So excited to have an IBCLC included in the series! Becky is super sweet and the clients that I know used her absolutely love her! Becky does in-home and in-office visits, her office is located within Shore Grace Wellness in Salisbury!
Me: Let's start with introductions- tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do!
Becky: My name is Becky and I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant; there are five children in my blended family with four still at home. I started my private practice in the middle of the pandemic when the kids and I were all at home. At this time I see families in their homes or for virtual appointments to assist with lactation services.
Me: What brought you to this work? Have you always wanted to be a lactation consultant? Becky: After my youngest was born I spoke to a lot of other moms in the area and listened to their lactation stories; the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. Some things that those women had gone through really hurt my heart. I thought to myself, "I wouldn't dare say that to someone" or "Why did it have to be that way, I wouldn't do that" then came the 'Ah Ha' moment of "Why can't I do that?!" So I dove in headfirst and found what I was made to do. Me: What does working with you look like? Becky: Lots of information, care, and compassion! I give every family that I work with the information they need to make the decision that works for them. It is about that family, not me, I don't push or pressure anyone to feel they need to feed their baby a certain way or to feel as though they need to apologize for their choice. My job is to make sure they are informed and to support them in that decision. Me: What would life look like without lactation consultants for the women you serve?
Becky: I have served all kinds of families over the years I began this journey and if there wasn't a lactation consultant in their lives then the majority of them wouldn't be breastfeeding now. Many of them would have given up before they even really started; having a baby isn't easy, breastfeeding isn't easy. The support and knowledge a lactation consultant offers are invaluable.
Me: What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Becky: My favorite thing is seeing a mother who has been struggling and they get it 'right' and everything just clicks. The realization that they can do this. That is why I do what I do. (Baby snuggles don't hurt either!)
Me: What’s one thing you would change about the maternal standard of care-prenatal or postpartum- if you could?
Becky: I have done lactation services in different areas of the community and two of the biggest things that I have noticed is the lack of accurate education and support both prenatally and postpartum.
Me: If you were stranded on a deserted island what 5 things would you HAVE to have? Becky: Oh no! Hm... a machete, flint and steel, a tarp, a lot of rope, and a blanket Me: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Becky: I love supporting the families of the community and encouraging them to achieve their goals! Me: What's the best way for people to connect with you? Facebook and Instagram @thevillagelactation Web: www.thevillagelactation.com Email: hello@thevillagelactation.com Phone: 443-266-6200
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Becky, hope we can meet in person soon!
"the moment a child is born, a mother is born also."
much love,
Olivia