Part three of introducing you to SELCA members making a difference in Georgia! Teresa joined the SELCA Board of Directors this year- we hope you’ll enjoy getting to know her!
Teresa, tell us a bit about you. I am currently working as the lactation consultant for AU Medical Center in Augusta. I sat for the IBCLC exam for the first time in 1988 (back when Orlando was the only testing site!) I worked with La Leche League in six states through out my 20 + year ‘career’ (TN, AK, WA OR, TX and GA) as a Leader. My husband of 45 years, Michael, and I are parents to five fabulous children and grandparents to six “Littles”15 yrs -7 weeks old. Yep, every one was breastfeed! 23 cumulative years of Black Breastfeeding and counting.
What are your clinical interests/specialties? My clinical interests are broad. Getting breastfeeding ‘launched,’ no matter the challenges, is one. Whether the challenge is a NICU stay, or mother spending time in ICU, or just getting through the often treacherous first 4-6 weeks. My biology education and background fuel my interest in the immunological and hormonal aspects of human lactation and human milk. One of my mantras is that breastmilk and breastfeeding create health and wellness for all involved. Certain colostral proteins, for example SSA 1, which is specific to human milk, play a role in protecting the newborn from harmful organisms. Fascinating! What advice do you have for others looking to become IBCLC? Make your plan, set your plan in motion! Don’t fear asking questions, or for guidance. Believe in the unique value you will bring to the profession. Seek out a mentor and maybe even a ‘study buddy’.
What do you love about your work? The families! Moms, grandparents, aunties, brothers and sisters. The energy generated by a growing family is hard to beat! When working with moms, babies and their families as they slip into the flow of parenting and breastfeeding, I have the privilege of standing in the midst of what feels like the beating heart of humanity! My contact with each family is spiritual and always special.
Why is black breastfeeding week important to you? BBW provides a wonderful international forum for the stories, concerns and triumphs of Black families through a breastfeeding lens. Historically this rich body of information has not been shared or celebrated. BBW is a time to do both.
What are you doing to celebrate black breastfeeding week? This year I am focusing on reintroducing the fabulous materials on the Office of Women’s Health website, “It’s Only Natural” to those in my area of influence. Physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students, breastfeeding educators and families.