mom deserves. If you’re looking for personalized mental health support, check out my therapy services to learn how I can help you feel supported as you navigate the hard parts of motherhood.
