From a young age, Emmalyn knew she wanted to work with mothers and babies. While her original plan was to attend nursing school, she instead received a scholarship to Eureka College where she studied Psychology and Hispanic Studies. During her time in college, she grew a passion for lactation work, and began shadowing her family friend, Trish Wierenga, an IBCLC and Family Nurse Practitioner serving the central Illinois community. In June of 2021 Emmalyn received her CLS (Certified Lactation Specialist) certification and in December of 2023 she recieved her IBCLC certification. She began working at a birth center in her area as a medical office assistant and lactation student in May of 2022 after graduating from EC. Alongside her IBCLC, she plans to earn her certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) in order to best serve lactating mothers and their families. Outside of work you can find her playing music at local venues, writing songs, leading worship at Cana Lutheran Church in Washington, IL, and spending time with her fiancé, family, friends, and many, many pets.

I was inspired to become an IBCLC after having an amazing nursing school instructor who was also a Lactation Consultant. I saw her provide the support and accurate information that I was missing during my difficult breastfeeding experience with my first baby. I've since spent the past 17 years supporting breastfeeding families, and it's one of my greatest joys! I love supporting moms in reaching THEIR feeding goals. My specialties include pumping, flange sizing, managing low milk supply, breastfeeding after c-section, adoptive/surrogate lactation, and transitioning baby to the breast after a period of exclusive bottle feeding.