Who are we? The Breastfeeding Specialists of Atlanta!
Lactation Consultants of Atlanta was the first private practice in the Atlanta area. More importantly, we are dedicated to assisting nursing mothers, their babies and their families to help breastfeeding become an easy and successful experience.
Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are experienced, highly trained professionals, who specialize in working with health care providers to assist nursing mothers and their babies.
Lactation Consultants of Atlanta has been providing personal services in the hospital, in homes and in our office since August, 1988 and has helped thousands of mothers and babies.
Sharon Birdseye, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Sharon Birdseye is the leading breastfeeding specialist in Atlanta. She has been providing lactation services as a board certified lactation consultant for 28 years. Sharon founded Lactation Consultants of Atlanta in 1988.
A mother of 3 breastfed boys, Sharon graduated from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing; attended Kennesaw University’s Nursing Program and has worked as a registered nurse since 1968, including 12 years in Labor and Delivery/OB Education. In 2015, Sharon was inducted into the Half Century Club of Mercer University by the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Alumni Association.
Sharon certified as an IBCLC in 1987 and has successfully recertified by education hours in 1992, 2002 & 2012, re-exam in 1997 & 2007.
She has guest lectured for Emory School of Nursing’s Midwifery Program, SELCA, La Leche League and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and has published articles on breastfeeding.
Sharon is a founding member and past president of the Southeastern Lactation Consultants Association (SELCA), member of the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA), and the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA).
Sharon has been featured on:
Mary Francell, IBCLC
Mary Francell has been supporting mothers as a community based breastfeeding counselor since 1995 and became an IBCLC in 2015. She holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Before having children, Mary worked as a writer/editor for several universities. She loves supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journeys and is particularly interested in the interaction between biology and culture in parenting. Mary is a member of the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA), the United States Lactation Consultants Association (USLCA) and the Southeastern Lactation Consultants Association (SELCA). She currently serves as both Area Professional Liaison and Continuing Education Coordinator for La Leche League of Georgia. Mary is also a contributing editor and writer for Leader Today, an international blog for La Leche League Leaders. She and her husband Howard have three grown children. In her spare time, she enjoys birdwatching, caring for foster kittens and singing in a women’s a cappella group.
Patti Carroll, RN, IBCLC
Patti Carroll has served as a La Leche League leader for ten years and was a labor and delivery nurse for another ten years. In 1988, she became an IBCLC working as a lactation consultant for Kaiser Permanente and Maternal Child Health Nurse for 14 years. Patti started a corporate lactation program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1996 and still continues that program today. She has three grown children and is passionate about mothering, babies, and breastfeeding. In her personal life, she loves to travel as much as possible while learning to play golf!
Beth Brice, IBCLC
Beth has been working with breastfeeding families since 2007. She is the mother of 5 previously breastfed children, including a set of twins. In 2009, Beth certified as an IBCLC Lactation Consultant. In 2014, she recertified with educational hours. Beth also has received the certification of Advanced Lactation Consultant by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. Beth has a passion for providing education to breastfeeding families as well as Health Care providers. She is certified to teach the required 20-hour curriculum for maternity staff as part of The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Ten Steps To Successful Breastfeeding. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Maternal Child Health and has the wonderful opportunity to support breastfeeding families in a birthing hospital, outpatient clinic, children’s hospitals and in homes. Her wide range of experience has allowed for a greater understand of the uniqueness of each breastfeeding relationship.