Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Smith.
Imani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Lactation became my passion after the birth of my son. After my son was born, I asked for help to get him latched on. The nurse in the room rudely, and very bluntly told me no. I asked for help again and she told me I can wait for a lactation consultant, and she walked out the room. Being the mother that I am, I just stuck him on there, and that was very painful. After watching a few YouTube videos, I had our journey onto a better path. The lactation consultant never came to see me at the hospital. Black breastfeeding week came, and that was when I realized what had happened to me in the hospital. I made it up in my mind that I want to change the prospective of black woman and breastfeeding. That is when I started looking for ways that I would help in lactation, and found the Healthy Children’s Program to become a Certified Lactation Counselor, and that’s how my journey began. After being a CLC, for a year, I felt like that was not enough and I wanted to do and be more. I am currently in school and on the path to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been the smoothest. When we started our business as Certified Lactation Counselors, it was great in my community considering that there aren’t as much breastfeeding resources known. Just as any business, you can’t expect it to just pop off right from the jump. Over time, there has been a great incline of the number of mothers that has been helped through Lactation Lounge with their breastfeeding journey.
As for becoming an IBCLC, that was the real struggle. There are so many different things that are required for you to sit for the test. In the beginning, I struggled the most looking for a mentor. Then one day, it was like God said “I got you!” and I ended up being in the same environment of the mentor I had adored for a while. I am so thankful for Courtney Polk, IBCLC and the guidance she has given me so far!
Lactation Lounge – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lactation Lounge was created by two moms who understood the barriers of breastfeeding. Brandi and myself are Certified Lactation Counselors through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. I specialize in all things breastfeeding, pumping, and currently learning more as I am certifying to take my IBCLC exam. What I am most proud of as being a company is the amount of recommendations that are sent our way. It’s a heart-warming feeling knowing that one family trust you with their baby and how you helped them, that they told another to work with you as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.facebook.com/LactationLounge
- Email: lactationlounge.chat@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LactationLounge
Image Credit:
Sierra Pell
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
