Meet Katie Oshita
BSN, RN, IBCLC
Founder of
Cuddles and Milk
&
The Traveling Lactation Consultant Podcast
The biggest facts you need to know about me?
I’m a seasoned nurse, mother of 2, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I know each baby carries different struggles when it comes to feeding. I’ve proudly helped hundreds of families with compassionate virtual lactation support — and I’m here when you need it.
I provide practical guidance that takes the stress out of feeding your baby — so you can love parenthood! With my expert telehealth breastfeeding support and IBCLC podcast, you learn to be your own ‘hands-on’ help.
More Stuff About Me
Born and raised in California, I’ve always been interested in babies. Even as a kid! I watched my niece’s birth when I was 17, and it changed my life. I felt a family being born at that exact moment. A truly incredible experience!
After watching my sister labor for 48 hours — and only seeing doctors for about 2 — I knew nurses really made a difference in families' birth experiences. I’d already been accepted into nursing school, so choosing labor and delivery felt like the obvious choice for me.
Working as a labor and delivery (L&D) nurse was 98% complete joy (and hard work). The other 2% was me providing more emotional support than I thought was possible to give.
I met my husband Kerry in college at 19. We’ve been married for 20 years (and counting!). I’m not sure how I got so lucky so early in life, but Kerry “gets me.” From knowing I need my tea and honey in the morning to my dark chocolate at night, I’m grateful for my husband.
We traveled the country in our 37’ RV and a truck for 2 years, seeing 40 states and many wonderful places. On the road we homeschooled our two kids and brought our two lovable bunnies, Marbles and Cuddles. Our family loves exploring, and any day I spend in nature is a good day.
Marbles and Cuddles
Both my kids had recent tongue tie releases — at 10 and 13 years old!
I understand now why they suffered from pain, gassiness, and puking as babies. They were fussy all the time, but I nursed both until 27 months. I’m driven to help babies with tongue ties because it’s underdiagnosed and requires expert knowledge to treat effectively.
Pediatricians usually don’t have extensive knowledge in this area — and not every IBCLC does either. I understand it from both sides, as a parent and a practitioner. I’m honored to deliver this expert service to families virtually.
Overtime I got frustrated in the allopathic, hospital system. I wanted to help prevent problems, not just treat them. Education and support became the focus of my time, supporting new parents is an honor, and something I wanted to do all the time, not just when the hospital wasn’t too busy.
I became an IBCLC in 2016 and worked at the first-ever baby-friendly hospital in the country, Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington! Baby-friendly hospitals support all feeding routes, practice evidence-based care, and have zero commercial interests! I gained so much experience during my time there. I knew I wanted to open my own practice and give unique, compassionate care to families like yours.
Cuddles and Milk was born in 2019 and yes, our bunny Cuddles made choosing the name easier and who doesn’t love baby cuddles with some milk? I happily served families at my office and their homes. I’ve always done telehealth lactation consultations because I believe everyone deserves breastfeeding support. In 2021, my husband and I decided to take the plunge and live in the RV with our family. How lucky are we to live with modern technology? I’m able to continue providing lactation consulting and support online.
Now in 2023 I have settled in Stanwood WA and LOVE living in the PNW. The mountains, beaches and so very many trees are all right here for me. I still see about 90% of my clients virtually, world wide. Every new parent deserves the best support, the most knowledgeable expert for their needs. Through telehealth, families are no longer limited to who is in their area. In person visits will now be available from Mount Vernon, WA.
Let me make your life easier with powerful breastfeeding knowledge and practical applications.
My Specialized Education & Training Includes:
Bachelor of Nursing (Dominican University of California), graduated 2000
Labor & Delivery Nurse (2000-2015)
NICU Nurse (2006-2008)
IBCLC (2016-currently)
Extra Courses In:
Tongue Tie Academy Lite
Breastmilk Protein Allergies
Untying Ankyloglossia
Gut Brain
Food Allergies
Pumping & Bottle Feeding
Oral Habilitation Master Class
Structure & Function
Insufficient Glandular Tissue
Virtual Consults
Infant Reflexes and Feeding
Collaborative Care with IBCLC’s and Chiropractors
Functional Medicine for Nurses through INCA in partnership with Institute of Functional Medicine (12 week course)
Holistic Institue Residency- a year long course led by the renowned Jennifer Tow
This list is constantly growing as I LOVE taking classes and learning more to support families!
I bring 23 years of Maternal-Infant medicine experience to my online lactation consulting — and podcast!
Yep, a podcast. What better way to reach more families virtually? While our family travels, I meet with local experts in various areas of perinatal support and breastfeeding all over the US.
My podcast — Katie, The Traveling Lactation Consultant — grew out of my passion for knowledge. I’m constantly taking classes, talking to breastfeeding experts, and giving my clients more resources. I’m having so much fun recording these episodes and passing along my learnings with you — free!
Babies, breastfeeding, and helping families has been my passion since the start. I don’t judge your feeding preferences. That's your choice — and I support YOU! I’m someone you can rely on for expert advice and a nurturing soul during this unique time.
Sunset at one of my favorite National parks yet, Olympic National Park in Washington
What Some My Clients Say…
“Katie is amazing! Incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and thorough. She got me quickly back on track after a painful start to nursing, helped with latching, finding new more comfortable positions, and came up with a pumping plan for when I return to work. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a lactation consultant!” Katie N, mom of 1
“Katie’s exactly how a provider and lactation consultant should be. She asked questions and LISTENED, with her whole heart and mind. We weren’t a number or a protocol, but a unique mama and baby who needed help with our breastfeeding journey. I was most impressed with her knowledge of oral ties and how to navigate pre and post-care of a tie revision procedure. She checked in on us often, constantly reminded me to give myself grace being newly postpartum, and gave us all the tools we need for a successful breastfeeding journey. We are 2.5 months in currently, and I have no doubt we have so much beauty ahead. She has helped me to love nursing my baby instead of being afraid of it — like I was with my first. My husband thought she was exceptional too!” Brittany, mom of 2
“I owe so many thanks to Katie for helping me. My daughter was still not taking a bottle at 8 months. We tried 6-7 bottles and took classes about how to get your baby to take a bottle — nothing worked. I work full time from home and could no longer sustain breastfeeding and having a full-time job. Katie changed everything. We skipped the bottle entirely and went straight to the honey bear bottle with a straw, and it worked! It took us 3 days to get consistency with our daughter, but now she drinks from the cup, and our lives are changed! I wish I would have found Katie earlier and would recommend her to anyone struggling with transitioning from breast to bottle/cup.”
Kelly, mom of 2
An insta-famous IBCLC recommended Katie to me after I spent months trying to find an IBCLC that took my insurance. I'm so grateful to Katie for her expertise. She successfully made assessments about my daughter via telehealth visits (great for flexibility) and provided thorough care plan notes. Another great thing about Katie is her devotion to education. I always say a good LC knows more than all the medical professionals and that is Katie! My doctors had it wrong but Katie was on point and thus validated my mother's intuition. I appreciate that she makes the effort to accept insurance as well because lactation support is so critical to mothers. I definitely recommend working with Katie- Camille, mom of 1
Get Support.
Be Ready.
Enjoy Parenthood.
See What Working with Me Is All About Here!
We work together to achieve your feeding goals — and you can always count on caring support from me.
Virtual visit with props for demonstrating techniques
Check your insurance.
In Network with Aetna and The Lactation Network (if you don’t have Kaiser or Medicaid then check with the form).
Is your plan not on the list? Fill out the form with your insurance information and we’ll be in touch shortly.