We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Dawson, Ibclc a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
When asked where my work ethic comes from, I can trace it directly to my family’s history in small business ownership. I’m a third-generation entrepreneur. My father has owned his own woodworking business since I was a baby, and my grandfather was a poultry and berry farmer. Both of these men set powerful examples of what it means to work hard, persevere, and innovate.
My father’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship was shaped by a desire to be present for his children in a way that a traditional 9-to-5 job wouldn’t allow. He faced many challenges, including a divorce, the economic downturn in the early 2000s, and moving states not once, but twice. Despite all these hardships, he never gave up on his business. Through him, I learned the importance of paying yourself first, carefully weighing risky decisions against the potential rewards, and above all, the value of showing up, even when it’s hard.
My grandfather, too, was a man who taught me the value of ingenuity and perseverance. He was the type of person who refused to buy a convenience when he could make the solution himself. I remember stories of him designing and building his own irrigation system for his 40-acre berry field instead of purchasing a commercial one. He bought two semi engines, dug a well, ran the pipes, and woke up at the first sign of daylight to shift those engines through all 18 gears until it was strong enough to water his field. My grandfather’s work ethic was about doing things right, no shortcuts, no easy answers.
From these two men, I learned that anything worth doing is worth doing really well. This mindset, passed down through the generations, has shaped how I approach my own work as a lactation consultant.
My journey into this field was personal. After the birth of my first daughter, I became frustrated with the conflicting advice I was receiving about breastfeeding. Her pediatrician yelled at me and suggested that I was starving my baby, even though just the day before, I had been told to stop supplementing and offer the breast more. I followed the medical guidance instead of trusting my intuition, and I never forgot that moment. It fundamentally changed me—both as a mother and as a professional.
Nearly a decade later, after becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I found myself working at a nonprofit, advocating for better care and better policies. But when I challenged poor practices, I was told that I was overpaid and “myopic,” despite the fact that I had been the one of the only private practice lactation consultants actually supporting families in our county for years, found a way to bill insurance for our clients, and worked tirelessly to build the nonprofit’s reputation. The treatment I received was discouraging, but it was also a turning point. That day, I knew I couldn’t stay in that environment.
I went home that Wednesday and by midnight, I had already established my private practice, “GROW Lakeland”. By Thursday, I had a website and a logo. By Friday, I saw my first client. By Saturday, I had an office space, and by Monday, I had several more clients on my schedule. I hit the ground running on pure adrenaline. After years of building something for someone else, it was time to build something for myself, something I could be proud of. **GROW** wasn’t just a name; it symbolized the next chapter of my life—one where I could grow a business that reflected my values of high-quality, client-centered care.
My work ethic is not just about what I do, but *why* I do it. It’s deeply rooted in my family’s history of resilience and perseverance. It’s constantly fueled by my desire to offer families something different from the typical, impersonal healthcare system. I don’t want to gatekeep information or follow rigid models that don’t serve the needs of the families I work with. I want to meet each family where they are and help them achieve their goals, with compassion, understanding, and the highest standards of care. This drive to push back against the limitations of the traditional healthcare system is what keeps me motivated, day in and day out, to offer the best possible care to every family I serve.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Sure, here’s a polished version of your “about me” for the interview:
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**About Me**
I’m Stephanie, a proud mom of three amazing kids—ages 10, 6, and 4—each of whom had their own unique feeding challenges. Those experiences have shaped me into the lactation consultant I am today. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when feeding doesn’t go as planned, and I believe that empathy is a crucial part of the support I offer to families. When I see parents struggling, I understand that struggle on a personal level, which allows me to truly connect and help them feel seen and heard.
I’m incredibly fortunate to be supported by my amazing husband of 12 years, who has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and reassured me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I couldn’t do what I do without his unwavering support, and I’m grateful every day for the partnership we share. We’re also surrounded by our sweet golden retriever, Beau, a handful of chickens, and a few acres of land—though I must admit, my garden is a work in progress! I definitely didn’t inherit my grandfather’s green thumb, but I’m doing my best to grow something beautiful there, too.
Professionally, I’ve pursued advanced training in areas such as oral function, tethered oral tissue support, and feeding challenges related to poor motor control or tonal differences. I’m also passionate about helping families with chronic low milk supply—those who are doing everything “right” but still struggling to make enough milk, often due to underlying health conditions. One of my favorite areas of work is with babies who refuse bottles—because families who don’t want to breastfeed directly still deserve support, too.
What I love most about being in private practice is the opportunity to connect with families on a personal level. Unlike traditional appointments that may feel rushed, I take the time to really get to know the families I work with. Our hour-long appointments give us space to talk about more than just feeding. I want to know about their job, how homeschooling is going, what they had for lunch, and what shows they’re watching. I find that families immediately relax when they realize I’m open to sharing a bit about myself too. You’ll find pictures of my kids in my office, my favorite music playing on the Alexa, and I’ll probably tell you about my feral 4-year-old and her latest antics. I’m not afraid to celebrate the victories with you—like when you finally get that latch without pain after weeks of struggle. And I might even cry with you when you come to the difficult decision to wean, knowing it’s the right step for your family.
