My introduction to breastfeeding came in my first job out of college. I didn’t realize part of my job description as a nutritionist would require training as a “breastfeeding counselor.” Fortunately, I loved it! Over the years, I went to lactation conferences, studied breastfeeding textbooks, and counseled pregnant and nursing mothers. I completed training to become a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE). I used to think I knew a lot about breastfeeding.
Then, I had a baby.
I was determined to breastfeed, but between medical complications and lack of support in the hospital, his determination to NOT breastfeed nearly won. I needed support, information, hands-on expert help. We went on to happily breastfeed for just over two years, and I have developed a deep respect for both the nursing relationship and the amazing substance that is human milk.
My Background
I am a Registered Dietitian, with an undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics degree from Messiah College, and a Masters of Public Health from UCLA. Most of my career has been about pediatric nutrition. I’ve worked in both the clinical (pediatric acute and intensive care) and public health settings. These experiences are what led me to obtain my Certified Lactation Educator credentials. After completing a 9-month preparation course I sat for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam in July 2011. Results will be out by the end of October 2011. . . stay tuned!
About This Blog
I created this space in August, 2009, as a place of support, information, and discussion. I try to share relevant and helpful information about breastfeeding, as well as my own personal experiences and mistakes, joys, frustrations, and fears. Join me. I would love to hear from anyone who reads this. Share your experiences and thoughts. Breastfeeding or not.
Hello Christina!
I think it is time to take the IBCLE and get your IBCLC . How much counseling experience have you acquired by now? Probably enough to take the exam – have you looked into it? Set a goal for July 2010!
Forced to become a counselor? Yikes – sounds harsh.
“Amazing substance that is human milk” – all babies deserve it!
Glad your baby got mom’s mIlk.
Cathy, you are my hero. Thanks for turning me into a breastfeeding counselor. I learned much from you, and your enthusiasm for breastfeeding education inspired me!
I do have enough practice hours to meet the requirements to sit for the exam. But most of that is talking and teaching, and not enough “hands-on” helping babies learn to latch and solve problems. I’d like to take a preparation course next year, and then sit for the exam in 2011.
Take a look at some of the practice exams out there and look at the IBCLE web site on the other areas on the exam such as ethics, statistics – you will have plenty of food for thought. And lots of learning baby development while being a mommy — such a fantastic career in itself!!!
Love and enjoy that little person!!!
PS is this your site? Did you design and develop this? WOW
Hi! I am not a breastfeeding mom, but have a friend who is. Nor do I have children of my own, so, I am asking questions out of ignorance, I guess. My friends son is 2 1/2 yrs old and doesn’t eat any food except maybe peaches. She says when she tries something new he get diarrhea or a diaper rash, so she only tries it once. So, his only nutrition strictly breastfeeding. He looks like he is failure to thrive. He cannot say more than 5-10 words. I am wondering if he has missed out on some serious developmental milestones by exclusively breastfeeding for this long. I have no problem with the breastfeeding, but doesn’t he need other nutrition to grow? Any help would be so appreciated!! Thank you!
Hi Kam, Yes, he does need other nutrition besides breastmilk at his age. Exclusive breastfeeding should be complemented by solid foods at around 6 months for most babies. By a year, breastmilk is still very good for babies, but they need other foods to continue to thrive. Breastfeeding doesn’t delay their readiness for solids. Interest in eating foods, and the ability to digest them, is a normal part of a baby’s development whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. It sounds like there’s something else going on here. I hope your friend has sought medical evaluation and therapy for this concern.
Hi Kam – It sounds like more is going on than just dietary — what does mom have to say about her child’s intake, growth and development? Also what has she shared with you related to his health and doctor /well child visits?