Editor's Note: Meet IBCLC and mindfulness educator, Lorraine Rocco, who joined the EmDo family earlier this spring. Lorraine brings her experience as a former Labor and Delivery Nurse, calm, easy-going presence, and deep well of knowledge to our clients at many points along their infant feeding journeys. She is the perfect compliment to our already existing goals-based practice and shares our vision for supporting families in feeding their babies in whatever ways feel right for them. 

You can read her full bio on our "Meet the Team" page, and learn a few extra, fun tidbits below!

1. Give us a three word summary of who you are. 

Empathetic, Connector, Warm (and at times a bit chatty!)

2. What drew you to a career as in birth work (or in your case, infant feeding?)?

I had a very difficult birth with my first child. This experience led me to wonder what else was out there in terms of birth options.  I ended up practicing in all kinds of settings with all kinds of providers as a labor, birth and postpartum nurse. I have always passionately (add passion to my list above!) advocated for families wherever I worked. Along with my challenging birth experience came difficulty with breastfeeding. I am pretty sure I had all the worst breastfeeding complications a mom can have in just the first six weeks! So, that led me to becoming a volunteer breastfeeding counselor and then eventually to getting my IBCLC. 

3: What's rocking your world right now, in birth or in parenting? 

My first child just started college!!  You give them all your love and try to be present for every moment and eventually you have to let them go.  Feeling all the feels around that! 

4: When you're not working with families, where are we most likely to find you? 

Usually when I am not working, I am with my family or friends. I try to get out in the woods as much as I can and sometimes I need a little downtown Durham time. 

5: What's your Top 5 Registry Must Haves for new parents?  

I am a less is more kinda person.  The truth is that we have been birthing and breastfeeding babies long before we had the things we think we now need. However, it is nice to have a few convenient, supportive items. For breastfeeding some sweet things to add to your registry are:

• a Haakaa manual breastpump   
• Lansinoh 3-in-1 breast therapy pads 
• a breastfeeding pillow (favorites at EmDo include the My Breast Friend or The Nesting Pillow)
• a baby carrier of your choice (learn how to use it at an upcoming Babywearing Basics class!)
• a few well fitting nursing bras or tanks