Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kondrat.
Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming an international Board Certified Lactation Consultant started about six years ago when I gave birth to my first baby. I had backbreaking labor along with an even more challenging time breastfeeding, which launched me into Postpartum Depression. Being new to the area and a first-time Mom, I didn’t know where to find support or what support was available. I thought this was not how it should be for everyone. From there, I decided to seek out professional training. I first became a Birth Doula and then pursued formal Lactation Education. I started working at a local hospital on a postpartum floor, where my passion for postpartum families grew. Between my shifts at the hospital, I would primarily help friends and family feed their babies. After I had my first Daughter in 2020, I decided shortly after to leave my position at the hospital and work on wrapping up the credentials needed to sit for my Board exam. In September 2022, I passed my Board Certification exam and took on the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant title. I officially started Dragonfly Lactation in January of 2023, and it has beautifully blossomed into a safe space for families to learn how to feed their babies. My heart bursts when I get to help Moms feed their babies!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were some bumps in the road between having three kiddos and trying to be present with them while working on my stuff at night, which has been the biggest hurdle. In the process, I have navigated postpartum depression and anxiety, a global pandemic, and countless other smaller hurdles. When it came to starting my lactation business, everything always seemed to fall into place. It was truly meant to be.
We’ve been impressed with Dragonfly Lactation, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In the short, I help families feed their babies. This can look like breastfeeding or bottle feeding (breastmilk or formula). I specialize in oral ties and oral function; after having three very tied babies, I learned a ton from them, but I have also pursued formal training on oral ties and function. I thoroughly enjoy helping families through all stages of their journey. I offer prenatal education, free feeding/postpartum support groups, and breastfeeding support. I can help with an array of challenges such as pain with breastfeeding, inability to latch, sore nipples, oral ties, nipple shield weaning, breast preference, extended feeding times, poor weight gain, low milk supply, pumping, back to work, bottle feeding, weaning and much more. I’m most proud of being a part of the birth community in Knoxville. Being able to help families the way I needed help after I had my first baby truly fills my cup. Reading the reviews families leave and seeing moms share their experiences under my care on social media makes my day. I want your readers to know that there is support. Motherhood can feel very isolating and challenging, especially if birth doesn’t go the way you had thought it would and if feeding is not going the way you had planned. Whether you are struggling to feed your baby or need someone to reassure you that you are doing everything right, I am here to help you and your baby.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is spending summers at my grandparents’ house on the lake and fishing with my grandpa.
Pricing:
- Insurance
- FSA/HSA
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dragonflylactation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonfly_lactation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dragonflylactation
Image Credits
Devon Adrianne Photography
