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Top 10 Most Inspiring Women 2016

Mona Liza Hamlin

The Baby Space | Owner, Lactation Consultant | Visit Website

Jane Clark, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Brandswan, a Delaware web design agency

Why We Chose Mona Liza Hamlin

“I adored Mona the moment I met her. She has a very calming and warm presence. Yet at the same time, she is a gal who knows her stuff. As a mother of 1 bulldog and 2 cats, I’m often in awe of moms who have it all: running their own business and raising their children! Not only is she a lactation consultant, but also a pediatric nurse. That alone makes her an authority in her industry and increases my adoration of her 10 fold. I love that she uses a real, holistic approach with her customers and in her life. Please meet Mona below…”

Jane Clark, Co-Founder of BrandSwan

Mona Liza Hamlin

The Baby Space | Owner, Lactation Consultant | Visit Website

 

The Story

Tell us how it all started. Why? What’s the story?

As a lactation consultant, NICU nurse and mom, I have a passion for helping other moms and babies get off to a good start. Through my lived experienced both personally and professionally, I know how challenging, frustrating, beautiful and rewarding breastfeeding can be. I also know that too often moms aren’t prepared for the breastfeeding journey. They may fall into “booby traps” even before their baby is born. I am eble to use my skills as both a nurse and IBCLC to help moms navigate the journey and reach their goals. The type of quality care that I wish I had with my own babies. Through The Baby Space, I give moms expert support and guidance from the comfort of their home in those early days, in my office space and even virtually.

Biggest Success

What is your biggest success so far?

Partnerships! Creating a network of partners and collaborators has been key to reaching moms and babies. I’m excited to be connected with others who are also vested in providing optimal care and experiences for families. It takes a special person to understand the needs of expectant, new and growing families. Doulas and other birth workers along with, physicians, chiropractors and other IBCLCs have been amazingly helpful along the way. Together we are able to create a supportive community for the families we serve.

Biggest Challenge

What is the biggest challenge in your industry? What are you doing to deal with that?

Right now my biggest challenge as a lactation consultant is getting all moms the breastfeeding support that they want and need. I am dedicated to providing equitable care for all. Currently policies such as the Affordable Care Act lack the legislative support needed to ensure that all mothers receive care that is 100% covered by insurers. This causes a hardship for many moms. Very few insurers cover lactation services leaving many moms to have long wait times to see an office based IBCLC or having to pay out of pocket with the hopes that insurers will reimburse at least some of the cost.

I participate on the Breastfeeding Coalition of Delaware and the US Breastfeeding Committee where I serve as an advocate for this and many other issues that negatively impact families. I encourage moms to tell their insurers and employers how this impacts them and the changes they would like to see. I feel strongly that breastfeeding support is a woman’s right and a united front will bring about the change needed to get there.

Advice

What advice would you give to a business owner starting out in your industry that you wish you would have known going in?

Get help with the technical behind the scenes items like taxes, filing legal documents, etc. I had no idea what it entailed and it was learning process.

Surprise Tidbit

What don’t most people realize about you or your company?

There are awesome things to come! The Baby Space is growing behind the scenes and will be adding some additional services in the near future!

Stay tuned for another #bossbabe featured tomorrow!

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