Today is the last day of World Breastfeeding Week 2019, and I could not let this week finish without highlighting one of the most amazing new resources we have here in the tri-state area. Holly Phillips has worked as a birth professional for the past 8 years, as a DONA certified birth doula, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, and La Leche League leader. Holly has a true passion for helping growing families, and is now branching out in a new business as this area’s only independent international board certified lactation consultant! I have known Holly for close to 6 years, and can tell you that she is fantastically warm and bubbly with an enormous heart for service, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how very INTELLIGENT and savvy she is too. Are you as curious about her new business as I was? Then read on to find out her answers to my top 5 questions:
| 1. Why are you passionate about helping new families with breastfeeding? My passion for helping families with breastfeeding began with my own difficulties nursing my first baby. We worked with numerous feeding specialists in the hospital and once we were discharged. However, my daughter was never able to breastfeed. I became an exclusive pumper and decided to educate myself so that my next attempts at breastfeeding might be more successful. As a doula, and later as a La Leche League leader I had the honor of assisting families with breastfeeding education, but I still wanted to do more. In January 2019, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant because it allowed me to address more complex breastfeeding situations, be more hands-on in assessing and assisting dyads and offer comprehensive support. 2. How are your services different than a hospital-based IBCLC? First of all, I want to clarify that I am extremely grateful for hospital- based IBCLCs, they are often the first line of support in getting babies to breastfeed successfully at the start. They work to improve hospital protocols that impact feeding at their facilities. However, it can be difficult for them to offer services that extend beyond the newborn period. Because I have the ability to come to families where they are and where they breastfeed most often, I am able to create a truly individualized plan of care utilizing the support network they have in place. I try to look at all pieces of the puzzle when there are breastfeeding difficulties and because I set my own schedule, I can spend as much time as needed to help families work through the often multi-layered issues that lead to problems with feeding. 3. Are your services covered by insurance? I currently do not accept any insurance. I can provide a superbill for visits which families may utilize to seek reimbursement from their insurance companies. I cannot guarantee reimbursement. 4. What is your favorite part about being an independent IBCLC? Working with families in their own home environment allows me to form a solid professional relationship that accounts for all the variables that impact the breastfeeding relationship. I create plans based on these variables and have more flexibility because I get to craft my own protocols for addressing concerns using evidence-based information. I get to know families on a more personal level, and there is frequent follow up so that continuity of care is maintained. 5. What is the biggest misconception about IBCLCs? I think the biggest misconception about IBCLCs is that we do not support mothers who bottlefeed or use formula to supplement babies. While my goal is to help families provide breastmilk to their babies, I value any amount of breastmilk babies receive and often work with families on introducing a bottle safely. Every family deserves respect and compassion around their feeding goals. |
Holly is magnificent, and I sincerely hope that she is a HUGE success, as I know that more support for breastfeeding is a GREAT thing! You can find Holly at:
- Beacon Breastfeeding Support
- c 270-896-9284
- info@beaconbreastfeedingsupport.com
- Beaconbreastfeedingsupport.com