Rooting Wisdom: Lactation & Wellness Counseling 2 Gerard Street, Manchester, CT 06040

"I had my first daughter 7 years ago and was petrified of breastfeeding. I didn't have the best experience in the hospital, but I thank my lucky stars that Kelly came into the picture shortly thereafter. She supported me with what felt like something someone pays a million dollars for because she was THAT involved. She provided me the education and knowledge I was lacking, the tools I need to be successful, and most importantly the EMPATHY that lead to me being SO confident in my 14 month nursing journey. It was the most beautiful gift I (and my baby) could've ever received when she picked up the phone that day I had called the lactation department in tears... And THEN I had baby #2 and Kelly was there for me AGAIN! It was as if I was starting all over again because this baby was SO different than my first. She was a premie so my pediatrician was telling me one thing, which didn't feel so right and google (lol have to be honest here) was telling me another. Well Kelly was right there giving me advice, providing me with options, checking back in with a follow up and I honest to goodness never felt so at ease than when I was on the phone with her. You will NEVER feel judged and you will ALWAYS feel supported. Her knowledge is extensive and while you may not take her advice in a given situation, you will always feel prepared to make the best decision for you and your baby. She truly is someone who I will never ever forget "

"I had such an incredible experience working with Kelly after our son was born. She was available right away to explain and share very helpful tips and tricks to help him feed. Kelly is very knowledgeable in her field, personable, and shares her knowledge in a kind and understanding way. She made our breastfeeding journey so enjoyable, and we are still going strong today. Kelly was available to help in person while we were at the hospital, and also was very helpful over the phone once we were home and had some more questions. We would not be where we are in our breastfeeding journey today without her; thank you so much Kelly!"

"I first met Kelly in 2020 when my daughter was having trouble nursing to the point that she lost 15% of her birth weight. I knew I wanted to breastfeed but no matter what I wanted my daughter to thrive and would do whatever to ensure that. Kelly was wonderful and I never felt pressured or judged by her and ultimately my daughter started nursing right before we left the hospital for home. Fast forward to 2022 and my son has the same problems my daughter did but because I knew the signs he only lost 10% of his birth weight. I by chance was able to see Kelly for my son again and I was so very thankful because after her continued efforts, referrals, and support my son finally started breastfeeding six weeks after he was born and I don't think he would have been successful without her. Kelly deeply cares for her patients and will go above and beyond to ensure they are cared for and that their goals are met and respected. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone."

"Kelly is amazing at what she does and so lovely to work with. She helped me early in my breast feeding journey and helped me understand how the supply and demand of cluster feeding worked. I was incredibly engorged when my milk came in and she gave me some great tips and tricks to manage this. A few months later, I suspected I had mastitis and clogged ducts and she expertly helped me navigate this as well. It is obvious the passion she has in her field and the compassion she shows towards babies and parents will make you feel so at ease. Kelly is wonderful!!"

"I came to Kelly when I was absolutely out of options. My baby was six months old and was having a lot of troubles. I had already had mastitis four times in six months before I met Kelly. I had been disregarded by my pediatrician on several separate occasions about my concerns over a tongue tie. My baby was not gaining weight, having bloody mucous in his diapers, and screaming around the clock, even at the breast. I was at the end of my rope from lack of sleep and seeing several specialists, multiple lactation consultants, and 2 GI doctors. No one had any answers for me and I was getting the runaround. UNTIL I SAW KELLY. I explained my concerns to her and she listened carefully with kindness and compassion. Kelly asked the right questions, and suspected he had a tongue and lip tie before she even saw him nurse. We then did a weighted and observed feed and he had only removed less than an ounce in ten minutes. She was able to observe his difficulties and make a correct diagnosis all under 20 minutes. It was, without exaggeration, the first time in my postpartum journey I had felt valued, cared for, and respected by a medical professional. She then helped me teach my son to bottle feed (no small feat!) and taught me how to pump until we were able to figure things out for my little guy. Kelly literally held my hand while I cried my eyes out from relief that my baby could finally eat! That night was the first night since my baby was born that I got more than 20 minutes of sleep at a time. He slept for an entire four hours that night because his belly was finally full! Kelly educated me as I learned how to slowly increase the size of his bottles, how to help retrain his sucking patterns after the mouth restrictions were released, and Kelly was able to advise me on a proper diet and supplement suggestions for breastfeeding and help me prevent clogged ducts and mastitis in the future. She was able to help me navigate a really emotional transition from exclusively nursing to exclusively pumping and bottle feeding because that’s what I decided was best for my family. When I started pumping I had a very low supply because my baby hadn’t been able to build or maintain my supply for his first six months of life. Kelly helped me boost and maintain my supply quickly through helping me set up a pumping/nursing routine and various diet related changes. She checked in on me regularly even after her obligations to me as a client were more than fulfilled. She made me feel heard and encouraged me to do what was right for my body, my baby, and my family. She never shamed me when I was debating between formula or breast or pumping. She never pressured me to do what *she* thought was best, but only walked with me, providing professional insights and observations, encouragement, and an unexpected friendship. I am so eternally grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Kelly. She truly cares about her clients, she really has a heart of gold, and she is an ally for women postpartum who are feeling marginalized or unheard. You won’t regret working with her. She will be an angel to you as she has been to me."