Stacy-Ann
LACTATION CONSULTANT, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR & DOULA

Stacy-Ann LACTATION CONSULTANT, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR & DOULA

+ mother of 5!

I am the mother of five great kids. They are my world and a major reason why I am currently working as a lactation consultant and certified doula. My first pregnancy and birth really opened my eyes to the state of maternal health. I went from being excited about my ability to birth and breastfeed to doubts and confusion about just what my body could do.

I wanted other options and sometimes didn't know where and how to find the information to make the right decisions. Before, it was all said and done, I found providers who trusted my body's ability to birth. I also learned about doulas and lactation consultants. What I took away from my first birth experience was, when I am trusted and supported to birth as intended and treated with care, I am empowered and have a positive birth experience.

My experience led me to understand that women have shared needs during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum -- support that respected their choice to make the best decision for themselves, their baby and inclusive of their partner too.

Lactation

My decision to breastfeed my first child was instinctual. I have to admit, I took a birth class but didn't even take a breastfeeding education class. So when my child ended up in the NICU and the nurse said you can pump to feed, I was like a deer in headlights. I was able to pump to feed and the lactation consultant was great help. I was absolutely blessed to have my child in a hospital that supported mothers to breastfeed. However, when our newborn was discharged, I didn't have the lactation help I needed. My own determination, my mother and my husband helped me through those first few weeks.

I really would have benefited from community breastfeeding help. Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience for parents and children. Nonetheless, it can be complex and sometimes difficult to navigate alone. Having the support of an experienced and supportive lactation consultant to guide you through any immediate concerns is of great value.

I became certified lactation consultant because I want to provide the highest level of care to mothers and babies. The reality is that most mothers struggle to breastfeed once they make it home after delivery. The reasons are often layered and it takes a trained and dedicated professional to resolve and meet the needs of both mom and baby.

As a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), I am clinically trained and licensed to work within Georgia. My clients will benefit from my experience in lactation clinics, pediatric office, newborn clinic and NICU. For appointments you can choose office, home or virtual consultations.  Additionally, our local support groups are a unique blend of peer-to peer support with expert input.  Group classes are the perfect place for you to learn and make connections with other moms like you. All services can be booked online and we welcome your calls too.

Holistic Doula

I became a doula because I wanted women to have continued support, a sound physiological understanding of their pregnant body, and be empowered to make the right decisions for their body.  There is so much that takes place with your body and emotional state while pregnant. You should be able to explore what is happening with your pregnancy outside of a short office visit.

Pregnancy and birth is more than three trimesters, and three stages of labor.  Every women should have a committed doula to support her throughout her pregnancy & birth.

Who we are

When I envisioned the essence of Gwinnett Breastfeeding it is a space where a women’s body and innate ability is always honored and championed. In this space she can always come to learn, to gather, to share in her journey with other women. She will grow as she navigate the newness of motherhood. Not forgetting self but welcoming motherhood. Our space should always be a safe space. Within our walls, I welcome women to have the physiological and emotional support they are seeking in lactation.

Why Choose a Certified Lactation Consultant

A board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is clinically educated to resolve breastfeeding concerns, prevent breastfeeding issues, promote breastfeeding, educate and protect breastfeeding. They have attained the highest level of training, sat for and passed an exam. In the state of Georgia to work as an lactation consultant, you need to be licensed. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies.IBCLCs work in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice.