Meet the IBCLC: Isabela Lessa
Introduction
Welcome back! We’re coming to you with another installments of “Meet the IBCLC” with Isabela LessaIsabela became an IBCLC after the birth of her own child. Recognizing the need for nursing support for families, Isabela became an IBCLC and never looked back. Isabela is passionate about working with families in and beyond the DMV, whether the consults are virtual or in-person, Isabela shows up! We asked and she delivered by answering a few burning questions regarding her experience as an IBCLC.
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What was your career path like? How did you get here?
I've always loved babies! I became interested in the topic of lactation specifically in graduate school while studying maternal and child health. I thought I would go into the world of public health to help nursing parents and babies from the outside. But shortly after graduate school I had my son and learned about breastfeeding on a more personal level. While participating in support groups and La Leche League meetings I realized how much I might like to actually work with babies and new parents directly. I had most of the college level classes in health sciences already and was able, through lactation specific coursework and mentorship, to become an IBCLC in about a year. And I’ve never looked back!
What has been the most difficult part of your job?
Without a doubt the hardest part is supporting families navigating a society that doesn’t often support new parents or breast/chestfeeding babies. Some of my clients have jobs where the legally protected time for breastfeeding/pumping isn’t always respected. This is very challenging for families, and I don’t always have a solution for navigating a system that's broken in many ways. Though I do think there is more societal support now, then there was several years ago, so that's a plus.
What is your favorite/most fulfilling thing about your job?
It’s a tie. I do this work because I’m passionate about helping babies feed and families succeed. So working with a family over the course of weeks or months and seeing them overcome their challenges is very rewarding. Another thing I love is when families come back to see me with their next baby. It’s such a joy, and an honor, to be able to work with a family twice!
What is a stereotype of being an ILBLC that you think is untrue?
There is definitely a stereotype out there that IBCLC’s hate formula and will only push or support breastfeeding. This is not true. I’m sometimes the one to recommend supplementation when I think a baby needs it (our number one priority is always to feed the baby!). And ultimately my goal is to support families in achieving their infant feeding goals, whatever those goals may be. Sometimes it’s breast/chestfeeding, sometimes it’s exclusive pumping, sometimes it’s a combination of nursing and supplementing, sometimes it is weaning altogether.
What does your day to day routine as an IBCLC look like?
Right now I’m doing either telehealth or office visits. I work part time and my consults are usually from about 9:00am to 1:30pm. I have consults staggered throughout the day, typically lasting 60-75 minutes (follow ups and virtual consults are sometimes shorter). I have 15-30 minutes in between for charting and follow up calls. I often take some time during the day for professional development as well (engaging with colleagues, sharing or reading articles, listening to podcasts, or watching webinars). It may be surprising but there is always something new to learn in the world of lactation!