Lactation Matters is proud to begin a new series of blog posts, from now until July when the 2013 exam to certify IBCLCs is given. As we seek to increase access to the services of IBCLCs, cheering on those who are taking up the challenge should be celebrated! If you are a 2013 exam hopeful and would like to share a bit with us what inspired you to become an IBCLC, please email us at lactationmatters@gmail.com.
My name is De’Chelle Pierson and I’m Registered Nurse (RN) from the Houston area. I work for one of the most prominent hospitals in the Houston Medical Center. For more than 6 years, I worked in the NICU level 2 and 3 until I accepted a position at the Grand Opening of our hospitals community extension in the Pediatric EC and General Pediatric Inpatient Unit. For a NICU RN, this was a huge transition for me. To go from caring for premature infants to dealing with the hustle and bustle of the emergency room was a different world.This transition however was a blessing in disguise. I was exposed to a world of new parents who lacked the support they needed to breastfeed, troubleshoot newborn technicalities and have basic knowledge of newborn care. With all my NICU experience in caring for newborns and assisting mothers breastfeed, I was astounded that more than half the community population lacked the true support they need to be confident at caring for their newborns and breastfeeding. With a desire to implement a change, I launched my own company called Brilliantly Baby to inspire, support and educate expecting parents and infant care providers. June will be my 1 year anniversary and I feel so accomplished to have touched the lives of expecting families by educating them on how to care for their babies on the way. Currently, I provide public and private workshops for parents and even grandparents to be, a night nurse program and newborn RN consultations.
Obtaining my IBCLC® will be a great accomplishment and another great way I will be able to support the mothers in my community. As a mother myself and as a nurse, there is no better feeling to help another mother feel competent in her role. I look forward to this great journey!