Breastfeeding my own children was a natural choice for me. However, I struggled as a mother with my oldest and lacked support and knowledge. I was sent home with a hand pump and ZERO education on breastfeeding/pumping.
My first night after delivering him, I was alone when the nurses took him to perform a weight check. They brought him back and told me he was hungry. I looked at them with fear and uneasiness that I was sure they felt, but they handed him to me and walked away. He cried, I cried, and the feeling of defeat crept in when he would not latch. I picked up the call light, and a nurse came in. I explained I was struggling to get him to latch, and she just said that I could give him formula. And just like that, she took him to the nursery. I did not see him again for 4 hours.
I was young, insecure, and unsure of my goals. I knew I wanted to provide breast milk, but I was unsure what that looked like for me. I was able to provide milk for about six weeks. After this experience, I was more determined than ever to provide milk for my future children!
It is exciting for me to use my knowledge and skillset to empower families while assisting them in reaching their breastfeeding goals.
NICU, Home Health, Outpatient, Mother/baby inpatient unit
I have five children, two dogs, and a parrot (the parrot is the loudest member in the family!)
I love the outdoors, reading, sports, and spending time with my family.
I am a registered nurse
Iowa
I decided after working in the NICU for several years and noting the lack of breastfeeding/pumping support to families.
I became an IBCLC after noting a significant lack of support for breastfeeding/pumping mothers in the preterm or ill term infant. I have made it a personal goal to do whatever I can to assist these mothers meet their goals for themselves and their infants.
Set goals. When you begin your breastfeeding journey, set goals for yourself. My job as an IBCLC is purely to assist you in meeting your goals-whatever they may be. Goals change and I will change my recommendations with those goals. There is nothing sweeter than helping a family meet the goals they set!
