This could be a 10,000 word post, but I will keep my thoughts brief and to-the-point. I have been working with mothers for over a decade. I knew nothing about breastfeeding when I first started working in an OB surgery unit ten years ago. I almost remember being disturbed by breastfeeding when I saw it (rarely) - thanks a lot society and mom!! But the reality was, I could not stop thinking about the biology and human design of breastfeeding. I knew intuitively it was what was best for babies. So, as my fascination grew, so did my curiosity. If it was as simple as more support, than would we just do that and more women would breastfeed?

The issues with breastfeeding are SO complex at this point and society is completely plagued by misinf...

The more I am in this work, the more I see an epidemic forming up around us. Mothers, more and more, are not holding their babies. They are making “funny” Instagrams about how annoying and clingy their newborns are. They are buying every gizmo and gadget to avoid holding their baby. We are absolutely accosted with the lie that you should not sleep next to your baby. And who is paying the ultimate price? Truthfully, it's everyone.

Mothers who go against their biological design to hold their baby because of programming and modern belief systems may not be able to connect their crippling anxiety and worry to the fact that they refuse to hold their babies, but it is absolutely affecting them. Anytime we go against what our bodies are designed ...

My main saying is "I believe strongly in the mother-infant dyad and their biological design to breastfeed successfully in a supportive environment." 

I also believe that most women can breastfeed successfully with the right support, but for a small number of expectations. 

I believe that breastfeeding is a vital sign for babies.  As a nurse, we are constantly assessing vital signs, if a baby cannot breastfeed, my question is why; what has to be explored further. 

I believe that infants today are not learning proper oral-motor function and it is leading to a multitude of childhood illnesses, orthodontic requirements, speech issues, picky eating and more. 

I absolutely believe more than anything in the world that mother's are innately...

Over the years, the tongue tie industry has changed dramatically.  I rarely fall into one belief system about anything.  Everything is much more nuanced than simply yes or no.  The same holds true for frenectomies and tongue ties.  There is no equation that says "if tongue tie then frenectomy." That lacks nuance, individualized care, and a look at a holistic body or the entire dyad as a whole. 

When you work with me concerning your baby's tongue tie, my goal is to first identify what your desires are as a mother.  We assess functionality as well as appearance.  I give you multiple options for moving through your child's situation including an energetic approach, possibly a frenectomy, and bodywork.  I have a foundational belief that not a...

If you have followed me on social media or have ever heard me speak, you have heard me use this term.  Everything we do as a society these days is in a closed or collapsed position.  Think of driving, sitting at your desk, looking at your phones etc.  We are constantly hunched over. 

When women are pregnant, the heaviness of their bellies will pull their body even further into a closed position if they are not used to an open posture.  Our babies, therefore, are developing with very little space in utero.  Then, when they come out, they are swaddled, scrunched, and generally squished into a closed position. 

My practice focuses on opening them up.  Imagine trying to drink water with your chin on your chest.  If you were really thirsty, ...

First and foremost, I am a believer in learning through experiences.  Being a mother and having my own breastfeeding journey has been my greatest teacher.  I received my Bachelor's in Nursing from UNC Wilmington.  I was trained as an IBCLC through NC State University and through an amazing mentor that I still partner with regularly.  I took the Craniosacral Fascial Therapy class in Greenville, which included the adult and infant-specific course.  I took Craniosacral Therapy with Lori Hendrickson as well.  Most recently, I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Master's Degree in Public Health and Nutrition.  I have followed the work of many experienced, highly intelligent IBCLCs who have come before me.  

This is an excellent question.  Why should you trust me with your baby and your family as opposed to another IBCLC in the community? 

The work I am doing with babies is very different than your typical IBCLC.  I do not believe current practices are sufficient for the community's success otherwise our rates of exclusive breastfeeding would not be 20%.  I focus on open-bodied breastfeeding which incorporates a different style of latching babies than what you will see from others.  I utilize infant body work and foundational movement as a key element of my practice.  I educate mothers on nutrition, infant practices, and following their own intuition.  I often encourage families to learn about their own baby, so they do not feel bound by me, ...