In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast, Margaret Salty sits down with fellow IBCLC Katie Prezas, founder of Empowering Lactation. Katie shares her journey into lactation consulting, the motivations behind her work, and the mission of her private practice, Empowering Lactation. Together, they discuss how Katie’s approach to breastfeeding support empowers families, addressing common challenges with empathy and practical solutions. Katie also provides valuable insights on balancing a private practice, offering listeners guidance on creating a supportive, client-centered environment.

Visit Katie’s website: empoweringlactation.com

Key Points Covered:

1. Katie Prezas’ Path to Lactation Consulting
2. Katie shares the experiences and inspiration that led her to become an IBCLC and start her own practice. She discusses her professional background, how she developed her approach to care, and the values that guide Empowering Lactation.
3. Empowering Families Through Lactation Support
4. In this segment, Katie walks through a common breastfeeding scenario she frequently addresses in her practice. She explains her methods for assessing and supporting families, highlighting strategies to overcome common hurdles and how to provide empowering, client-centered care.
5. Insights on Running a Private Practice
6. Katie shares her tips on managing a private practice, from structuring consultations to balancing client care with business demands. She offers practical advice for IBCLCs looking to establish or grow their own practices, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, empathy, and ongoing education.

Conclusion:

Katie Prezas’ work exemplifies how compassion and expertise can transform breastfeeding support. Her journey from lactation consultant to business owner serves as an inspiring roadmap for IBCLCs looking to create meaningful change through private practice. Tune in next week for more case reviews, expert insights, and practical strategies for thriving as an IBCLC.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to The IBCLC Mentor Podcast and leave a review.

Connect with Me:

Have questions or want to suggest a topic? Reach out to Margaret at margaretsalty.com or connect on social media:

• Instagram: @margaretsalty
• Facebook: Margaret Salty’s IBCLC Community

Don't forget to share this episode with fellow IBCLCs or students who are exploring their own paths to becoming lactation consultants!

Credits:

• Hosted by: Margaret Salty
• Guest: Katie Prezas
• Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationConsultant #LactationMentor #IBCLCMentorPodcast #EmpoweringLactation #PrivatePractice #BreastfeedingSupport