Within hours of meeting our adopted daughter we were already breastfeeding. She was a barracuda with a little mouth and my nipples were sore. Luckily I knew just who to call: my IBCLC (International Board Certified Lacation Consultant).
Only 5 days after my sweet Locklyn was born I called my IBCLC crying. “She’s still losing weight!”I sobbed. My friend (and colleague) helped me calm down, organize a plan and move forward one feed at a time.
When my baby wanted to nurse all night and I was back at work, my experienced IBCLC, friend, and fellow mother held me as I sobbed. It was my IBCLC who diligently pumped extra breast milk for my daughters.
As I was learning how to tandem nurse my adopted daughters I can still remember suggestions and helpful advice from my IBCLCs.
These women gave me suggestions, advice and encouragement playing a critical role in my success breastfeeding my daughters. My lactation team shared in the joys and struggles of breastfeeding, motherhood, and career. They helped boost my confidence as a mom, provided a listening ear, and often a hug or words of encouragement just when I needed it. To these women I am so thankful!
March 4th is IBCLC Day
An Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a health care professional with an expertise in lactation and breastfeeding management. IBCLCss practice in hospitals, the community, and in private practice. I have had the privilege of working in all these areas and have met some of the best IBCLCs right here in Wichita. These women are colleagues, most are mothers, and more importantly they are my friends. They work on the front lines of helping women and families during one of their greatest transitions: motherhood. In celebration of IBCLC Day here is why Wichita IBCLCs love their work!
“Too see a mom become confident as she develops in her ability to mother through breastfeeding is my favorite part of Lactation Consulting. Personally, helping a mom problem solve is fun as well. The bond formed between a mom and baby is very close to my heart.” –Toni RN, IBCLC, CCE, CHBE
“Becoming a mother is not the same experiences for each woman. Being an IBCLC allows me to celebrate every mom and baby and to help them realize a feeding plan that works for them” –Holli RN, IBCLC
“Being a new mom is overwhelming. So as a Lactation Consultant if I can help make her breastfeeding journey successful then it is very rewarding to me.” –Amy RN, IBCLC
“Watching a mom gain confidence in her natural mothering abilities through breastfeeding is a true pleasure. Very few people are invited into this intimate feeding space and I am one of the lucky ones.” –Megan RN, MSN, IBCLC
“After many years of working directly with moms, now I work with hospitals across Kansas assisting hospitals with best practices related to breastfeeding. Feels special to play a part of the 32,000 deliveries statewide” –Gwen RN, IBCLC
“I am passionate about teaching current and future nurses, and other healthcare providers, how to support breastfeeding; from the level of the mother/infant and family to a larger population health perspective.” –Jolynn MSN, APRN, NNP-BC, IBCLC
“It is a joy helping new mothers and babies meet their feeding goals. I love encouraging, reassuring, supporting, and cheering on mom during this precious time. This work has so many joys while also some complex challenges” –Stephennie RN, IBCLC
“I see the passion and dedication mom’s strive for when breastfeeding everyday. So, I became an IBCLC to assist mom’s in their journey and aid in their infants health.” –Amber RN, IBCLC
“My favorite part of being a lactation nurse is the relationship that I can establish with new mom’s as they grow into their ability to nurture their babies. I am passionate about helping women navigate this journey, and feel blessed to help babies get the best start in life. Helping moms solve the issues is very rewarding” –Deb RN, IBCLC
On March 4th send an IBCLC a quick note of thanks for what they do for our community. Send them a picture of your child now, the one they helped all those many months or years ago. For these women its not the money, fame, or attention, but more the joy, love, and tears…it’s a calling!
Find more local breastfeeding resources by visiting Wichita Area Breastfeeding Coalition!
Make sure you never miss out: subscribe to our weekly Wichita Moms Blog newsletter! Be the first to know about our exclusive events, special offers and discounts, neighborhood group activities and, of course, local resources
and parenting voices powered by local Wichita moms!
