Inspired after the wonderful births of her own 2 children, Gretchen fulfilled her dream in 1998 to work in the childbirth profession by becoming an obstetrical nurse. Since then she’s worked with new families at major NYC hospitals, assisting them during the births of their babies and into the post natal period. Gretchen is also a certified as a childbirth educator since 1999. In 2006 Gretchen certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and began working as a breastfeeding specialist in hospital and women’s health center settings as well as seeing clients privately.
Bonnie has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for over 18 years. For 24 years s been a La Leche League Leader involved in counseling moms, running meetings and organizing conferences. She teaches breast feeding classes at New York University as well do individual hands-on counseling both on the regular floor and in the neonatal Intensive Care unit. Bonnie strives to provide the information and support necessary so woman can feel confident in their ability to feed and nurture their baby. She is the mom to 3 wonderful sons
Tamara is the Director of Stork and Cradle, Inc. She has been a maternity nurse for 11 years and Certified Lactation Consultant for 5 years. Tamara is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, and is a Level 3 Birthing From Within Instructor. She has worked in several Manhattan hospitals as well as the Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center. Tamara realized her call to educate and support mothers on their childbearing choices and breastfeeding skills after the birth of her 14 year old daughter.
Tamara currently teaches prenatal classes including “Expecting Multiples” and is a lactation consultant at a hospital here in the city. She travels for private breastfeeding consults in the evenings and some weekends. She is presently in graduate school to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in breastfeeding medicine.
Patricia McGuire is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) with over five years experience helping mothers breastfeed their babies. Along with her private practice, Patricia works on the maternity floor at Beth Israel Hospital and teaches classes in breastfeeding and newborn care at Realbirth, a center for childbirth and postpartum education. She is also currently studying public heath and media at CUNY.
Diana comes to RaisingMOM with over 25 years of experience helping new and repeat moms learn and master breastfeeding. Diana is a graduate of Lehman College in New York City and is a certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Diana is known in the industry as a professional who manages to maintain an easy going nature. She always maintains her focus on providing the best care to her clients.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Paula studied and practiced as a Registered Practical Nurse for five years. She has worked in a diverse array of positions within the health care system from homecare pediatrics to adult orthopedics. Following the birth of her first child, Paula relocated to Brooklyn, New York and devoted her energies to raising her new baby girl. Concerned over a lack of support regarding breastfeeding and mothering issues, Paula joined her local La Leche League while pregnant with her second child. Demonstrating passion and aptitude for the subject matter, Paula was designated La Leche Leader of Brooklyn South and secured accreditation as a Certified Lactation Counselor. In these capacities, she mentors many new and expecting mothers.
