Marcda Hilaire Brunot, IBCLC | Nest Collaborative

Marcda Hilaire Brunot

IBCLC

Year of Certification

2017

Special Interests

Back to Work
Oral Functions (Tongue/Lip Ties)
Toddler/Tandem Nursing

Language Spoken

English, Haitian Creole

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Please share anything you'd like from your own personal breastfeeding experience.

I breastfed two children for a total of about 38 months, never missed a day! I continued breastfeeding my daughter a few months into my second pregnancy. My second baby was tongue-tied. I had some challenges, including having a doctor tell me to supplement with formula when he was not at his birth weight at day 10. I told the doctor I had 4 days to reach his birth weight and that I would keep breastfeeding. With my husband's support and my family, in 4 days my baby surpassed birthweight by 1 pound 2 oz and I went on to breastfeed him for 23 months. I have been a working mom, pumping and nursing on my lunch breaks, pumping on the way to work using the car charger. I have breastfed in public settings including breastfeeding in the hallway during my lactation break on the day of my IBCLC exam! I totally understand some of the challenges women endure and I want to help them all overcome.

What excites you most about being an IBCLC?

The ability to help mothers unleash their milk superpower and mentor others to do the same .

In what types of settings have you supported patients in lactation?

Hospital labor and delivery, community clinic/WIC, NICU, home visits, virtual, support groups

What makes up your family (people & pets)?

1 son, 1 daughter, military husband

What do you enjoy doing while not at work?

Poetry, dance, spending time with family

Please share any additional education or certifications you have.

Previous CLC, Bachelor's in Biology,
Master's in Public Health w/ a concentration in Maternal and Child Health, Certified in CPR, Current Doctor of Chiropractic Physician student

What state do you reside in?

Florida

When did you know you wanted to become an IBCLC?

5 years ago

Why did you become an IBCLC?

What inspired me the most is the disparities in breastfeeding. As a black woman, I advocate for equity and inspire to help women of color feel empowered through education, promotion and protection of breastfeeding. I choose to be their voice, their sister, their biggest cheerleader and a small page in the book of their breastfeeding story. My hope is to normalize breastfeeding among all cultures!

What do you wish you could tell every parent (that they would actually do) and why?

Be patient with yourself and your baby/babies and never give up on your breastfeeding goal. RISE above your fear! RISE above the challenges!

Breastfeeding is like learning to dance- it takes practice and just like every step counts, every DROP counts with breastfeeding. It takes the same determination to breastfeed for a day or a year: the right mindset.

I say this because although breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't mean it will come easy for everyone. Each breastfeeding journey is different and we all have the power to make it a legacy.