Breastfeeding has become an important part of my journey as a mother and IBCLC. I have breastfed three beautiful boys, all with their own unique struggles and challenges. I am looking forward to continuing learning through my own breastfeeding experiences with a fourth boy. I breastfed my first, never knowing where this would all lead, but I breastfed him until he was two and my second until he was three. My third son was born with some congenital conditions, including a cardiac condition that once again challenged me and added to my drive to help other families through their lactation journey.
I love working with mother and baby dyads and watching mothers and families become empowered through their breastfeeding journey. Learning to trust their instincts and body and what works best for them. No two families are the same, and finding your own path in raising a family is life-changing.
Hospital, Clinic, Outpatient, Home Visiting and Telehealth
I am a mother of three boys, ages 12, 10, and another boy on the way with a loving partner and dad to our boys. Our family has a small backyard chicken coop and a small mixed-breed dog.
I love to garden in the summer, and I bake and cook. In the winter, I attempt to cross-country ski and go ice fishing.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Counseling and Health Science and a Master's degree in Special Education.
Alaska
After the birth of my first son, I had immediate complications in our breastfeeding journey. After working with a nurse and overcoming some obstacles, I knew that I wanted to pursue my certification as an IBCLC. Working at many different levels of lactation education and counseling allowed me to become passionate about working with moms and babies.
I saw how valuable a lactation professional could be. I wanted to give back to other families to continue the work in our community in promoting lactation care, education, and advocacy.
Every parent should follow their instincts and know they don't have to have all the answers. Loving your child, reaching out for help, and finding useful tools, tricks, and tips are beneficial to not feeling isolated during such life-changing transitions. Even the smallest hiccups can feel big and using all the resources can be very helpful.
