I have undergrad degrees in culinary arts and dietetics, and a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and wellness. I have worked in the lactation field since 2013, most recently becoming credentialed as an IBCLC in 2023. My firstborn was delivered via cesarean birth in 2012 when it was common for hospitals to send you home with free formula samples. I was not prepared for the challenges of delayed milk production and engorgement I faced afterward. And pumping? Let’s add one more thing to try to figure out while trying to recover from major surgery! I thought I knew about breastfeeding, but as it turned out, there was a lot I did not know. My second time around, I felt more confident. However, I experienced a lot of nipple pain, tearful nights, and frustration, likely due to a tongue-tied baby. I managed to breastfeed for 19 months, but it was not without struggles. I was inspired to become a lactation consultant so that I could help others who also face breastfeeding challenges. Breastfeeding is one of the best things that you can do to prepare your babies for life outside the womb. Nutrition is only one part of what an infant gets when they nurse. They also get antibodies that help protect them from infections and chronic disease, it helps with brain and body development, and they get to connect with you in a way that cannot be replicated, which improves their mental health, as well as yours.
Scheduling and payment for services are through Nurture Columbus.
Candice Myers, IBCLC 