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Meet the Lactation Consultants Supporting Your Breastfeeding Needs
in Middle Tennessee

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Amy Smith,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Northside of Nashville - Sumner, Robertson, and northern Davidson counties

"My breastfeeding experience started with my own kiddos, all 5 of those dudes! Each with varying experiences with both struggles and successes. From exclusive nursing to exclusive pumping and all the things in between. I started my professional journey working in the heath department as a breastfeeding peer counselor and fell in love with the moms and babies! I received my CLC while working there, but wanted more. I decided to pursue my IBCLC and went to nursing school to do it! After gaining my bachelors in nursing I went after that dream and became an IBCLC in the summer of 2016. Since then I've served mamas in all kinds of roles through women's services at the hospital including postpartum, NICU, antepartum, L&D, and of course, lactation! My heart has always been for mamas and tatas! I can't believe I've found a place in Blessed Beginnings that has made it simple and possible for those with the heart to serve to meet moms right where they are in the comfort of their own spaces and walk their journey with them! No matter where you are on your path I can't wait to come alongside and support you on your ride!"

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Ashley P’Pool Glenn,
IBCLC

In-home lactation consultations in Williamson and southern Davidson counties

"I have worked with families with in home lactation support for almost 10 years. Meeting new families and supporting their needs is my favorite part of my work. I love to help families meet their goals for feeding, whatever that may look like for them. Evidence based and nonjudgmental support is key to my practice."

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Hiliary Rector,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson and

Maury counties

“I have worked as a postpartum and NICU nurse since 2006. The moments I have loved the most in my nursing career have been the ones spent assisting and encouraging parents during their nursing journey. I am a mom of 3 kids and each one of them had different nursing difficulties, so I know the pain and joys that come with being a nursing parent. I became an IBCLC in 2018 and have found my home at Blessed Beginnings. It has been my dream to serve parents and babies in the comfort of their homes. I love to assist and empower nursing parents, no matter their path. Each parent deserves the best start to their wonderful journey and I am truly privileged to play a small part in that.”

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Lauren Murphy,
BSN, RN, IBCLC, PPD

Lactation consultations in Williamson and Davidson counties

"Acting as both a pediatric nurse since 2009 and mother of two, I have developed a strong passion for the mother-baby bond and every challenge and joy associated with it. As a lactation consultant, my goal is to stand with you in any challenge you face and help bring you through to the other side successfully with encouragement and support. Together we will explore all resources to relieve stress regarding feedings and make sure you have a blessed beginning with your baby.”

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Sarah Williams,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson and Davidson counties

"I began my nursing career in 2014 as a Mother Baby nurse, and in 2015 after having my first son, my passion for breastfeeding plunged me into my lactation career. My experience includes postpartum, NICU, and outpatient lactation. My commitment as an IBCLC is to meet you where you are in your breastfeeding journey, educate and support with love and compassion, and help you meet your breastfeeding goals. With my own breastfeeding experience as a mother of 4, as well as my years of IBCLC experience since 2017, I have learned that every breastfeeding journey looks different, and I am committed to help you find the breastfeeding path that works best for you and your family. It is my honor and privilege to walk with you in this journey, and my prayer is that you will be filled with overwhelming joy as you nourish and create the most beautiful bond with your baby."

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Stefanie Morris,
MSN, APN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Rutherford, Davidson, Williamson counties

"I’m a wife and mom to four energetic girls, who has practiced as a nurse practitioner in Women’s Health since 2012. I attended Middle Tennessee State University for my undergraduate degree in Nursing, and completed my Master’s in Nursing through Vanderbilt University. My passion is Women’s Health and helping women reach their personal health goals to feel their best. Becoming an IBCLC builds upon my advanced skill set to better assist with specific breastfeeding needs. Having nursed all four of my girls for over a year while returning to the office, I have experienced the challenges that can present, and I want to help other moms strategize how they too can do both. The mother baby bond is so special, and I am filled with such joy when I am witness to other moms overcoming their doubts on their ability to breastfeed their babies. I will work along side you and your family to make this a positive experience you will cherish."

