Watson Clinic registered nurse practitioner Wendi Johnson, APRN has earned status as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant with specialized training in providing high-quality breastfeeding care for new mothers and their babies.

Working alongside board-certified Gynecologist John R. Ellington, Jr., MD, Ms. Johnson provides lactation support to parents during prenatal and postpartum care, creates a smoother transition from hospital to home, and empowers breastfeeding success through every challenge along the way.

“Breastfeeding is such a valuable and sacred process for many new mothers because it promotes the healthy growth and development of their baby, and affords a special opportunity for bonding between mother and child in those early stages,” says Ms. Johnson. “But the process can present a number of challenges that the mother might not be equipped to overcome if she’s not prepared for them.”

A lactation consultant works with new and expectant mothers, as well as their newborns, to address these challenges, which might include breast engorgement, poor breastfeeding latch, difficulties with milk supply, clogged ducts, nipple pain or infant fussiness.

According to the CDC, 81% of babies start out being breastfed, but only 22% are still exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months of age. For this reason, it is recommended that lactation consults begin before childbirth in order to ensure success every step along your breastfeeding journey. Consultants like Ms. Johnson are considered essential members of the maternal-infant care team.

Ms. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and her Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree from South University in Tampa, FL.

She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.