Luciana Stehlik 2020 Recipient 2021 Certified (Romania)
So about me lately, I had a lot of new things happening in my personal life. On 15th of January we welcomed baby Sebastian in our lives and the month following to birth we tried to find a new balance in our family life. In the following weeks I lost my mother, so I felt the need to give me time and space to process and to grief.
As an IBCLC, I joined a breastfeeding clinic (Clinica de alăptare) who is formed by IBCLC's and pediatricians who are supporting breastfeeding and helping mothers overcome breastfeeding problems. I did at home consultations and online support at the peak of the pandemic waves. Also, I have created a breastfeeding class for new parents who will help them guide throughout first days. The scholarship helped me with an extensive knowledge about breastfeeding combined with the counseling skills that help me see the mother and baby dyad in a unique way. In the future I dream about opening my own private practice and to offer support to mothers pre and post birth. I created a Facebook and Instagram page as well - Jurnal de alăptare - who is meant to educate the public and new parents about what are the newborn needs, what is normal in breastfeeding and break the myths.
https://www.facebook.com/Jurnaldealaptare
Also, together with ACLR (the Romanian association of breastfeeding counselors) I am providing a class on How to become IBCLC for the persons interested in becoming certified lactation consultants. This guidance job makes me feel accomplished as I help people realize how important is to have professionals in the breastfeeding area from all the backgrounds.