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Angela Lee,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

In-home lactation consultations in Williamson and southern Davidson counties

"I began Blessed Beginnings in 2009 to help meet the needs of expectant and new parents in the Middle Tennessee area. As a registered nurse since 2001, I have a background in labor & delivery, mother/baby postpartum care, lactation and childbirth education. I love working with families in the comfort of their own homes during a season of life that is full of unexpected challenges and sweet blessings. It is a privilege to be a small part of a mom and baby's story, and my desire is that every family would have a Blessed Beginning!"

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Carly McWhirter,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

In-home lactation consultations in Wilson and Eastern Davidson counties

"I began my nursing career in 2007 as a Neonatal ICU nurse. I spent many years walking alongside moms and dads during their most difficult days. It was during my personal breastfeeding journey, after the birth of my first child, that I realized how important knowledgeable lactation support was. I felt called to specialize in lactation, with an initial focus on NICU moms and their specific needs. After a few years, I transitioned roles to an outpatient setting to be able to help moms of healthy babies as well. I enjoy helping parents in the comfort of their home, helping them to grow their confidence in nurturing their baby. I will encourage you, cry with you, and celebrate with you as we navigate the challenges of breastfeeding together and help you achieve your lactation goals."

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Kimberly Featherston,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation Consultations in Davidson, Dickson, and Wilson counties

"In 2012 I began my career as a NICU nurse. I have had the privilege of caring for babies and their families during some of the most vunerable times of their lives. It was not long after my first daughter was born, in 2019, that a spark was lit in my heart to support other mothers as they navigate their own breastfeeding journey. I experienced first hand, with both of my girls, how something so beautiful can also be challenging. My goal as your lactation consultant is to work with you to make a unique plan that will meet your needs and goals, all while striving to keep breastfeeding an enjoyable experience. I look forward to meeting you. Congratulations!"

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Melinda Pattan
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson,

Davidson counties

"I became a nurse in 2013 and have spent the majority of my career in the Neonatal ICU. I have had the privilege of caring for families during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. It wasn’t until I struggled to breastfeed one of my own babies that I realized just how raw and vulnerable the postpartum period could be. This experience has grown my passion to meet mamas exactly where they are, in all stages of motherhood. My hope is to walk alongside you in achieving your lactation goals and to support you in anyway I can. “It takes a village” is more than just a saying, it’s an important peace of the puzzle to help mothers feel empowered and supported no matter where their journey takes them. It would be my honor to be apart of your village. I look forward to meeting you and your little one!"

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Shana Farneth
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson, Davidson, and Rutherford counties

“I have worked as a postpartum and NICU nurse since 2006. The moments I have loved the most in my nursing career have been the ones spent assisting and encouraging parents during their nursing journey. I am a mom of 3 kids and each one of them had different nursing difficulties, so I know the pain and joys that come with being a nursing parent. I became an IBCLC in 2018 and have found my home at Blessed Beginnings. It has been my dream to serve parents and babies in the comfort of their homes. I love to assist and empower nursing parents, no matter their path. Each parent deserves the best start to their wonderful journey and I am truly privileged to play a small part in that.”

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Summer Range
BSN, RN, CLC

Lactation consultations in Summer, Robertson and Davidson counties

"Having a background in child development and family studies and as a practicing pediatric nurse, I have a passion for helping babies and their families. I am so excited to begin this journey to learn and grow in lactation education. I am looking forward to being able to support mothers and their families during one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of their lives!"