Ultimately, I’m just Stephanie. No white coat, no high horse—just a mom who happens to be really good at supporting families through their infant feeding goals. I’m here to offer friendly guidance and create a space where you feel comfortable and confident as you navigate this challenging journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Based on your story and experiences, here’s how I would suggest answering that question:
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**Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?**
When I reflect on my journey, I can pinpoint three key qualities or skills that have truly shaped my path: **resilience**, **empathy**, and **the willingness to continuously learn and adapt**. These have been invaluable, not only in building my career as a lactation consultant, but in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and parenthood.
1. **Resilience**
From the early days of starting my private practice to dealing with the challenges of raising three children with feeding difficulties, resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey. I learned from both my father’s perseverance in the face of economic hardships and my grandfather’s refusal to take shortcuts. Their ability to keep going, even when things felt tough, has been a big part of why I’ve been able to weather tough seasons in my career and personal life.
**Advice for those just starting:** Resilience is built through experience, so don’t be afraid to face challenges head-on. There will be setbacks, but they’re often the moments that teach you the most. Learn to embrace those moments as part of the process, and remember that persistence is key. If something doesn’t work out the first time, keep going. It’s how you adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward that will ultimately make you successful.
2. **Empathy**
Having struggled with feeding challenges myself as a mom, I can truly empathize with the families I work with. I know how hard it is to feel like you’re failing or that you’re not doing enough. My personal experiences have made me more attuned to the emotional side of infant feeding—understanding that it’s not just about mechanics, but about the deep connection and trust families place in their caregiver. Whether it’s a parent worrying about their baby’s latch or a family facing health-related struggles with breastfeeding, I understand the weight of those concerns.
**Advice for those just starting:** Listen more than you speak. Often, families just need to feel heard before they can begin to make progress. Practice putting yourself in the shoes of those you serve. Empathy helps you build trust, which is critical in providing effective care. Also, remember that empathy isn’t just about feeling for someone; it’s about being able to respond to their needs with understanding and support.
3. **The Willingness to Learn and Adapt**
The field of lactation consulting is always evolving, with new research, techniques, and challenges arising regularly. What has kept me engaged in this work is my commitment to continuous learning. Whether it’s advanced training in oral function, researching chronic low milk supply, or discovering better ways to help babies who refuse bottles, I’ve never stopped seeking new information or ways to improve my practice. This drive to learn has allowed me to adapt to the changing needs of families and to stay at the forefront of providing top-tier care.
**Advice for those just starting:** Never stop learning. Whether it’s through formal training, reading current research, or learning from colleagues, continuing education is essential. Don’t shy away from complex or difficult topics—dive into them. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help families who may be facing challenges you’ve never encountered before. Also, be open to adapting your approach. What works for one family may not work for another, and being flexible in your practice will help you meet diverse needs more effectively.
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These three qualities—resilience, empathy, and the willingness to learn—have been foundational to my journey. If I could offer one more piece of advice for those early in their journey, it would be to **embrace the process**. Building a career and becoming an expert in any field takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged by the hard moments. The most rewarding parts of this work often come after you’ve weathered the storms.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
That’s a great and honest answer that truly reflects the value of community and collaboration in your journey. Here’s how you could frame your response:
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**Who has been the most helpful for you on your journey?**
While there have certainly been influential individuals along the way, I’d say that **what has been most helpful to me on my journey is the online community of IBCLCs**, particularly the Facebook groups that are dedicated to lactation consultants. These groups have been invaluable in terms of learning, sharing, and growing in my practice. Early in my career, I didn’t have the best mentorship. But through these online communities, I found a wealth of support, knowledge, and practical guidance that I couldn’t have accessed otherwise.
The connections I’ve made with other IBCLCs—some of whom I’ve never met in person—have truly shaped the direction of my practice. In these groups, I’m able to ask questions, share my experiences, and commiserate with others when the job feels too hard or overwhelming. It’s where I’ve found reassurance and solidarity, especially when facing the challenges of working in a field where every case can feel unique.
In particular, lactation consultants like **Jennifer Tow** and **Maya Bolman** have had a significant impact on me. The insights and clinical tools they’ve shared have been far more influential than any formalized education I’ve received. Their guidance has shifted my approach from simply being a cheerleader for parents to actively providing them with the clinical tools and strategies they need to make lasting, positive changes in their feeding journeys. I’m deeply grateful for the generosity of these mentors and the entire IBCLC community, who continue to teach me every day.
Without these networks, I’m not sure I would have had the confidence or the knowledge to take my career to the next level. The community has truly been a game-changer for me, providing both the technical support I needed and the emotional backup to keep going when things got tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://growlakeland.com
- Instagram: @grow.lakeland
- Facebook: grow.lakeland
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