I realized this morning that I missed posting on the day itself, but better late than never!
Yesterday I was picking up my vomiting kid from school, getting Pedialyte popsicles and rapid COVID tests from CVS, and succumbing to the same gastro-bug later that night.
This morning, as my poor stomach is recovering from the trials of last night, I am reflecting on what World IBCLC Day means to me.
First of all, I have to give tribute to the lactation consultant who has made the most impact on my life – Leah Jolly, IBCLC, of Bay Area Breastfeeding and Education.
As mentioned in previous posts, she swooped in on a Sunday when I was desperately trying to feed a baby, who despite my best efforts, had lost too much weight.
She listened compassionately to my birth story, decisively made a plan for moving forward, and patiently explained the pertinent basics of breastfeeding education that I needed in that moment.
Without her, the pain and difficulties of breastfeeding would have seemed insurmountable in my mind.
I knew without a doubt that I wanted to exhaust all avenues to continue breastfeeding, so her knowledgeable help was a welcome relief to my confused and worried postpartum mind.
With her assistance, I was able to continue breastfeeding both of my kids until we weaned at 26 months.
Not only did she help me on my personal breastfeeding journey, she’s been a part of my professional one as well.
She gave me resources to prepare for the lactation consultant board certification exam and has been a cheerleader and professional sounding board in my breastfeeding medicine and tongue-tie practice.
I still remember the whirlwind trip we took together to Portland, OR, to shadow Dr. Bobby Ghaheri in his tongue-tie practice. We had fun, bonded, AND learned a ton.
I'm proud to call her both a colleague and lifelong friend.
I'm so thankful to have been on this journey, both as a mom and as a lactation professional. I love being a part of families' journeys in the 4th trimester. I love helping tongue-tied babies feed better, so that their families get relief. I love what I do!
Lactation consultants can be such an important part of our early postpartum journeys and beyond. Wish the ones in your life a happy (belated) World IBCLC Day!
