about the lactation consultant
MEET KATY BAKER-COHEN, RN, IBCLC
I’m a Philadelphia-based in home lactation consultant. I’m here to provide evidence-based information and an empathetic ear as you navigate your lactation journey.
With a background as a public health nurse supporting young families combined with my own experience as a mother of two, I know that there isn’t a one-size-fits all approach to feeding our babies and toddlers. I also know that as new parents we are fed a lot of information that is difficult to sift through.
I believe that everyone has the right to nourish their child in a way that feels right for them. I’m just here to help you figure out what that looks like and to walk alongside you.
There is no one way to feed your baby.
There is no one way to be on the lactation journey.
My Background
It took me some time to figure out exactly how my love for babies and their families would manifest as a career, supporting the bond and love between parents and their children has always been a passion of mine. After graduating college with a degree in social work, I went straight on to nursing school. Right after nursing school I worked on the oncology floor at Jefferson hospital where I honed my clinical assessment skills, supported families in intense times of transition and grew in my confidence as a health care provider.
In 2012, I gave birth to my first child. Becoming a mom was a big adjustment for me, from being active and always on the go, I had to learn to slow down and let go. I was surprised by how much support and learning it took to feel at ease nursing a child and growing into being a parent. Three short months of maternity leave passed, and I returned to my work in the hospital.
After a year and a half of learning to be a breastfeeding/pumping mom, working outside the house, and all that this juggle entails, I was ready to get back to where my passion was, supporting parents and babies. In 2014 I started working (and still work today) as maternal child nurse home visitor for the Nurse Family Partnership, an organization that had caught my heart when I first heard about it in nursing school. My role supporting first time families from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday allowed me to become intimately involved in each family’s struggles and joys, learning to follow their dreams of being the best parents they could be, while overcoming their own past and current struggles. This work further exposed and grew my passion for the multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding/human milk for all families.
Knowing that I would have endless learning and joy in working in the field of lactation, I pursued the education and clinical hours necessary to become a Registered Lactation Consultant. Shortly after the birth of my second child in 2016, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
My Approach
My approach is to listen deeply to understand your struggles, your goals, and to walk alongside you. I approach lactation support with a wide lens that considers incorporating body work, nutrition, mental health and relationships into the feeding journey. I do not offer “cookie cutter” care. When we work together you make decisions on your care based on informed, evidence-based information that I will provide.
I believe that navigating the barriers to breast/chest feeding that exist in our society, while cultivating knowledge and self efficacy to feel ready to nurse a baby is tied to so many parts of life. I love working to weave it all together, starting from what motivates the individual family.
My Qualifications
I try to take every opportunity to expand my knowledge in the ever growing field of lactation, both through professional training and collaboration with the amazing birth worker community that exists in Philadelphia as well as nationally and internationally.
Below are some of my education and trainings:
TummyTime! Certified 2016
Lactation Consultants in Private Practice Conference 2019
Lactation Consultants in Private Practice Conference 2020
Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Coalition Conference 2020
GOLD Lactation Conference 2021
GOLD Tongue Tie Symposium 2021
Herbal Support In Lactation and Infant Care for the Health Professional 2021
GOLD Lactation Conference 2022
Pumping and Feeding Gear for IBCLCs workshop 2022
IBCLC Master Class: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad 2023
Rhythmic Movement to Support Feeding 2023
Member of Pro-LC since 2015 and ongoing attendance of continuing education lectures
Member USLCA since 2016
“Katy is amazing! I called her a few weeks after having my third baby because of mastitis concerns. She called me back immediately and made time to come see me within 48 hours. She was so reassuring and helpful in person and then followed up by email with an extensive list of resources that I could rely on going forward. I recommend proactively setting up a session with her for right after your baby arrives to help with the inevitable questions that arise, even if it’s your third! :)”
—Catherine
A bit more about me…
When I’m not supporting clients on their lactation journeys, you’ll probably find me spending time with my partner and our two kids. I love to cook (really I like all things food -hence lactation) and cultivating my tiny urban garden. I would love to dance more. I am constantly learning and growing through family dynamics, a good dose of therapy and sharing life's learnings with friends. I’d love to meet you.
