My Why:

When my first was born, I had no idea how much support I would need on the journey of parenthood. I was very prepared for childbirth. Despite that fact, things played out completely different than I had planned (such is life, right?). But, I didn’t prepare for breastfeeding, my postpartum experience, or even parenthood. I had expectations of how all of these things would go, but nothing ended up playing out like I thought it would.

I thought breastfeeding would just come easy. How hard could it really be?

I thought motherhood would come naturally, and it would be an easy transition.

I was so wrong about it all.

I sought help from a lactation professional to help me reach my goals. We went on to breastfeed for 2 years (even throughout my second pregnancy). But, I know for certain that I would have never made it that far without the support I received.

As I learned more about babies, attachment, infant behaviors, and infant sleep, my expectations started to shift. The doubt started to slowly melt away, and I felt confident in my parenting decisions. I finally felt like I could relax and enjoy my sweet little girl.

A year or so later, I started to wonder what caused the change in me. Ultimately, the change happened when I was informed and supported about breastfeeding and caring for an infant.

Around this time, I started to openly advocate and educate about breastfeeding and all things babies. I learned everything that I possibly could about lactation and infant care. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about helping families reach their goals.

Shortly after my daughter’s first birthday, I was approached to lead a local Mom to Mom Breastfeeding Support Group. I didn’t realize at the time how much of a blessing this would be. Through this platform and the creation of a successful online community, it has been my honor to be a small part of a thousand + breastfeeding journeys.

This opportunity reaffirmed that I wanted to pursue lactation as a career.

With all of that said, A Mother’s Village was born. I am so honored (and proud) to be a lactation consultant and infant feeding specialist. My desire is to help educate, empower, support, and inform parents on their unique breastfeeding and/or parenting journeys.

I pride myself on always learning and adding more to my “tool belt”, as I believe that all parents deserve competent, ethical, evidence based, and up to date care. I, honestly, cannot imagine doing anything else with my life. And, I am so grateful for all of the families who allow me to be apart of their village.

My Letter To You:

Wherever you are on your journey, I hope that you know you are doing an amazing job. Nobody is ever quite ready and everybody is caught off guard- this is parenthood. Being a parent involves learning about the strengths you never knew you had and handling the fears you didn’t know existed.

Please know that your baby is so lucky to have someone who loves and cares for them like only YOU can do.

Love, hugs, and best wishes,

Emily Kaiser