In-Home Breastfeeding Services

Credentials

Hello, my name is Megan Bayer!  I graduated from Wichita State University with my Bachelors in the Science of Nursing in 2003.  After graduation I went to work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wesley Medical Center.  The two years I spent on this unit helped solidify and bring together all the details I learned in school.  However, I was surprised how quickly I became burnt out, working night’s 7p-7a and holidays, in high-intensity critical care unit. 

My path then lead me to work for a grant funded program, here in Wichita, called Healthy Babies.  This program is part of by the Governments Healthy Start Initiative Program.  While at this job I provided in-home prenatal, breastfeeding and parenting support and education.  Our focus was on low-income and teen mothers, following them during pregnancy until two years post postpartum.  I worked with others teammate in starting prenatal and parenting groups at the organization.  The time I spent doing home visit is where I gained my true appreciation for breastfeeding.  Watching mom's bond with their babies and all the benefits past the nutritional value of breastfeeding, has made me a believer.  In some respects breastfeeding teaches our baby's to love and to be part of that dance is a unique opportunity!  I have learned many things about breastfeeding in my relatively short nursing career

 In July of 2008 I passed the exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Starting my own private practice has always been a dream of mine, and by becoming an IBCLC I now can provide these services.  In-Home Breastfeeding Services is a premier resource for the families of Wichita and the surrounding area and I am honored to work with the families of my community.

In the summer of 2009 I started working at Via Christi in their lactation department.  That fall I also started working at Wesley in their lactation department.  I have enjoyed all of the great learning opportunities this has provided me by being at both hospitals.   I enjoy my time at the out patient clinic at VC, and opportunities at Wesley.  I enjoy teaching breastfeeding classes to parents and staff, along with the interaction with the NICU. These jobs help me further my knowledge of breastfeeding and newborn, I have gained understanding of cultural rituals related to pregnancy and breastfeeding and have worked with hundreds of mom/baby dyads.  I look forward to my continued relationships with these organizations.

Work in the Community

  I am currently the chair of the Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Breastfeeding Coalition.  The Coalition was formed to help promote and support breastfeeding professionals in our community.  I also work with the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition who promotes breastfeeding on a state level.  I am a member of ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association), which is my professional association.  I am dedicated to continuing to learn and educated myself about changes and new information in the breastfeeding world, by attending conferences, reading the JHL, speaking to colleagues, along with hands on experience. 

Personal Life

I am married to David who is great support for me and my website!  David is not only a skilled engineer working in the computer technology industry. As you can imagine he is very knowledgeable about computers, providing me 24 hour-day IT support. 

Together we have a home filled with a dogs, 2 cats, two fish tanks, and lots of plants.  We are currently traveling down our own path to parenthood.  I am a survivor of childhood cancer, and this has lead to a complicated fertility history, including: fertility testing, genetic testing, miscarriages, and surgeries. 

These experiences have strengthened our love and commitment for one another and has taught us to appreciate life in a different way.  We try to take nothing for granted and to live each day!  Our road to parenthood is still being traveled, while I have a unique opportunity to join new parents on their journey!