I was a midwifer in Germany and became a doula in NYC in 2006. It felt only natural to add my lactation consultation certificate to it to be able to help my clients just as much after birth as during birth.
What is your favorite part of being an IBCLC?
Being the "missing link" during the first postpartum weeks. Often clients don't know what they were missing until they had a visit with me and suddenly they realize how stressful everything was before and how much guidance and calmness they now have.
Who inspires you?
Ina May Gaskin- a wonderful midwife who keeps a strong voice on how to have a great birth experience and therefore set yourself and your baby up for a healthy postpartum phase.
What has been the most challenging client or situation as an IBCLC and how did you handle it?
Most challenging was a situation last year where the baby had lost 12% birth weight on day 5, hadn't had any wet diapers in 24 hours and the pediatrician said it's ok. The baby was very sleepy and jaundiced and I recommended to hand express or pump and supplement with a syringe. The clients questioned me and really didn't trust me until they googled around and realized I might be right. Plus they called me several times to hear why I said what I said and how I could really be sure that baby needs to eat more. They then saw another pediatrician who confirmed that the supplementing was necessary and also gave them a talk on how this needs to be taken seriously. It was tough to need the other pediatrician to have the clients finally trust me but they got around to it and had me come in a few more times after that plus switched the pediatrician.
What is your number one tip for new parents?
Hire a postpartum doula- I can see the difference in clients who have a doula for support and the ones who don't. They are better prepared and they know someone will be taking care of them without judgement but lots of knowledge.
NYLCA Member Profile
Stephanie Heintzeler, IBCLC
How did you get into the world of breastfeeding?
About Q&A with LA
The New York Lactation Consultant Association is a dynamic group of IBCLCs serving the greater New York City area. It is my pleasure and privilege to introduce you to these interesting and skilled practitioners.
I posed these questions to our members and I hope you enjoy getting to know us.
Enjoy!
Leigh Anne (aka LA)
