Sharen Medrano, IBCLC, MPA

I first talked to Sharen on a late evening when my hope of being able to breastfeed successfully and without pain was hanging by a very thin and fragile thread. Sharen quickly eased my worries and offered to come to my apartment first thing the next morning. That morning I welcomed her in to what I'm sure looked like a scene from National Geographic. She was so patient, comforting, and understanding that I immediately regained the confidence that told me I  could and would be able to master breastfeeding. She was also wonderful with my baby. 

I'll always remember when she said that in time breastfeeding would feel like tugging on my ear. At that time I thought it was impossible. Then one day while breastfeeding, as I was starring into my baby daughter's beautiful eyes, I smiled because that day had come. The pain was gone and what was left was this incredible feeling of love, accomplishment, and an indescribable bond. I now look forward to every breastfeeding session. Thank you Sharen from the bottom of my heart for helping me to feed my daughter with love and health.

-Linda

Sharen visited my home the day after I gave birth to my sweet daughter and did not leave until I felt fully confident with breastfeeding. She patiently answered all my questions about breastfeeding, helped me try out different nursing positions, and provided additional insights that helped me gain confidence as a new mom.  I feel that her early visit was instrumental to helping me stick to my plan to breastfeed my daughter exclusively. 

I had to go back to work around week six and Sharen was right there to coach me through pumping and maintaining my milk supply.  I highly recommend her as a Lactation Consultant!

-Tu

Sharen has been an incredible resource on my breastfeeding journey. My daughter had trouble latching on at the beginning and she came to our apartment to help. She was kind, thoughtful and creative with her suggestions.  What's more, she has continued to answer my (many!) questions along the way and ease my mind during a stressful time. She is always willing to discuss issues and follows up to check in on me.  I would highly recommend her.  

-Margaret

I wanted to take a minute to thank you once again on behalf of my wife and little Cody.  As with most first time parents, we quickly learned how difficult and often frustrating breastfeeding can be.  While my wife could not be blamed for lack of effort, we soon discovered that “doing it” and “doing it right“ were two separate things.

Your demeanor, knowledge and commitment to stay as long as it took to make sure we were comfortable was greatly appreciated.  I am happy to say that Cody has been feeding like a champ and gaining weight at every doctor's visit.  I also appreciate your follow up emails and texts to see how we are all doing.  I would recommend your services to all who decide to venture down this path.

-David, Milly & Cody

Sharen's constant support and gentle encouragement got me through several uncertain times with my baby. She has a reassuring tone that gives you the boost you need when things get tough. She also has tips for how to position your baby when he's tired, you're exhausted and you just need to keep that latch in place. Thanks for everything, Sharen!

-Amanda

My son Nouri and breasts thank you tremendously. I don’t know what I would have done without your constant support and help. I loved your postcards and emails with very helpful tips and milestones. You are truly a very special person.

-Muthla

From the first moment that I spoke to Sharen on the phone, she was so available and supportive to me. After her visit to my home, we continued our phone/email relationship for weeks!

The road to easy breastfeeding was long and hard, but I did get there, and having Sharen in my corner was truly a great help.

- Sabina

I cannot express in words my immense gratitude for your help with Nadia.  She is growing healthy and strong thanks to you.  She gained 12 ounces and weighed in at over 9lbs this Monday.

You have marked the life of my child forever.  Thank you so very much.

-Grissel

Sharen, you're not only kind but very informative and supportive. You have provided a plethora of information about breastfeeding to make me feel secure and prepared to nurse my baby. More importantly, you do not pass judgment on issues and questions that arise. This is really important to new moms who often experience guilt. I would recommend you to any of my expectant girlfriends.

-Beth


When I arrived home with my baby, with information I had received from the breastfeeding class at the hospital, I thought to myself, who needs a lactation consultant? Breastfeeding seemed easy. Little did I know that I was going to run into some major problems. Bleeding nipples, pain, poor feedings; I was, you could say, LOST. Two girlfriends bought me a postpartum gift certificate for a consultation and boy was I blessed.
 
Sharen is like a wise grandmother trapped in a young woman’s body. She comes in and watches you nurse and corrects on the spot. She covered everything from how the breast actually produces the milk, positioning techniques, stimulating the milk flow and how to introduce the breast to my baby. She covered so many points that had never crossed my mind.
 
I truly feel this is definitely is her calling, since she is passionate about making sure you get things right, by teaching and following up over the phone, or in person as much as you need.
 
I couldn’t have done it without Sharen.  I will recommend her to all my pregnant girlfriends. (Thank you so very much!).
 
- Veronica

Breastfeeding is going great, I've been exclusively breastfeeding. I went to WIC today and changed my status to exclusively breastfeeding! I feel so happy I stuck it out. And you're right, you do feel like you can overcome anything when it starts to get better.  And guess what? My daughter has been pooping everyday now for the past three days, even more than once a day.  Woo hoo to poop!  Breastmilk is so much nicer on her developing belly.

I'm so appreciative of your help and support.   I just want to announce to everyone how great you are, especially your boss. I need to tell her/him that they can't let you get away!

-Karen

Gracias!

La vida pone en nuestro camino a personas tan maravillosas como tu. Diste a mi vida confianza y seguridad y me ensenaste a ser una mejor mama. Me faltan vidas para agradecerte.  

-Lehyla

I know you will be making an incredibly valuable contribution to the breastfeeding community in the years to come because you have the "right stuff" as an educator: you are charismatic, sincere, well-informed, caring, committed, and an excellent communicator. We were lucky to have you here at Jacobi.

Thanks for everything you've done to help make the baby showers at Jacobi a success.

Ellen Walk
Childbirth Educator
Jacobi Medical Center

I really enjoyed your presentation at Jacobi Medical Center’s baby shower..it was terrific!  I especially liked the phrase you used about how it’s called breastfeeding not nipple feeding for several reasons.

Lilian Duru, RN
Nursing Supervisor
PCAP Coordinator
North Central Bronx Hospital