Lactation consultation in Chicago, Illinois

Danette (Danni) is an RN IBCLC based in the western suburbs of Chicago. Her career has been focused in the maternal child field, primarily as a NICU RN, NICU RN lactation consultant, and as a lactation consultant both in postpartum units and hospital-based outpatient lactation services. Danni has her MS in Perinatal Clinical Nursing, and utilizes evidence-based and best practice recommendations in her clinical lactation approach with her patients

Danni has also utilized her professional knowledge in roles as a NICU clinical nurse specialist and adjunct nursing instructor, providing education and mentorship of staff and nursing students in obstetrical and pediatric clinical settings. She has always been an advocate of parental rights and family-centered care for parents of infants in the NICU, and has a passion for infant neuro-developmental care. She has actively participated in unit-based committees promoting practice changes in these areas. Danni supports the March of Dimes and has participated in many MOD Walks for Healthy Babies, as well as having  being  a MOD hospital team walk coordinator for 2 years.    

Danni feels so fortunate to work in a field with newborn infants.  She loves to share her  "baby whisperer" skills with new parents, is encouraging and supportive  of them in their new parenting role. Her goal is to educate  and promote parental confidence in an effort to decrease the anxiety and stress of caring for young infants.

Dr. Shirley Scott is a dedicated lactation consultant and advanced practice nurse with a passion for supporting families through the breastfeeding journey. With over three decades of experience in maternal and infant health, she brings a wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to her practice.

Dr. Scott earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2020, further enhancing her ability to integrate evidence-based lactation care into clinical practice. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Virginia Commonwealth University (1994) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Adelphi University (1989).

As a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), Dr. Scott specializes in developing individualized lactation care plans, supporting families with complex breastfeeding challenges, and advocating for improved perinatal health policies. She has worked in diverse healthcare settings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Scott is deeply committed to education and mentorship, training healthcare professionals in lactation support.  Her dedication to maternal-child health continues to make a lasting impact on the well-being of the families she serves.

Lauren LeBeau is a Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant with over a decade of experience in neonatal and maternal care. Lauren received her Master’s of Science in Nursing from DePaul University in Chicago. She grew up in the western suburbs of Illinois and currently resides in Elmhurst with her husband and three boys. Her personal breastfeeding journey has facilitated her empathy and compassion to support and encourage other mothers.

Lauren has always had a love for babies which is what led to her becoming a level III NICU RN for over five years. During this time, she developed a passion for breastfeeding and helping new moms establish and reach their individual breastfeeding goals. Lauren prides herself on her ability to establish rapport with patients which she believes is the key to successful outcomes with her patients and their infants. Her NICU background also fostered her appreciation for education, as she believes educating her patients can empower and provide the tools they need to be successful on their feeding journeys.

Lauren has worked as an IBCLC for six years in a hospital setting seeing patients on the postpartum floor, in the NICU, as well as in the outpatient setting. With a passion for promoting successful breastfeeding and infant nutrition, Lauren works closely with families to address challenges such as latch difficulties, low milk supply, tongue ties, and NICU-to-home transitions. This background in neonatal care allows her to provide specialized support for parents of preterm and medically fragile infants.

Isabel Rodriguez Hernandez is a Nurse with a Master's degree in Nursing from the National University of Colombia with an emphasis on maternal-perinatal care.  She has been an International Breastfeeding Consultant certified by IBCLC since 2015, was and recertified in 2020. She practices as a registered nurse in New York  and Illinois. 

Angelique Muhammad is a childbirth educator and lactation consultant with over 30 years of experience providing compassionate, personalized care to breastfeeding families at every stage of their journey within the Chicago land and surrounding area. As an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 1995, she supports families from the first moments after birth through the transition back to work, including specialized care for NICU families. She is a certified childbirth educator and has training as a doula. Angelique has traveled internationally to Africa, educating midwives about breastfeeding. Her extensive experience includes working with families across diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic situations, ensuring inclusive and culturally sensitive care for all.

Angelique's approach is grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience, with an added multidisciplinary approach when warranted. Her passion for lactation support grew from her own successful breastfeeding journeys with her two children. She further advanced her clinical expertise by earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 2009 with an emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leadership.

Guided by her motto, "common love common expression with a soft tender touch," Angelique listens attentively to each family's unique concerns and desires. She combines her advanced clinical skills with deep empathy to help families achieve their individual breastfeeding goals in a way that feels natural and graceful for them.

Lisa Moy is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  A graduate of Elmhurst University, she received her Baccalaureate in both Nursing and Psychology. Lisa has worked in community-based hospitals for the past 30 years, assisting families both before and after giving birth to achieve their breast/chest feeding goals. 

Lisa’s strengths in the infant feeding field include:  maternal nutrition, establishing lactation/milk supply, maintaining lactation while separated from baby/returning to work, nursing the older baby/toddler and emotional support of the family. 

Lisa is an active listener, and has a calm, reassuring demeanor.  She stays current on infant feeding research and has many resources available for additional support.  

