CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Lactation Counselor
Healthy Children Project Inc.
Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders, BRS-S
ASHA
Certified Provider/Trainer in FEESST
(Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow and Sensory Testing)
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
Assistive Technology Provider (ATP)
NDT/Bobath 8-week course in treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy
City Kids, INC. - Chicago, IL - Certificate No: BC-1012-95
A MALE LACTATION COUNSELOR?
Another aspect of the Academy’s mission is to provide family-based lactation advice. As a male I’m no doubt in the vast minority as a certified lactation counselor. The idea is to work with the whole family in supporting the nourishment of the newborn by whatever means the family deems best. My work as a feeding specialist and Dad with a certification in lactation counseling has given me a unique perspective on breastfeeding. I’ve been in the trenches at 2am as the husband of an over-tired, anxious, first-time mother trying to navigate breast feeding. I’m also acutely aware of all the attendant baggage based on the success or failure of breast feeding a newborn.
The idea is to educate the family on the “hows” and "why’s" of breastfeeding; The goal being facilitating early success and most importantly how to support the mother no matter what decision is made. The philosophy of the practice is supporting mother’s health and well being as a means to assure a happy nurtured and well nourished baby. Knowledge is power, my lactation counseling certification program emphasized an evidence-based curriculum, assuring that the information was well researched, fact based and free of philosophical bias. The work we pursue will take all of your family and personal dynamics into account in determining how to nourish your baby. My work as a speech pathologist provides me with a “big-picture” perspective of infant feeding development and how to approach your family’s unique situation. There are a number of solutions to nourishing your baby and with knowledge, the decisions your family makes can be made with the confidence of knowing all your options.
We'll work together to help your partner with practical knowledge that will support the breast feeding mother in her hour of need. I understand (as best a male can) that obtaining a “perfect latch” on an hour’s sleep may create great frustration. Wouldn’t it be great if your partner could do more than reassuringly pat you on the shoulder and drift off to sleep?