Liz Snyders IBCLC

How I Started…

I am a first generation American with family roots in Poland. My first memory of coming across the topic of breastfeeding was discovering a letter my grandma (babcia) wrote to my mom when my older brother was born. My mom was in the US and my grandma was writing from Poland instructing my mom, through paper and pen, on how to breastfeed. At that point I had decided, that if it was important enough for my babcia to take the time to write out instructions to breastfeed, all the way from another country, that it was something worth doing. So I decided that when I finally had children of my own, I would breastfeed too!

When I got pregnant with my first child, I did what I thought you do during pregnancy, research and learn ALL about pregnancy! …. But I didn’t research what you do when the baby finally arrives. When my daughter was born, that was a time when I definitely could have used my babcia’s instruction manual! I understand that raw emotion of crying over your child saying “I just want to feed my baby…”.

Since that experience as a first time mom, I have been passionate about the need for more communal support for moms and babies. Not that long ago, women would have groups of other experienced women surrounding them during and after birth, providing support, reassurance, and knowledge. Teaching new mothers to trust their bodies and their instincts. Families lived closer together and it would be other moms, grandmas, cousins, neighbors, etc. helping guide new moms through initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Knowledge and expertise was passed down from generation to generation. In our modern society, people move around more, perceptions and societal norms are different, and breastfeeding is not always discussed as openly. It’s these reasons that have inspired me to get into the field of breastfeeding to help provide that support and empowerment to other moms as they navigate their journey with their babies.

What I’ve Done & What I’m Doing…

I am an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a graduate of the University of California- San Diego’s Lactation Consultant program and Lactation Education Counselor program. I have experience providing lactation consults both in-home and in clinical settings including assisting families during their stays in the NICU. I have also facilitated breastfeeding support groups, which I love to do as a way to get to know moms and babies on a weekly basis. It’s also super cool to witness the bonds of friendship and solidarity that grow among moms together!

I’m a born and raised Chicagoan (Go Cubs Go!) and now enjoy the outdoor life offered in Colorado with my 2 kids, super patient husband, and a bouncy standard poodle. I’m also fluent in Polish “Jak się masz!”

Outside of work, I go hiking, play volleyball, read historical fiction, try to improve my Spanish skills, and love discussing anything related to travel and other countries. Locally, I am involved with the American Polish Heart of Colorado and am a Girl Scout troop leader where I try to support our communities here in Colorado Springs.