Like many others, I had struggles breastfeeding. Being a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner meant putting pressure on myself to provide the best nutrition to my children. Breastfeeding after a reduction, lip and tongue ties missed by numerous pediatric providers, low supply, bad advice and postpartum depression and anxiety have been parts of my journey. My journey has also been a lesson in trusting myself and my body, advocating for my children, patience and joy. With support and education I have been able to nurse my children for about two years, with the exception of the first when I ended up pumping for several months. There is hope for those going through these things, you are not alone!
I love helping families reach THEIR goals. I love sharing research and helping families make feeding decisions they feel good about.
Hospital, pediatric outpatient practice, telehealth
My husband and I live with our 3 daughters and son on almost 15 acres in the midwest with our chickens!
Gardening, spending time with family, traveling
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Ohio
When I began digging in on why my first breastfeeding attempt was unsuccessful and in an attempt to succeed with my second, my eyes were opened to the misinformation I was taught and had been sharing with families in the practices I worked at. When breastfeeding worked for the second, it just clicked. I became a total lactation nerd and wanted to know it all so I could share it all!
After my struggles I realized the medical system is not educating providers on lactation yet recommends breast milk as the best method of nutrition for babies! Often, what is shared with families is from a providers personal experience, taught to them by peers, or based on research for formula-fed babies. I wanted to learn and understand more about infant oral anatomy and how breastfeeding should work, what is normal versus not normal on a scientific level. Learning these things was tremendously helpful for me as a mother to understand and navigate my own breastfeeding journey.
When your baby is born, you become the expert on your body and on your baby. I have been amazed at how parents know something is not right, even when told it is fine. They might not know what the problem is, but their gut tells them something is off. Parents have to go to sleep at night with the decisions made, not the pediatrician, their mom, friend or even me! If it doesn't make sense or feel right, keep searching for the right answer. You are your childrens' advocate!
