We’re excited to highlight Traci, nurse and lactation consultant, for National Breastfeeding Month! Keep reading to learn more about Traci’s work in supporting families with their feeding goals, what she loves most about her job and more.
Get to know Traci!
Tell me about your role.
“I work as a lactation consultant at the Children’s Minnesota NICU at Mercy Hospital. I support our moms with getting started on pumping, establishing and protecting their milk supply, and helping moms breastfeed since feeding a preemie can have different challenges. Overall, I work with families to learn what their feeding goals are and how I can support their goals.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“I usually check in with our charge nurse and floor nurses to see if there are any immediate needs on the unit. Then I begin visiting with families during care times to see what their needs are. I may help with a breastfeeding session, pump session or troubleshooting any issues that may arise. If families cannot be on the unit, I will try to connect over the phone to address any concerns they may have.”
What do you want patients, families and staff to know about the work you do?
“I love what I do, and I hope it always reflects in the conversations we have. Mostly I want the families to know that I am there to support them with their goals. I will always be a safe space so they can come to me with their successes, challenges, questions and I will be their sounding board or their creative problem solver.”
What do you love most about your job?
“I love helping families celebrate themselves and their baby. When so many things in the neonatal world fall out of parents’ control, it can be very overwhelming. But when you give them something like providing milk or feeding their baby, it empowers them, as it is something only they can do.”
What do you think makes kids remarkable?
“The resiliency of our patients can sometimes stop me in my tracks. Our patients and families go through some of the most challenging experiences, and yet they continue to smile, share joy and celebrate victories where they can find them.”
