Laura Stewart is an international board-certified lactation consultant at Atrium Health Women’s Care Shelby OB/GYN and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Shelby Children’s Clinic.

Laura says she discovered the lactation profession before she had children of her own. “I have been passionate about working in health care, specifically with babies, for as long as I can remember,” she says. “Now that I’m a mom of two, I can relate to the bond between moms and their babies and share in the joy of knowing your body is nurturing your child.”

One of the most interesting statements Laura has heard about breastfeeding is when patients say they can’t breastfeed because their mom, aunt, grandmother, or sister weren’t able to. “Breastfeeding is not a genetic condition,” she says. “Every breastfeeding experience is unique.”

One piece of advice Laura shares with her patients is that bringing home a new baby is an adjustment for everyone. “Breastfeeding your baby is a part of that adjustment,” she says.

When she’s not working with patients, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and traveling to the North Carolina mountains.