Hi, I am Angela!
I have been a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in South Dakota since 2014. I love everything about this job!
I enjoy being able to educate women about breastfeeding and prepare them for situations they might experience. I find such fulfillment in seeing them hit their breastfeeding goals and gain confidence by being able to provide nourishment for their baby with their body. I feel blessed to be a part of their breastfeeding journey, even if it’s just a small part! I especially enjoy being able to help moms breastfeed through subsequent babies!
I breastfed both of my children past the age of two. During that time, I gained the experience and the knowledge that helped shape how I support the mothers I work with.
With my first child, I dealt with latch issues, colic, oversupply, and bottle refusal. With my second child, I dealt with pumping in the NICU, breastfeeding a preterm infant, low supply, and infant digestive issues.
I didn’t grow up with any breastfeeding knowledge and didn’t have much of a breastfeeding support system, so I struggled emotionally and often felt alone. With some food intolerances, I knew that formula was not an option for my children, so I worked hard to find the motivation to push myself. I wanted to be the support for these WIC moms that I never had! I didn’t want any breastfeeding mom to feel alone like I did, which led me to apply for the Peer Counselor position.
During my years as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, I’ve listened to countless pieces of training on different topics to grow my knowledge of breastfeeding continually. I’ve attended different events in the community to promote the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, including the B4 Baby events at Sanford Hospital and being a part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Business Team in my town. I’ve spent time creating literature for our Peer Counselor program and also had a large hand in helping our team create this Breastfeeding Peer Counselor website. I’ve worked hard to spread the word about our program throughout our community by facilitating citywide support groups, events for World Breastfeeding Week, and meeting with birth staff at both hospitals in our town.
I am extremely devoted to my job and do my best to answer incoming questions within 1-2 hours. I tend to stay very busy! But in my spare time, I enjoy watching tv/ movies, listening to music, making jewelry, organizing, baking, cuddling with my cats, being outside with my kids, and researching anything and everything—especially health, nutrition, and of course, breastfeeding.