When my son was born almost 9 years ago, we were using a nipple shield and supplemented him with a tube and syringe at the breast followed by pumping around the clock for 2 weeks (starting with formula which progressed to expressed breastmilk). My husband and I were at the end of our rope. My son had a lip and tongue restriction released via clipping. I developed mastitis from delayed breast emptying while trying to get out and about (Seahawks training camp practice) with a 2.5 week old while knee deep in feeding challenges. By 6-8 weeks we were rid of the nipple shield and supplementing. My son grew to be a very healthy 6-month-old, at which time a sleep consultant convinced me I had an insufficient milk supply and should wean—we did around 7 months. Fast forward 3.5 years to the birth of my daughter. With all the gained knowledge from baby #1, I felt confident in the skills I had learned. At 9 days old, my daughter also had a lip and tongue restriction released via laser. Aside from a short 24 hour period of supplementing, my daughter exclusively breastfed for 3 years and 3 months. Along this journey I encountered an infant who refused to take a bottle or expressed breastmilk of any kind, pumping at work on the evening shift and missing 3 bedtimes a week at the start of the pandemic, milk blebs, social pressure to wean and nursing an older toddler.

I love the opportunity to help, support and try to simplify life for families at a time when they are exhausted and overwhelmed (I've been there, too!).

Hospital - Mother Baby Unit as a Staff Nurse

Outpatient Postpartum Clinic - Newborn wellness exams and lactation consults as a Lactation Nurse

My incredible husband and two kiddos (5 & almost 9).

BSN and RN

Washington

Listen to your inner voice and heart -- we are in constant conflict with our biology and social structure. Our babies know what they need -- follow their cues, carry them, hold them. We are a carrier animal and our babies belong on our chest (endless skin-to-skin) and in our arms.