About the Author:
Inspired by her own breastfeeding struggles, Erin Valasek, RN, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant at Methodist Women's Hospital, has a passion for instilling confidence in new mothers.
“There’s something about helping someone through it,” she said. “Because it’s hard! Breastfeeding is hard work. And letting them know that, ‘Hey, you’re going to do this. You’re going to get it.’ That’s what I love about my job.”
Valasek earned an accelerated nursing degree at Nebraska Methodist College. She worked as a postpartum nurse for nearly five years at Methodist Women’s Hospital before discovering her true calling of becoming a lactation consultant.
“I never dread going to work in the morning,” she said. “I feel so privileged to be able to do this day in and day out.”
Valasek’s other favorite job is being a mom. She stays busy keeping up with her two high-energy boys. In her free time, she enjoys baking, practicing yoga and surrounding herself with friends and family.
Women in Nebraska and Iowa are allowed to nurse anywhere they are authorized to be. Their employers are required to give them time and space to pump.