Leatrice Priest, MAEd, IBCLC, R-PLC

A. Leatrice Priest, MAEd, IBCLC (she/her) is a dedicated lactation professional and educational leader committed to promoting maternal health equity and professional excellence in human lactation. Beginning in 2014, Leatrice has focused on advancing clinical standards and fostering supportive environments for birthing families. Her academic foundation includes a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Human Lactation from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Her education is complemented by her status as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In addition to becoming an IBCLC, Leatrice felt it important to be able to support families prepare beyond the pregnancy stage, she became certified as a RETAIN Parental Leave Coach. Coupled with being a certified life coach, this meant that she could assist parents in navigating the conversations needed between themselves and their employer for a positive outcome. .Leatrice founded a doula collaborative focused on training birth and postpartum doulas as well as providing prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum education to the community. Deeply invested in advocacy for all birthing families, she serves as a parent mentor for the Family Support Network of Central Carolina and has participated in research studies to address health disparities for Black mothers. She enjoys life shared with her husband and their three sons.