Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindley Cave. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lindley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

At the age of 7, my mother allowed me to be in the delivery room to witness the birth of my brother. Being present in the delivery room at a young age had a profound impact on my life and shaped my future aspirations and interests.

Witnessing the miracle of childbirth firsthand sparked a deep fascination and connection with the process of bringing new life into the world. It may have ignited my passion for supporting and empowering families during the perinatal period, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and Doula.

Experiencing such a significant event at a young age left a lasting impression on my perspective and values. It instilled in me a sense of empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

It’s remarkable how early experiences can shape our paths in life. My mother’s decision to allow me to be present during my sibling’s birth clearly had a profound effect on me, steering me towards a career that allows me to support and empower families during their own transformative journeys.

Also, experiencing preeclampsia, undergoing an induction, and having a challenging breastfeeding journey was also a transformative experience that shape my desire to help and support others. Going through these personal challenges firsthand allows me to empathize with the physical, emotional, and mental aspects that families may face during the perinatal period.

Having faced difficulties with my own delivery and breastfeeding journey, I understand the unique needs and struggles that parents may encounter. This personal experience has deepened my commitment to providing compassionate and knowledgeable support to families who may be going through similar situations.

My personal journey can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to empower and advocate for other parents. It allows me to connect with families on a deeper level and provide them with the understanding, empathy, and guidance they need during their own perinatal experiences.

By sharing my story, offering support, and providing evidence-based information, I can make a positive difference in the lives of the families I work with. My firsthand experience and the lessons I’ve learned along the way will undoubtedly enhance my ability to support, educate, and empower others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and Doula. My extensive experience and expertise in the field of perinatal care uniquely position me to support and empower families during a transformative period of their lives.

My background is working in Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby, and Pediatrics for over a decade. This allowed me to gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and joys associated with childbirth and infant care. My personal experience with a difficult delivery and breastfeeding further ignited my passion for supporting families through their perinatal journey.

Through my business, Mama Cave Lactation & More, as a Doula, I offer a range of services to expecting and new parents. These services include birth planning, education, and labor support, ensuring that parents are well-informed and prepared for the birthing process. By providing personalized guidance, I empower parents to advocate for their preferences and make informed decisions about their birth experience. My goal is to empower and educate parents so they can make informed decisions about their birth experiences and confidently navigate the early stages of parenting. I believe that every family deserves support, encouragement, and access to evidence-based information during this transformative time.

Additionally, my expertise as a Certified Lactation Consultant shines through my services offered by Baby Settler. I provide in-home and virtual consultations on feeding and sleep support, equipping parents with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the breastfeeding journey and establish healthy feeding routines. By visiting their homes, I can assess the specific needs of each family, tailoring my guidance to their unique circumstances. I am able to offer feeding and sleep routines and provide personalized guidance to optimize the baby’s well-being and parental bonding.

I provide guidance on positioning and latch, troubleshoot any challenges, and offer emotional support to help parents navigate their breastfeeding journey successfully. In addition to breastfeeding support, I also provide education and assistance with infant sleep. Many parents struggle with establishing healthy sleep habits for their babies, and I offer guidance on creating a nurturing sleep environment, establishing routines, and promoting healthy sleep patterns.

Overall, my passion for supporting, encouraging, and empowering families during the perinatal period is evident in my multifaceted approach. My combination of nursing, lactation consulting, and doula services allows me to provide comprehensive care and education, ensuring that parents feel confident and supported as they embark on their journey into parenthood.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The most helpful thing to succeeding in my field is acknowledging that support and encouragement is what most parents are needing. Breastfeeding is a personal choice and experience that can vary for each individual and family. While breastfeeding provides numerous benefits, it’s essential to recognize that it may not be the right choice or feasible for everyone due to various factors such as medical conditions, personal circumstances, or personal preferences.

As a lactation consultant and doula, it’s crucial to support and respect each family’s decisions and provide non-judgmental guidance. This includes recognizing and validating alternative feeding methods such as formula feeding or combination feeding, as well as providing information and support for those who choose not to breastfeed.

By acknowledging that breastfeeding is not the only path and being supportive of individual choices, you can create a safe and inclusive environment for all families, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and education for their unique feeding journey.

Support and encouragement are incredibly valuable and essential for parents during the perinatal period. Many parents feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. They often seek guidance, reassurance, and a non-judgmental space to share their concerns and experiences.

As a Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and Doula, providing emotional support and creating a nurturing environment can make a significant difference in the lives of the families I work with. By actively listening to their concerns, validating their experiences, and offering encouragement, I can help boost their confidence and empower them to make informed decisions.

Moreover, offering evidence-based information and education is crucial. Parents often appreciate receiving reliable and accurate knowledge about breastfeeding, infant care, postpartum recovery, and other relevant topics. By equipping them with this knowledge, I can help them feel more prepared, confident, and empowered in their parenting journey.

I am always compassionate, patient, and understanding while working with families. Every individual’s experience is unique, and my support can make a positive impact on their emotional well-being and overall satisfaction during this transformative time.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I would choose the same profession and specialty. I have a genuine passion for my profession as a Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and Doula. I make a significant difference in the lives of the families I support. When you love what you do, it’s evident in the care and support you provide.

Being passionate about my work allows me to approach each interaction with enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication. It fuels my desire to continually learn, grow, and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in my field. This, in turn, enables me to offer the highest level of care and support to the families I work with.

Passion also helps me persevere through challenges and difficult situations. It gives me the motivation to advocate for the needs and well-being of my clients and to continually seek ways to improve their experiences.

By choosing a profession that aligns with my passion, I not only benefit from personal fulfillment but also positively impact the lives of the families I support. My enthusiasm and dedication shine through, creating a positive and empowering environment for parents during their perinatal journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/MamaCaveLactation
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockhill_babysettler/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RHBabySettler
• Other: www.babysettler.com