“I had my daughter Avery on January 17, 2012. While I still pregnant,

I made the decision that I would breastfeed her exclusively. I had

done a lot of reading about breastfeeding and thought I was well

prepared. I assumed that it would be a natural experience that would

go smoothly. While I was still in the hospital, I had many nurses and

lactation consultants giving me advice and assistance, but Avery would

not latch on. I started to feel extremely disheartened that it was

such a challenge for Avery and I. The toughest part was realizing

that it was not only work for me, but also required work on Avery's

part. That was a tough realization, that my newborn daughter had to

work to eat, rather than just enjoy an easy bottle feeding. I was

determined to make it work though, because of all the amazing benefits

I knew breastfeeding would provide for Avery and I. After a short

time at home and still having difficulty, I researched home visiting

lactation consultants and discovered Sandra. She was incredible! The

most important gift I received from Sandra was encouragement. Because

breastfeeding was so difficult and would have been so easy to give up

on, getting the encouragement from Sandra kept me from quitting. She

provided me with some amazing tools and advice to help our feedings to

go more smoothly and more pain-free. Having Sandra in my home was

also so important to me, so that she could help me in my own

environment. Sandra has continued to check in with me and offer me

words of encouragement. Hands down, breastfeeding has been the

biggest challenge of my life, but I am so thankful there are people

like Sandra who have dedicated their time and effort to helping moms

like me."