I am delighted to offer you an insight into my professional journey and my passion for breastfeeding counseling, research, and health policy. For over two decades, I have been supporting families on their journey, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to providing well-founded guidance and compassionate care.
Here is an overview of my background and experience:
Professional Experience
- Volunteer Work in Breastfeeding Support Groups – Since 2002, I have been actively involved in volunteer breastfeeding support groups, accompanying and assisting many families throughout their breastfeeding journey.
- Breastfeeding Counseling and Preparation Courses in Hospitals – Since 2005, I have conducted breastfeeding consultations and preparation courses in various hospitals to help mothers and families prepare for breastfeeding and support them throughout their hospital stay.
- La Leche League Breastfeeding Counselor – Since 2006, I have been working as a breastfeeding counselor with La Leche League, further deepening my expertise by leading breastfeeding support groups and assisting countless families.
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) – Since 2007, I have been practicing as an internationally certified lactation consultant, continuously furthering my education to work according to the highest standards of breastfeeding counseling.
- Lectures, Workshops, and Presentations – Since 2009, I have been regularly giving lectures, leading workshops, and presenting at international conferences and lactation consultant meetings to share my knowledge and research findings with other professionals.
Research and Publications
Breastfeeding research is particularly close to my heart. Here are some of my scientific contributions on breastfeeding and infant nutrition:
- “Infant Feeding Policies and Monitoring Systems” – Published in Maternal & Child Nutrition as part of the WBTi project, this article examines global infant feeding policies.
- “Are Our Babies Off to a Healthy Start?” – An article in the International Breastfeeding Journal (IBJ) focusing on global breastfeeding trends, particularly in Europe.
- “Biological Nurturing” – A case study on the benefits of intuitive, natural breastfeeding for mothers and babies.
- Integrated Care in Breastfeeding Counseling – Published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, this study explores the collaboration of different levels of healthcare to optimize breastfeeding support for families.
- Ph.D. in Health Sciences – In 2014, I completed my Ph.D. at Bielefeld University, with my dissertation focusing on integrated care concepts in breastfeeding counseling.
- National Coordinator for Germany at the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) – Since 2018, I have been working to evaluate and advance global breastfeeding standards.
- “East Meets West: Protecting, Promoting, and Supporting Breastfeeding” – A documentary film about breastfeeding counseling both locally and worldwide.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my work. It is both a joy and an honor to provide well-founded and empathetic support to families and professionals, making breastfeeding a positive and empowering experience.