Diane Benner is a certified lactation consultant with 17 years experience in the lactation field, and got her start in maternal child health on a postpartum and labor and delivery unit. She also cross trained to a level three NICU.

Diane has a masters of science in nursing and a bachelors of science in nursing. She was certified as an IBCLC in 2007.  

She enjoys teaching & have lots of experience in the area of hospital inpatient, outpatient clinics, home visits, and conducting childbirth education classes, and infant care classes. 

Diane got her start as part of a team at Indiana University Medical Center which was also a Baby Friendly hospital system. She has worked primarily in pediatrics, postpartum, labor, and delivery, and in public health settings. Diane's specialties are creating strategies that work for you, and having your goals in mind; working with breast-feeding assistance and support, consultations, early parenting education, evidence based care, exclusive pumping, and paced bottle feeding techniques, latch issues, using feeding aids, low milk, supply, or over supply, feeding assistance with multiples, newborn comfort measures and calming skills, and breast pain, postpartum care, and support for pregnancy loss.

Sandra Jennings-Curry, RN, MSN, IBCLC, CNL, is a registered nurse and lactation consultant from Denver, Colorado, currently residing in Chicago, IL. She received her Master’s of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leadership Certificate from Rush University in Chicago. Sandra’s lactation journey started over seven years ago, with the majority of her work focusing on the immediate newborn phase of breastfeeding. She is passionate about decreasing health disparities and providing breastfeeding support to underserved communities.

In addition to her lactation consultant role, Sandra has been a nurse for over four years and currently works as a women’s and children’s float pool nurse. In this capacity, she provides nursing care in various units, including labor and delivery, postpartum, neonatal intensive care, and general pediatrics. Her extensive experience in these diverse settings has equipped her with a broad skill set and deep understanding of maternal and child health.

Sandra’s commitment to decreasing health disparities is evident in her everyday work, including providing lactation education to families and breastfeeding peer counselors. She considers herself an advocate for women and children, especially in the immediate postpartum stage. Sandra's holistic approach ensures that families receive comprehensive care and support during this critical time.

Sandra is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to continuing education and her passion for improving health outcomes for women and children drive her work. Sandra feels honored to guide families through their breastfeeding journey and is committed to empowering them with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.

Molly Blohm is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in Chicago, IL, who has been supporting families along their breastfeeding journey for the past decade. She began her career in a hospital setting as a postpartum nurse in 2013, where she discovered her passion for postpartum lactation support. She became an IBCLC in 2014. Most of her career has been at the bedside, working in a busy hospital with an outpatient lactation center, and as a prenatal educator.

Throughout her career, Molly has felt honored to guide families through the ups and downs of their nursing experience. Her areas of interest include working with premature infants, addressing maternal mental health, exploring advancements in breast pump technology, and promoting physiologic childbirth. Molly’s expertise and compassionate care make her a trusted resource for families navigating their breastfeeding journey.

Molly recognizes that breastfeeding looks different for everyone and enjoys working with each family's unique needs to create an infant feeding plan that works best for their lives. Her approach is individualized and empathetic, ensuring that each family feels supported and empowered. Molly’s dedication to staying current with the latest research in lactation is evident in her commitment to attending conferences and connecting with other professionals in the field.

Molly values the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of lactation. She is passionate about providing evidence-based support and education to families, helping them achieve their breastfeeding goals. By creating a supportive and informed environment, Molly ensures that each family receives the best possible care and guidance throughout their breastfeeding experience.

Ilana Kahn is a Lactation Consultant at Partum Health based in Chicago, IL. She is a wife and a proud mother of four and has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2016. Ilana began her career as a Registered Nurse, working on the postpartum floor with moms and their new babies. In this role, she often assisted and educated moms about breastfeeding, which inspired her to dedicate more time to supporting new moms and their families on their unique breastfeeding journeys.

Ilana earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing after completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Touro College in New York. With her extensive experience as a nurse, Ilana realized the importance of individualized care in breastfeeding support. She is honored to connect with diverse families, listening, observing, and ultimately creating care plans tailored to each family’s specific needs and breastfeeding goals. Ilana values the uniqueness of every mom and baby and is committed to providing personalized support that aligns with each family's objectives.

Ilana looks forward to offering professional support as a Lactation Consultant, as well as lending a listening ear, empathizing, encouraging, and helping moms trust in their own bodies. Her compassionate approach and dedication to her clients ensure that every family feels supported and confident in their breastfeeding journey.

Jennifer Prazak is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and registered nurse based in Chicago, Illinois. With experience since 2015, including four years in labor and delivery, she is passionate about empowering women and providing crucial support during their most significant moments. Her approach centers on assisting mothers through the journey of childbirth and motherhood, ensuring they feel confident and supported in their choices regarding infant nourishment.

With extensive experience in maternal healthcare, Jennifer has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and joys that come with childbirth and early motherhood. Her professional background includes comprehensive training and hands-on experience in labor and delivery, lactation support, and maternal wellness. This diverse expertise allows her to offer personalized, empathetic care that meets the needs of each mother and baby she works with.

