About Heather Kelly
I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who has been practicing in NYC since 2002. I am the mother of four children and was initially drawn to this work after the birth of my first son, when I realized that there is very little support for women when it comes to infant feeding.
Our culture is very focused on the birth itself, and women are often sent home from the hospital or birth center with little information on how to feed their babies; even then, much of the information is general and does not answer the specific questions that arise once you are home with your unique infant. I have extensive experience helping nursing mothers: I was the lactation consultant at Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center and at Realbirth (both now closed).
Heather Kelly, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
I have written a book on breastfeeding, appeared on various media outlets and was the featured lactation consultant in the interactive book “Ready, Set, Baby!” I ran the breastfeeding support group for the Parenting Center at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan from 2007-2014; I have taught breastfeeding classes at birth centers, parenting centers, maternity stores and for private companies, and have written for many publications.
Before becoming a lactation consultant, I taught Latin and ancient Greek in several independent schools in Manhattan (I have an MA in Classics), and still continue to teach Latin a few hours per week.
“Heather was a life saver”
I was having a lot of trouble getting a good latch with my 1 week old and the breast feeding process was very painful. I was stressed and confused on how to feed my baby as I had heard different things from the nurses and lactation consultants at the hospital. Heather came for a home visit immediately and taught me how to feed my baby. She was an incredible teacher - sympathetic, knowledgeable, and effective. She showed me how to feed and then let me practice many times with her guidance so I would be able to do it after she left. She also wrote all the details down so I would have it as a reference for later if needed.
She put us on a plan that increased my milk supply, allowed my nipples to heal, and enabled me to give my baby the breast milk he needed. Follow up after the visit with Heather was also great - she answered my questions and monitored the progress we were making. I highly recommend Heather to anyone needing a lactation consultant.
Miriam M.