Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello Sister Private Practitioners!My name is Sharon Mattes - and as a new list member, I am sending you some information about myself as an introduction. I will scan back over the archives toacquaint myself with other members. My business partner recommended this sitehighly and felt I would enjoy --- so here I am!

My husband and I have three sons, (all breastfed --- but all now weaned and grown up -- and now they have three lovely wives and our middle son has blessed us with three terrific grandchildren (all breastfed!).

My initiation into breastfeeding was through La Leche League. Attended my firstmeeting in 1970 - and have missed few local meetings since. Accredited as aLeader in 1973 I found within a short time that many women who desired to nursetheir children still were 'unable' in spite of wonderful support and information. I wasso excited when the 'new' profession of Lactation Consulting began to emerge.

I became an IBCLC in 1987 and have been a private practice LC ever since. I have a Medela Rental sub-station and enjoy providing supportive products.My personal favorite products are the Maya Wrap baby sling and the BosomBaby nursing pillows - both of which I carry a fairly large inventory.During the last 7 years I have also been a Bradley Method Childbirth Educatorand I still devote my volunteer time as a local La Leche League Leader. (Talkabout hat-switching -- I really have a time keeping my roles separated at times.)

My business partner is Worzer - who is also an IBCLC, Bradley Educatorand Doula and Doula Trainer. Our business (Natural Beginnings...the informedparent's resource) keeps us busy with consultations, parent-friendly productsand prenatal classes in childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting skills.

I look forward to learning even more about running our Lactation Consulting practicein more effective ways and helping those mothers who seek our help.

Warmly, Sharon Mattes, IBCLC, RLC, AAHCC

www.naturalbeginningsonline.com