Ellen Fitzgerald RN, BSN, IBCLC

I have been an RN working in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) since 2004.  My interest in breastfeeding medicine and education was sparked while witnessing the life saving qualities of breast milk change the health outcomes of so many premature and sick babies. 

 I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2012 after the birth of my 3rd breastfed child.  Since then, I have been working as an RN in a level 3 NICU and level 2 Nursery. I also work as a Lactation Consultant in Level 3 NICU, Level 2 Nursery, Maternity, Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Room and where ever I am needed throughout the hospital.  I assist mothers and infants with breastfeeding issues at outpatient lactation clinic appointments and breastfeeding support group.

 In the past 15 years I have assisted literally thousands of families in the South Shore area with reaching their breastfeeding goals.

I co-operate a Milk Depot for the Mothers Milk Bank Northeast at a local hospital. 

I am a team lead in the National Action Partnership to Promote Safe Sleep Improvement and Innovation Network (NAPPSS-IIN). The intended outcomes for this project are to reduce the number of infants who tragically die due to SIDS by increasing safe sleep practices and increasing the number of infants who are breastfed.  

As a team lead, I completed a statewide quality improvement project working on improving breastfeeding in Level 3 NICUs with the Neonatal Quality Improvement Collaborative of Massachusetts (NeoQIC).  

My current focus is to better utilize experienced IBCLCs by bringing them out into the community and home setting where they are needed most.

I enjoy laughing, healthy living, learning, and experiencing interesting people and activities.  I am the proud mother of 3 breastfed children.

Personally, I have struggled with breastfeeding challenges: tongue tie, low supply, cow milk intolerance, slow weight gain, using supplemental nursing systems and personal choice to supplement with formula. 

 I am proud that all of my children were breastfed, but what I am most proud of is that I did the best I could for each of my children. I aim to help you do the best you can for your child by empowering you with evidence-based information, understanding, and confidence.