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Anna Cathey,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in

Williamson and Davidson counties

"A breastfeeding journey is a significant time in a family’s life with their new baby. It is a privilege to empower parents with skills and knowledge, and see families experience success during this precious time. I have been a hospital IBCLC since 2012, with a background as a Mother/Baby nurse. I have three beautiful children that helped me learn to overcome breastfeeding challenges first-hand! I enjoy educating families prenatally, so they are equipped to have a successful start, and know what to expect following birth. Being able to provide in-home care in private practice allows families to be out of the hospital setting, and in the comfort of your own home!"

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Erica Dugger,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson and Davidson counties

"My nursing career began in 2008 in pediatrics, and in 2016 I transitioned into the role of mother baby nurse. It was my passion for assisting mother’s with breastfeeding in the hospital that initially led me to pursue lactation as a career in 2018, however it was the birth of our first son that fueled that passion even further. I experienced firsthand the many complexities of having a preterm baby, and developed a deep empathy for the breastfeeding mother. Being able to partner with families from the comfort of their own homes during such an exciting and overwhelming time is truly an honor and a privilege. I understand that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and we will work together to find the feeding plan that works best for your family and helps you meet your goals. It is my hope that I bring peace and joy into your home as I help to empower and equip you to feel confident and supported in your breastfeeding journey."

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Kristin Salato,
BSN, RN, IBCLC

In-home lactation consultations

"I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, double majoring in nursing and Spanish, while playing Division I women's soccer. After a brief stint playing professional soccer in Argentina and working at the Casa de Amor orphanage, I began my journey in women's health at Belmont University Nursing School, finishing by BSN in December of 2012. In January of 2013, I started at Vanderbilt Hospital as a Labor and Delivery nurse and recently completed my tenth year at the bedside. Now, as the mother of two small miracles (Micah, 3, and Sienna, 1), I understand the struggles of the breastfeeding journey and want to help empower women during a critical and vulnerable time."

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Merrill Burgett
BSN, RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in
Davidson county

"Since embarking on my nursing career, I have felt a strong calling to women’s health. It was during my time working as a Mother Baby Nurse that I discovered my passion for breastfeeding which then led me to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I feel so fortunate to be part of such a vulnerable and beautiful time in a family’s life. Everyone’s path may look different, but I believe in meeting you where you are and curating a plan that is specific to you and your journey. I look forward to meeting you and your little blessing!"

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Stephanie Ross,
B.S.Ed, IBCLC, CLC

Lactation consultations in Cookeville & Upper Cumberland area

“After navigating the highs and lows of breastfeeding my firstborn son, I felt a calling to this profession. I wanted to provide the same education, support, and encouragement to families that I discovered I needed for each of my breastfeeding journeys. I feel honored to serve families during this exciting (and overwhelming) time as they anxiously await their baby’s arrival and navigate the fourth trimester and beyond. Helping families meet their own breastfeeding goals and gain the incredible benefits of breastfeeding is my passion and a joy to witness.” Stephanie is a proud mother of three nurslings with over seven years of personal breastfeeding experience. Stephanie is a professionally licensed Human Ecology Educator, specialized in Early Childhood Development, a national volunteer with Breastfeeding USA, an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a Certified Lactation Counselor. She has proudly been serving families in the Upper Cumberland with their breastfeeding goals and needs since 2012."

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Taylor King,
RN, IBCLC

Lactation consultations in Williamson,

Davidson counties

"I began my nursing career in 2014 as a Mother Baby nurse, and in 2015 after having my first son, my passion for breastfeeding plunged me into my lactation career. My experience includes postpartum, NICU, and outpatient lactation. My commitment as an IBCLC is to meet you where you are in your breastfeeding journey, educate and support with love and compassion, and help you meet your breastfeeding goals. With my own breastfeeding experience as a mother of 4, as well as my years of IBCLC experience since 2017, I have learned that every breastfeeding journey looks different, and I am committed to help you find the breastfeeding path that works best for you and your family. It is my honor and privilege to walk with you in this journey, and my prayer is that you will be filled with overwhelming joy as you nourish and create the most beautiful bond with your baby."

