A Magazine from Akron Children's

Q: What is breastfeeding medicine?

A: Breastfeeding medicine is a specialized area of health care that focuses on supporting breastfeeding parents and their babies to make breastfeeding a positive and fulfilling experience. We launched this division in 2024.

Q: As a provider, what led you to the path of breastfeeding medicine?

A: In 2019, I had twins who were born early at 30 weeks. They spent several weeks in the NICU. I desired to nurse them during that time, and my option was to provide pumped breast milk. I realized more breastfeeding information could be shared with families after NICU or newborns are discharged from the hospital. The more I learned, the more I wanted to help mothers and babies. In 2021, I received International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) and North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (NABBLM) certifications. This additional training has really helped me address the breastfeeding challenges of moms and their babies.

Q: The nature of breastfeeding medicine may lead to delicate conversations with families. What skills do you draw on to navigate these situations?

A: This is one of the most challenging and one of my favorite parts of this role as a provider. Having a baby is hard, and struggling with feeding brings a whole new level of emotional stress. With 90-minute appointments, that allows a lot of time for feelings to bubble up. I often share my own story with families, as I find personal experience a valuable tool. I like to let my patients know that this is hard, but we have tools to work through it together. I hope to leave my families with a sense of peace and control. Their feeding plan should be manageable once they go home and personally designed for them. I share two goals with families: Baby needs to be fed, and everyone needs to be happy. Each of these is equally important.

Q: If mothers are nervous about seeking breastfeeding medicine appointments, what encouraging advice would you give to them?

A: We feel strongly that all mothers should make an appointment with our team. Even if things are going well, we know tricks and tips that can make things easier. We don’t ever want our families to feel pressured to do anything they can’t or don’t want to do. A lot of people are hesitant to make appointments because they’re not sure they want to breastfeed at all, and that’s OK! We can help make any feeding plan or recommendations to meet a family’s wishes and needs.

Q: How long have you worked at Akron Children’s?

A: I’ve been with Akron Children’s for seven years. I’m a native of Northeast Ohio, growing up in Solon.

Q: What do you do enjoy doing when you are not working?

A: I love spending time at home with my husband and our three boys: 5-year-old twins and our 2-year-old. I enjoy exercising, reading and crossword puzzles.

Q: What piece of advice did someone give you when you were young that still resonates with you today?

A: My father once said to me, “Your parents can teach you who you want to be, and who you don’t want to be.” I think this resonates with me at home and at work. Seeing new parents every day, I would love to give them the confidence to be strong, loving, caring parents while decreasing the stress and hardships of new parenting.