My daughter was unexpectedly born at 33 weeks, which definitely put a kink in our plans. We had a four-week NICU stay, where she struggled to feed at breast & via bottle, and the week leading up to our discharge, we were being counseled on how to put in an NG tube.
Luckily, it was not needed and she began to thrive the week after discharge. She breastfed for over three years, and in that time, we used a nipple shield for months, she had major surgery, a hospital stay, and a tongue tie release.
The most exciting thing about being an IBCLC is seeing the positive impact good lactation & infant feeding support have on the lives of parents.
While many parents go through similar feelings, the fact that no two cases are exactly the same from a clinical standpoint creates variety, which I like.
I support parents in-home, Online & In the NICU.
I have an almost seven-year-old daughter.
I love spending time with my daughter & family. I like trying new foods & I recently started rock climbing.
I have taken the Master class, the Structure & function course, & the rhythmic movement courses.
Texas
Shortly after signing up for Doula training, I knew I wanted to become an IBCLC in 2013. The organization I trained with encouraged a breastfeeding class.
Once I learned about the mammary gland, the basics of how it worked, and the impact infant feeding has on health, I knew I wanted to obtain the highest credential possible.
My journey is a bit unique because I knew I wanted to become an IBCLC before I had my daughter. I started the journey years before she was born. I fell in love with lactation science at first and then realized the amazing impact IBCLCs can make in the lives of families dealing with feeding challenges.
After learning more about the field, I've come to learn that not every IBCLC is a great provider & that many leave parents feeling judged.
The desire to make sure more parents receive high-quality, non-judgmental, "real-life applicable" guidance certainly played a role in my decision.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about breastfeeding. My biggest piece of advice is to find one person you feel is knowledgeable on infant feeding/lactation. Someone that you trust, so you have a consistent framework for information. You can then take any information that you feel will be helpful to you, your baby & your family and leave the rest. You are an expert on your baby; nobody knows them as well as you. Having a consistent source of information & support can help you not feel so overwhelmed and confused.
