Michelle Hudasko, IBCLC | Nest Collaborative

Michelle Hudasko

IBCLC

Year of Certification

2017

Special Interests

Under/Over Supply
Relactation/Surrogacy/Adoption
Weaning

Language Spoken

English

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What excites you most about being an IBCLC?

I enjoy supporting the unique and individual experiences that each parent encounters on their infant feeding journey. There are endless different outcomes and so much "gray area" that each parent has the opportunity to really make this their own and redefine what "breastfeeding" or "nursing" looks like for them.

I enjoy combining my clinical lactation knowledge and counseling experience to help parents navigate these options confidently while knowing that their baby's optimal health is always accounted for.

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

hospital, outpatient office, in home

What do you enjoy doing while not at work?

I love hanging out with my horse and reconnecting with nature in my downtime.

Please share any additional education or certifications you have.

I am also a perinatal psychotherapist and former postpartum doula

What state do you reside in?

New Jersey

When did you know you wanted to become an IBCLC?

I've always been fascinated by lactation but the moment that I decided this was something I wanted to pursue professionally was during my doula training. I had met so many nursing parents and heard of their vast experiences (good, bad, etc) and realized that this was an area where support for parents was sorely lacking.

Intimate experiences supporting some of my friends and family through their breastfeeding journeys have further validated this choice and continue to inspire me in this work.

Why did you become an IBCLC?

For the fame! Just kidding... I do it for all the parents who need better support than what they have access to. Breastfeeding is not a one size fits all event and with the rise of social media, there has been both an increase in support and resources, as well as an increase in judgement and misinformation. It feels more important than ever to be able to provide parents with evidence based clinical support that in unbiased and flexible to fit the needs of their families no matter what that looks like while always having both the parent and child's health as a primary concern.

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

Be gentle with yourself. Breastfeeding is a "natural" experience but so is walking... and it takes most of us about a year before we can figure that out! Feeding babies from our bodies is a learned process that is unique to each parent and each baby. It's okay to need help.