Abstract
It is hard to believe that this will be my final President's column! Thank you to all of you who have faithfully read my musings and who have reached out to say you were touched or moved by my words over the past 2 years. I have learned it is no small thing to produce a meaningful, monthly column, and hearing from time to time that they have resonated with you has made all of the effort worthwhile.
I have many people to thank as my term as the President of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine comes to an end. Really, this is just some of the people as there are many more who have inspired me, assisted me, and/or supported me along the way. I will try to recognize as many as I can recall here:
My parents for giving me unconditional love and for encouraging me to study hard and pursue my passion of helping others, and my mother for breastfeeding me when it wasn't “in.”
My husband, Bryce, for always being there for me, tolerating my work trips and late nights, and endless ramblings about everything breastfeeding.
My children, for teaching me humility, that there is no one right way of parenting or being, and that nothing ever goes as planned.
The lactation consultant that gave two hours of lecture to our second-year medical school class back when that was unheard of, and lit my fire for helping all new families breastfeed.
All of the female attendings and role models in medical school and residency who were new mothers and showed me how you can actually pump at work and keep breastfeeding going, even as a physician.
Maria, the lactation consultant without whose help I would not have been able to keep breastfeeding my first.
Valerie Goodman, a nurse and now retired lactation consultant who said to me way back when, “You should join the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine” (which at the time I had never heard of!)
My colleagues and friends in ABM who share my enthusiasm and quest for learning and contributing to the field. Who truly are “My People” that I can be my authentic self with and to whom I do not have to explain (at all!) why breastfeeding matters. I know I have made friends for life.
The Founders of ABM for the vision and the execution of the plan to have a professional organization and home for those of us interested in and practicing Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine.
The ABM Board members and officers, both past and present, for their tireless and enthusiastic hard work and dedication to this organization and this field. Being on the Board is not an easy job and comes with a great deal of responsibility, and I am so inspired by the expertise and dedication you bring to every initiative and decision.
Some outstanding members who have truly taken the ball and run whenever we have asked them for help including Nicole Hackman, Tara Williams, Irena Zakarija-Grkovik, Camron Johnson, Amy Brandon, Rima Strassman, Kate Standish, Jayne Charlamb, Marica Bettinelli, Gail Herrine, Bobbi Philipp, Paula Schreck, and so many more (you know who you are!)
The ABM staff who help keep us organized, bring forward great energy and new ideas, and who have quickly learned so much about our organization and adopted our mission, vision, and goals as their own.
Our Executive Director, Carol Pape, who jumped in feet first in the middle of a pandemic and never looked back. Carol, the energy, initiative, responsibility, caring, and creativity you bring has helped our beloved organization weather this storm. Thank you for always being there for me and always bringing a positive, can-do attitude to every issue that arises.
In random order: Alison Stuebe, Julie Taylor, Elien Rouw, Rob Lawrence, Lori Feldman-Winter, Melissa Bartick, Ruth Lawrence, Miriam Labbock, Wendy Brodribb, Amy Evans, Michelle Brenner, Julie Ware, Michal Young, Yvonne LeFort, Larry Noble, Sahira Long, Eyla Boies, Arthur Eidelman, Anne Eglash, and so many more individuals who have served as mentors, role models, and inspiration to me and to countless others in the field.
It has truly been a privilege for me to serve as the President of this outstanding organization and to work alongside all of you. I know we are in great hands with Dr. Elien Rouw who will take over at the end of this year's Annual International Meeting. I look forward to continuing to support the organization and its missions as we strive to serve all new families and those that care for them worldwide. Thank you for all that you do.