Marcelle Crago

Working as a registered nurse for 20 years, I have enjoyed a diverse career. This has included roles in a variety of environments ranging from homecare, Ayurvedic medicine, drug and alcohol treatment, school nursing, and pediatric care. A large portion of my career has been community-based with children and families. As mother of two, I was very lucky to have positive birth and breastfeeding experiences, which inspired me to pursue a career in maternal-child care. I chose to first become a Registered Nurse, and as life has a way of doing, plans changed. My focus shifted to providing for my family first instead of going on to becoming a nurse-midwife. However, these other professional nursing experiences have enriched my career further for which I am very grateful. In 2011, a position opened in the local high school as the registered nurse overseeing the teen parent program. The program had an on-site childcare; along with wrap around services so the students could complete their high school degree. I immediately saw that the mothers in the program would benefit from additional childbirth education. I helped to re-establish these classes along with breastfeeding instruction so that mothers and their partners felt prepared for their new journey. I incorporated evidence-based practices in my work. Data has shown that preparation for birth results in increased confidence and success for new mothers. This resulted in more positive childbirth experiences as well as increased breastfeeding rates for the whole teen parent program. There was a significant decrease in infections among the breastfed babies in addition to the bonding that occurred. It was quite extraordinary to witness as a professional. After this amazing professional experience, I decided to obtain my certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). And thus, this is the rest of my story in starting Wholesome Lactation Care, PLLC!