Meet Other Blessed
Beginnings Team Members

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Jessica Linville,
Client Coordinator

Client Coordinator,​ 

Scheduling Specialist

“As the Client Coordinator for the Blessed Beginnings Team, I am often the first email, text, or phone call that you receive. I strive to connect you with one of our outstanding consultants to meet your needs, as soon as possible. Offering support for both Mom and Baby is my priority and I am proud to be part of a team that works together to serve you well.”

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Kim Geasley
RN, CLC 

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Practitioner
Bodywork Provider

"I have been a Registered Nurse since 2009, working at the bedside in the Neonatal ICU. As a CLC, I have supported breastfeeding efforts both in the NICU and home settings. My greatest desire is to ensure that all our clients get the hands-on support and care they need as they transition after birth by providing bodywork for a variety of concerns. Trained in Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), I use this gentle approach to help relieve tension in the body, allowing for optimal movement and relief from fascial strain. I am honored to serve your family as part of the Blessed Beginnings Team!"

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Jacqui Redlinski,
BSN, RN, CLC

Certified CPR Instructor
CPR/choking class instructor

“Education, safety, and family centered care have always been part of my passion in nursing. My previous hospital background includes working with antepartum, labor and delivery, and postpartum patients and families. After becoming a mother, I realized how unpredictable each day can be. My breastfeeding journeys had challenges to overcome including tongue ties and food intolerances/allergies with both my daughters. As a lactation counselor, I recognize the importance of personal support in the path you choose in feeding your infant(s) and would love the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goal. As a CPR instructor, I’m excited to offer a non-certification class specific to infant CPR and choking. This class provides you with the skills and knowledge to be better prepared should an emergent situation arise. I look forward to meeting you in either a private or classroom setting.”

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Jessi Welling,
PPD, CBS

Postpartum Doula

Certified Breastfeeding Specialist

"I am a passionate postpartum doula and certified breastfeeding specialist. As a mother of four, I deeply understand both the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby. My commitment is to provide compassionate care, practical help, and emotional support as you navigate the highs and lows of motherhood with personalized services tailored to your unique needs. I am also dedicated to supporting postpartum nutrition, helping you nourish your body with meals and snacks that promote recovery and well-being to ensure you and your baby thrive during this precious time. Together, we’ll make this transformative journey as smooth, healthy, and fulfilling as possible for both you and your baby."

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Peyton Cooper,
PCD(DONA)

Postpartum doula for Williamson Co.

“As a mother of two boys, I know firsthand the importance of having a knowledgeable and caring support system during the early weeks and months of motherhood. My goal as a postpartum doula is to bring my expertise and empathy to every client I work with, offering practical advice, emotional support, and a listening ear. I am dedicated to helping mothers feel empowered, confident, and connected during this transformative time in their lives. There is nothing more beautiful than a mother-baby bond and I am committed to making the experience as positive and nurturing as it is meant to be!”

Meet the Blessed
Beginnings Team Interns

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Lisa Maxwell,
RN, BSN, CLC

"I have been an oncology nurse for 8 years; a field and job I enjoyed a lot. However, after having my first baby, I began to feel a pull towards lactation. I experienced first hand the realization that many women don’t get the support and education they need when breastfeeding. Once I had my second child, the opportunity to become an intern at Blessed Beginnings presented itself to me and it was God’s way of opening the door for me into my career as an IBCLC intern. I am eager to meld my technical skills from my career as a nurse, my hands on practical skills as a mom of two, and my new continuing education as a CLC and IBCLC intern to be the best lactation consultant possible for my clients."

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Jacqui Redlinski
BSN, RN, CLC

"My breastfeeding journeys created a calling in me to pursue my IBCLC. Seeing first hand the various unexpected struggles that affected my daughters and I, I recognize the importance of support, education, and resources needed to provide reassurance and guidance in such a special season of life. Just as Angela Lee was always there for me with my second daughter, I want to be a resource that can help the mother baby dyad learn and grow together."

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