In celebration of IBCLC Day, we’re asking IBCLCs of all sorts to reflect a bit on what makes them essential within their communities. Today, we highlight Dr. Todd Wolynn, IBCLC of the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Kids Plus Pediatrics, and also the National Breastfeeding Center.
What makes an IBCLC essential in my community? Why, I’ve been desperately waiting to for someone to ask me that question.
Dr. Wolynn has been an IBCLC since 1995– and is darn proud of it!
IBCLC’s – well they’re just great people… and so knowledgeable in the ways of the force! They’ve got big hearts, supportive shoulders and how should I say… a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. Every community ought to have one. No, make that ten!
All kidding aside, IBCLC’s are people who want to help. They are committed and do their work passionately – unfortunately, often at their on expense. In this day and age, in this economy when there is are fewer available resources – IBCLC’s are just not willing to let a mom or baby down when they need the help. Breastfeeding support is crucial, and vital, and needs to be appropriately compensated.
Our communities are starting to ‘get it’. Some a lot faster than others but most are now recognizing the benefits of increased breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. IBCLC’s are a critical resource available to communities, hospitals and medical practices who improve breastfeeding experiences and rates.
So in MY Pittsburgh community – my essential “Top 3” favorites goes like this:
1) Penguins
2) IBCLC’s
3) Steelers (would have been higher had they won the Super Bowl)
*editor’s note: And if you know anything about Pittsburgh sports culture, you know that IBCLCs must be knocking it out of the park to be ranked amoung these beloved teams!
Dr. Todd Wolynn has been a General Pediatrician and IBCLC since 1995. He returned to Carnegie Mellon University from 2006-8 to obtain his Master of Medical Management degree. Dr. Wolynn serves the AAP Section on Breastfeeding Executive Committee and serves in an advisory capacity at the United States Breastfeeding Committee. He has written and presented nationally on breastfeeding benefits and the need for more support. Dr. Wolynn is recognized nationally for teaching physicians ‘how to’ powerfully and effectively support breastfeeding in hospitals and offices. He is very proud of his effort to create the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh (in 2006) and the National Breastfeeding (in 2011).
That was a fun read! I’d like to share more on the difference IBCLCs make.
http://www.bloomspokane.com/2013/03/06/ibclcs-make-a-difference/
I love that “(IBCLCs) have a certain je ne c’est quoi”– sometimes there’s that “click” and it all starts to go right. And there’s this comment from the mom about some magic that just came from your IBCLC wand…but we know where the magic truly lies….