Recent Graduate Profile:  Robyn Roche-Paul – For Baby and For Country!

Robyn Roche-Paull, B.S., IBCLC, completed her degree from UI&U in the fall of 2006.  For her Capstone Learning Experience project, Robyn wrote a breastfeeding handbook for active-duty military mothers.  Titled “Breastfeeding for My Baby and My Country,” the handbook is designed to provide information, support, and encouragement to those mothers willing to do double duty by serving their country and breastfeeding their infants.  It offers tips, strategies, information, and support for all the needs and questions a mother might face when returning to active duty after a six-week maternity leave and wishing to continue providing the best for their babies by breastfeeding.  Robyn is currently working with the federal government in the hopes of having her handbook published and distributed to military commands throughout the United States and beyond.

Robyn has been involved with lactation since her eldest child was born 11 years ago while she was on active duty in the US Navy.  While she found breastfeeding under these circumstances very difficult, she had a wonderful amount of support from her local La Leche League group.  From that first experience, Robyn went on to become a LLL leader.  She had two more children, all breastfed for a minimum of two years.  These experiences supported and encouraged Robyn to pursue her dreams of obtaining her degree and certification as an IBCLC.   In the summer of 2006, Robyn sat for and passed the IBCLC exam.  Since graduating, Robyn has begun a private practice lactation consultation business, Tidewater Lactation Group.  She continues to lead monthly LLL meetings.  She is married to a career US Navy sailor, and at every new duty station strives to continue to support military wives and mothers as a fierce advocate for breastfeeding while in the military.  Robyn can be reached at: momsmilk@cox.net