In her practice, Jennifer Prazak emphasizes the importance of informed choice and steadfast support. She provides tailored guidance and assistance, helping mothers navigate breastfeeding, infant care, and postpartum recovery. Her warm, trustworthy approach fosters a nurturing environment where mothers feel heard and empowered. Jennifer's commitment to supporting mothers through their journey ensures they have the resources and confidence needed to thrive.

Katie Kenoe is a Registered Nurse (RN) based in the Chicagoland area, with a specialty in lactation and feeding. She is dedicated to providing empathetic, evidence-based care, specializing in breastfeeding support with a focus on individualized care for underprivileged communities and expertise in addressing concerns such as latch pain and tongue ties.

Katie received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Her passion for women's health began during her clinicals, where she served underprivileged communities and participated in community health programs. With 12 years of nursing experience, she specializes in working with breastfeeding mothers in an outpatient setting, providing support and education throughout their feeding journeys.

In a session with Katie, you can expect her to educate parents on what to expect and address concerns such as latch pain and weight monitoring to ensure each baby is thriving. She prides herself on offering flexible feeding schedules and multiple paths to successful breastfeeding, believing that there is no single right way to achieve this. Her particular interest in tongue ties has led her to attend several conferences and collaborate with local dentists and ENT specialists, enhancing her ability to support families dealing with this issue.

Katie lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband and three children, who all had unique breastfeeding journeys. She enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and their dog, Wren, and engaging in pottery during her free time. Her diverse experiences, both professional and personal, make her a trusted and empathetic resource for new and expectant parents. She hopes to ultimately inspire confidence and provide comprehensive support throughout the prenatal and postpartum journey.

Brittany Hayes, a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), is based in Chicago, Illinois. She has dedicated her career to supporting families as they transition into parenthood and beyond. Brittany's philosophy centers on active listening and understanding of each parent's unique journey, ensuring they feel supported and empowered during this crucial time and providing personalized and empathetic care.

Brittany started her career in NICUs across the Chicagoland area, has fueled her passion for all aspects of lactation. While breastfeeding often looks different for NICU families, this setting sparked her love for the field and shaped her holistic approach to lactation support. While raising her own family, she started teaching prenatal classes and has been an IBCLC since 2019. Her extensive experience allows her to create personalized, evidence-based feeding and care plans that cater to each family's unique needs and circumstances.

Educating families and providing customized care are of utmost importance to Brittany. She engages in active listening to understand parents' desires and needs during such an influential time in their lives. Recognizing that a breastfeeding journey can take many paths, Brittany prides herself on helping families navigate both smooth and rocky pathways. She understands the importance of a multidisciplinary team in breastfeeding success and uses her experience to know when additional healthcare professionals are needed for support. Brittany’s warm, empathetic approach ensures that every family feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Hannah Cartwright is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and registered nurse located in the great city of Chicago, Illinois. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience allows her to connect deeply with families, offering compassionate and informed support during their breastfeeding journey.

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Akron. With experience as a registered nurse since 2012, she has spent the majority of her career in postpartum and labor and delivery settings. This extensive background has given her a thorough understanding of the challenges and joys that come with welcoming a new life into the world. Her personal breastfeeding experiences with her three children have further enriched her empathy and ability to support other mothers.

In her practice, Hannah steps away from the distractions of the inpatient world to focus on providing individualized support and guidance. Her sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, creating a safe and supportive environment. Hannah’s approach combines her professional skills with her personal understanding, ensuring that mothers receive the best possible care to achieve their breastfeeding goals. She believes in empowering families through education and compassionate support.

Hannah also has experience as a certified stretch therapy instructor, which complements her lactation consulting by promoting overall maternal health and well-being. She is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of breastfeeding and early parenthood, offering a hopeful and reassuring presence throughout their journey. Hannah looks forward to continuing her work, providing the support and encouragement that families need to thrive.

Abigail Boursiquot, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC, IBCLC Candidate, is a speech-language pathologist and Certified Lactation Consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. Her care philosophy centers on a compassionate and holistic approach, more specifically in managing dysphagia and feeding issues in both adults and infants. Abigail is deeply committed to helping medically complex infants, addressing challenges such as prematurity and breast/bottle feeding efficiency, including tongue ties.

Abigail earned her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from George Washington University. She has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working with pediatric and adult populations to treat speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive disorders. Abigail's professional journey includes significant experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she specialized in infant feeding management. Her expertise as an infant feeding specialist is complemented by her focus on supporting mothers with a wide range of different nursing systems, aiming to create feeding routines that also allow for bonding time.

In her sessions, you can expect Abigail to take a personalized and holistic approach. She creates a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring clients feel comfortable and understood. Abigail uses a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual's needs, focusing on practical solutions and outcomes. Abigail's dedication to client-centered care ensures that each session is both effective and nurturing, promoting progress and well-being.

Abigail has been accepted to sit for the board examination to be recognized as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in September 2023. This additional certification will enhance her ability to provide comprehensive care and support to mothers and infants, continuing her commitment to serving her community. Abigail looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of the families she works with, helping them achieve successful and fulfilling feeding experiences.