BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Heather -   I had my first child fairly young by New York standards (age 26), so for me this was not a lifestyle change that I was familiar with through watching friends or siblings go through it.  I was really struck by the entire ride of birth, the post-partum maze, and being so intensely attached to and responsible for this little baby. 

BCM- What has been your most memorable moment as a mom?

Heather - The most memorable moments are when  you realize that your child is truly an individual, separate from you, with strengths, weaknesses and independent thoughts.  When I watch my son tap dance on stage, or do a 180 off a snowboard ramp, or multiply mixed fractions successfully, I am just in awe.  It's the little things like that the remind you of what a powerful journey this is, being so intensely attached but then learning how to let go in a healthy and supportive way.

BCM- What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Heather - The biggest challenge for me has been coming to terms with my third son's handicap (autism)and what that means for him and for us all in the future.  I feel like I have earned a PhD at gunpoint over the past three years since he was diagnosed.  Learning to love and appreciate and see the bigger picture when one of your children is not typically developing is a profound experience.  He is a great kid, though, and has a tremendous amount of support.

BCM:  Why did you decide to become a lactation consultant?  

Heather:  I made a career switch after the birth of my second son.  I was formerly a Latin teacher at the high school and college level, so while this seems unconnected, in many ways I am still instructing and teaching and spreading knowledge.  I made the change because I was very struck by how little post partum support there is out there, particularly in this very trying and time-consuming area of breastfeeding.  I became very interested in the history of infant feeding and how we've reached this place in time in terms of breastfeeding, and I just followed where that interest led.  

BCM:  Any advice for breastfeeding moms?  

Heather:  My first and most important piece if advice is not to panic.  There is a lot of mythology out there about giving a bottle if the baby runs into trouble, or needing to supplement with something other than breastmilk if nursing is not working out right from the start.  The truth is, nothing is lost, as long as you seek help.  A good breast pump is useful, too.  Don't let anyone polarize the experience for you, e.g., "you must only breastfeed or all will be ruined."  If you are having trouble, my first rule is feed the baby, and my second rule is keep your milk supply going with pumping.  After that, call me and I'll set you up with the appropriate support person or group.  You can also ask your pediatrician for a referral to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

BCM- How do you manage your work/life balance?   Any advice for new moms?

Heather- I get that question a lot.  It's not so bad, really.  All the kids attend school during the day, so my mornings are fairly sane.  After school, though, I turn into another person, chauffeuring kids to various activities.  But that's part of the package.  I also have help at home for two of the kids.

BCM - What activities do you like to do with your kids?

Heather - We ski and snowboard a lot (truth be told, I wave from the lodge a lot).  We hang out and watch movies, talk.  My kids love to read, so we all do that.  In the summer, we swim and hang out outside.  We also take advantage of NYC now that the kids are older.  We hit Broadway a few times a year with the entire brood, go to dinner, etc. 

BCM- How do you maintain your sense of style while juggling your business and your kids?

Heather - I'm a pretty big exerciser.  I run and was a competitive swimmer and water polo player for years, so keeping fit is important and certainly lends a hand to my style.  But in short, I have a fantastic colorist (Leslie at M. Mcleod on West 26th Street!) and I usually just copy the mannequin's outfit in the front of Urban Outfitters when it comes to shopping for clothes.

BCM- What are your favorite Mom Essentials and why? 

Heather- A breast pump, definitely.  It allows you to give your baby breastmilk but still retain a sense of independence when you need it.  There is such a mythology about breastfeeding tethering you to your child and it's always put out there in such a negative way.  I also think that in the city a good stroller is important as is a comfortable baby carrier to wear your baby in.  A good book on baby-raising and breastfeeding is important, too. 

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Heather - I think it is crucial to have post-partum support, in the form of a post-partum doula, a family member and---most importantly---other new mothers.  We did not evolve with the modern-day model of doing this all alone in a post-war cubicle on East 89th Street; mothers need other mothers.  Get out as soon as you can to a new mothers' group, a class, a breastfeeding group, whatever your neighborhood offers.  Even if everyone is not like you, you will connect with one or two people and that will be worth it.

BCM - What has been your favorite Big City Moms event (s)

Heather - Why, the breastfeeding talks, of course!