Education and Work

I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2008 and subsequently worked as a Pediatric RN for 9 years. I worked in many different inpatient settings with young children, babies and their families supporting new parents through often overwhelming times in their life and parenting journey.  In 2014 I decided to further my education at Columbia University and became a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  Graduating in 2017, I have continued my professional journey supporting families and currently work part-time in an outpatient pediatric office while concurrently starting and growing Little Love Lactation.

 Personal

In 2018, due to military service, my husband and I were stationed far away from family and friends when I had my first daughter.  Isolated and exhausted, I realized that despite my knowledge of children and infants, I was still struggling with breastfeeding.  How did other moms do it?!

Throughout my breastfeeding journeys with all 3 children, I seemingly encountered every possible hurdle in the lactation world (latching issues, oral dysfunction, food protein allergies, elimination diets, mastitis, tongue and lip ties and nipple damage to name a few).  I was able to connect with some great support along the way which only served to push me in the direction of becoming an IBCLC to help others.

I currently live in Northern Westchester with my husband, 3 girls, dog and 4 chickens!

 Lactation Certifications and Trainings

I became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist in 2021 and subsequently an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2022 and Little Love Lactation was officially founded in early 2023.  I’m thrilled to begin to serve the families in my community by supporting them through their lactation and infant feeding journeys. 

I have completed the Masterclass for Oral Habilitation of Breastfeeding Dyads, adding to my knowledge toolkit and helping me support families of infants with TOTs (tethered oral tissues).

I am currently a member of the New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA) as well as the Hudson Valley Birth Network.

ABOUT ME

My Philosophy

“It takes a village” 

We’ve all heard it but most new parents bring baby home and wonder “where is my village?”  Breastfeeding is no different.  It is natural but that doesn’t mean that it’s always easy.  I am here to help you navigate feeding your child.  I specialize in prenatal teaching, early breastfeeding support of the dyad, a functional oral assessment, tethered oral tissues, and combination feeding. 

 

My mission as an IBCLC is to empower the mothers and families in my community with the relevent support, tools and knowledge to promote a healthy and positive infant feeding relationship.  YOUR goals are of utmost importance and what I am here to help you with.  There is no “one-size-fits-all” advice or care plan.

QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT MORE INFORMATION?