To say that I am passionate about breastfeeding is an understatement.
For more than 25 years it has been the center of my life. I consult, advocate, coach, speak, and even arm wrestle to educate people about the amazing power of breastfeeding.
I breastfed my three children, including twins.
The first few months breastfeeding my first baby were awful. I know first hand how much breastfeeding can hurt. I can't describe how much I dreaded feeding my baby.
I also had a supportive mother who got me appointments with Lactation Consultants and a supportive husband who called La Leche League to get help. I got help from the very first day and it helped me overcome pain, inverted nipples, mastitis and low milk production during the first few months. By four months, my milk had created a big, fat baby and I felt proud!
Breastfeeding my babies turned me on to the power of unconditional love. I found that breastfeeding gave me understanding of how three remarkable human beings work. Breastfeeding my babies and children felt comforting. And conquering challenges felt satisfying and empowering.
I didn't start out to be a breastfeeding superhero.
It happened because I did seek help and created a nurturing environment with breastfeeding at the center of my mothering. It empowered me.
Because of my community, I nursed my kids for a combined total of 12 3/4 years. I look back on it in awe of my super powers. That's a lot of milk! That's a lot of nurturing! That's a lot of sitting on my butt on the couch!
Early on, I joined La Leche League and after a few years, became a La Leche League Leader. I found I was able to help women overcome difficulties and trust their bodies and babies. That's why I went on to become a professional International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC.)
People describe me as resilient. I relish puzzles and patterns and I dwell in possibility.
Breastfeeding is complex. It's an everchanging target with a mom and a baby (or two or three, and usually a dad.) There are so many things that can, but generally don't, go wrong. In every appointment I will fit all the pieces of the puzzle together and write out a simple care plan.
I listen, I ask questions. I coach with empathy and gentleness. I offer options to parents. It is these qualities that gives clients hope and keeps them going.
I love to learn and here's an outline of my education
-
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) 2010 (requires 15 hours of breastfeeding education each year and a recertifying exam every 10 years.
-
La Leche League Leader (LLLL) Leading in New Paltz, NY since 1998
-
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Alfred University
-
I have studied Human Relations since the 1980's with Dale Carnegie Institute, Tony Robbins, La Leche League and others.
Here's what I am not:
I am not perfect. I am not a doctor or nurse, nor do I play one on a daytime TV show! I am not a psychologist or social worker. I'm not a model or young anymore.
I try to live my life in a joyfilled way.
When I'm not working, I love being outdoors riding my bike, skiing, swimming and hiking mountains. I love to eat good food, so cooking big dinners and sharing them with friends and family is another favorite.
Not sure if we resonate? Here's who works best with me:
Ready to dive right in?
Call or text me at (845) 750-4402 and we can talk about how you want me to help you.