I pursured further training in postpartum care and lactation and certified as an IBCLC in 2019.  An IBCLC is an expert in lactation, breast care, and infant feeding and since we are hard to find in many rural areas, it was important to me to bring this high quality of lactation care to Southwest Minnesota. I have furthered my lactation knowledge by taking additional training in oral function including supporting families through oral restrictions (tongue and lip ties), infant reflexes, and other holistic modalities. My goal is always to help families get to the root of their issues and figure out what will work best for them.

 

I served as a birth doula for several years. As a doula, I saw my role as being an advocate and resource for the mother and her partner. Your birth is something you'll remember for the rest of your life and my goal is that you can remember it as an empowered and supported experience. I've since transitioned away from doula work but will always remember the amazing families I was privileged to support! 

​

I started Southwest Minnesota Lactation & Beyond in January 2020 and went on to co-found The Nurturey-Parenting Studio with my friend and colleague Jess Dressen in August 2021.  I was a co-owner of The Nurturey where we provided lactation services as well as doula services, prenatal education and postpartum support groups until I made the difficult decision to step away in July 2025.  I am forever grateful for the time I spent being a part of The Nurturey and so pround of all the things we were able to do to support families in the area.  

​

Through doing all this and being so nourished by supporting women and their families, I felt called to return to school to become a midwife. I completed my nurse-midwifery education through the University of Cincinnati in the spring of 2023.  I joined the midwifery team at CCM Health in Montevideo, MN in Fall of 2023 and have been working there as a nurse midwife while continuing to support families in lactation. I love this new role as it allows me to support women and families in a broader capacity. I see patients in the clinic for prenatal, postpartum, well woman and gynecologic care and attend births in the hospital - many people don't realize that nurse-midwives can do a lot more than just prenatal and birth care! We can also see babies for the first 28 days of life and as a lactation consultant I continue to support parents and babies in that capacity for as long as needed.  

​​​

My passion is for supporting women and families throughout their lifespan but especially during pregnancy and the early days of parenthood in a way that is all about meeting your goals and figuring out what works best for you.  ​I know that I will learn just as much from the families I am privileged to work with as they will learn from me.  I truly believe that if more women enter motherhood supported and empowered to tune in to themselves and their babies, we will have happier, healthier families and a happier, healthier world.