About Laura Burch, IBCLC

I have been supporting families through a variety of ways for over 15 years. Before becoming an IBCLC I was a school psychologist in a variety of school settings in Maryland. Early in my career, I knew I wanted to work with family units and not solely children. After I had my first baby, I needed lactation support and fell in love with all things lactation. But what I grew to love the most was supporting parents and families.

After my first was born, I would not admit that nursing hurt. In my mind I had two choices, I could push through or I could stop. I was fortunate enough to have a doula say to me “if it makes your toes curl you need to seek help” and I said, “of course not, it’s not that bad"!” The next time I nursed, I noticed my toes literally did curl up and my body was bracing for the pain. Even as I made the appointment I told my husband that everything was fine I just needed to check to make sure. I was scared to admit there was a problem because I was scared there was no solution. Fortunately, I was able to get in quickly with the best lactation consultant around and learned there were solutions to my problems.

After years of attending local lactation support groups and learning as much as I could about lactation I decided I wanted to pursue becoming an IBCLC! After completing the education and internship requirements I sat for the IBCLC exam and learned I passed the exam just days before my second baby arrived.

My background as a school psychologist gives me a unique perspective into understanding family systems, mental health, and neurodiversity. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ families, neurodivergent families, and families experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety.

I live with my husband and two children surrounded by trees in Crownsville. I enjoy day dreaming about getting back into some hobbies I did pre-children; like swimming, reading, and watching media longer than a TikTok video. And currently, to fill my cup I enjoy listening to podcasts, watching TikTok videos, texting with friends, and eating cookies after everyone else is in bed asleep.