Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Carrie Dean.
Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
I grew up in beautiful Boone, NC, and moved to NYC the week I graduated college. I stayed for 18 years (!!), until I started my family and moved to Larchmont.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
2 boys, 10 and 14.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
I had an incredibly fulfilling massage practice in the city. After having children, I wanted to segue into something a little less taxing on my body, yet equally as meaningful and fulfilling. After terrible breastfeeding struggles with my first, I was inspired to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Two years into my lactation practice, I saw the need for infant bodywork, and then combined my two careers—it has been profoundly rewarding.
You say, “It’s natural, but it doesn’t mean it comes naturally.” What do you wish more new moms knew about breastfeeding in those early days?
Mother Nature designed a brilliant system, but just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s simple or easy. Breastfeeding is an intricate dance that requires both mother and baby to be in sync and functioning well. Even one small challenge for either can disrupt the entire feeding relationship.
I often hear moms say, “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.” In most cases, they’re doing everything “right”—there’s just an underlying issue, either with mom or baby, that hasn’t been identified yet.
Have a list of trusted IBCLCs ready before your baby arrives, and reach out at the very first sign of feeding difficulties. Early support can make all the difference. It’s normal to need help.
How do you support families in finding a feeding plan that works best for them?
Each family has their particular goals for infant feeding, and those goals are set considering their specific circumstances; i.e., older children, or lack of help in the home, back to work, etc. Once I have the assessment and the goals are set, we create a plan very specific for each family, keeping in mind that the plan is fluid. They may call me in a week and say the plan is not working, so we adapt.
Rule one is always: feed the baby.
Rule 1a is: feed the baby in a way that mom feels good about.
What can a mom expect during a typical consultation with you, whether at home or in your Larchmont office?
A thorough medical history of mom and baby is taken, then a feeding is observed. I use a highly sensitive scale that measures to the milliliter how much milk the baby has transferred. I also provide a functional oral exam on each baby to assess feeding and possible tethered oral tissues (tongue ties).
Based on my observations, I give my assessment and a detailed care plan is discussed. After each visit, the plan is emailed, along with specific resources for home care to support what the dyad may need in the coming months.
Do you have any advice for moms who may be feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with breastfeeding?
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It’s hard.
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It’s normal to need help.
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Any amount of breastmilk your baby gets is a win.
Can you explain what Craniosacral Therapy is and how it helps support healing in both infants and adults?
The craniosacral system is an often-overlooked yet vital part of the body. It includes the head, spine, cerebrospinal fluid, and all the cranial and spinal nerves. This intricate and highly sensitive system can be deeply affected by a difficult birth, C-section, vacuum or forceps delivery, or even by positioning in the womb.
When these delicate structures become tight or strained, babies can struggle to fully relax and function comfortably in the world. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle yet profoundly effective way to release these tensions and asymmetries throughout the body, helping babies feel more at ease and balanced.
I combine CST and myofascial release therapy (MFR) for teenagers and adults. We are living in a world and time where our nervous system is firing much more than it was meant to. These two therapies calm the nervous system, rid chronic tensions, and align the body. Better form = better function!
I provide CST and Rhythmic Movement therapies for infants and children, and CST/MFR for teenagers and adults.
What are some signs parents might notice in their baby that would indicate Craniosacral Therapy could be helpful?
I like to give babies about a week to unwind from the pressures of birth. After that, if you notice any remaining asymmetry in your baby’s head or face (such as a “smooshed” appearance), side preferences that make latching difficult, or general tension or discomfort, it may be time for a session.
Babies who seem to have “colic” (which isn’t actually a diagnosis), are hard to settle, have digestive issues, or experienced a challenging or traumatic birth can all benefit from Craniosacral Therapy (CST). Honestly, every baby can benefit from CST.
What can families expect during a CST session with you, and how do you involve parents in the process?
Sessions typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. My goal is always to work with your baby in the calmest, happiest state possible—whatever that takes. Babies are welcome to nurse with mom, take a bottle with me, be gently bounced on a ball, walked around, or simply rest and sleep on my lap. I adapt to each baby’s needs to help keep their nervous system regulated and relaxed.
Your baby is fully dressed throughout the session. There will be periods of quiet focus, as well as times when I share what I’m feeling and how it connects to your baby’s experience. At certain moments, my hands may rest gently on your baby’s head—it may appear that not much is happening, but I assure you, there’s a lot taking place beneath the surface. With your permission, I may take pre- and post-session photos to note any changes in your baby’s head shape or overall body alignment. Home care exercises are always given.
We love to support local! What are your go-to spots in the Sound Shore area?
One of my favorite places to go is Phoenix Rising in Mamaroneck. Suey and Lisa are the owners and have curated a sweet little shop up front, with a healing space in back. They do breath workshops, sound healing baths, and all sorts of fun things to help us keep our zen in this crazy world. I also love Nova restaurant in Larchmont, delicious cocktails and food.
Where can local moms learn more or book an appointment with you?
My website! You can book an appointment or email questions directly from the website. And stay tuned for an updated Larchmont address, as I will have a new space on Larchmont Ave in November!
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