Laurel Naff RN, IBCLC – Lactation Consultant

Laurel Naff RN, IBCLC – Lactation ConsultantLaurel Naff joined Special Beginnings in 2002 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Birth Assistant.

Laurel’s Background

An assignment in high school first opened Laurel’s eyes to the field of nursing. Inspired by what she learned, she applied to the nursing program at North Arundel Vocational and Technical Center after high school graduation and was the only student from her high school to be accepted into the program. Laurel also attributes time spent caring for her grandmother to her passion for nursing and helping others.

She graduated in 1983 with her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree and worked in long-term sub-acute rehabilitative nursing for 17 years. When she needed a change of pace, Laurel entered home health and enjoyed seeing clients in their own homes and personal settings.

Laurel’s Work at Special Beginnings

Laurel has always been interested in birth and newborns and joined Special Beginnings in 2002 after responding to a job posting she found in a nursing magazine.

She started at Special Beginnings as an LPN and Birth Assistant, though her experience has expanded over the past 10 years. In 2006, Laurel realized her dream of becoming a nurse and completed her RN degree. In 2009, she added Lactation Consultant to her list of titles, so that she could help families with breastfeeding during the home visits.

Her goal is that moms and newborns have an enjoyable experience with birth, breastfeeding, and beyond.

Because of her passion for her work, Laurel dedicates much of her own time and energy into furthering her education and expertise. In addition to her formal education and her on-the-job training from the nurse-midwives at Special Beginning, she has read and researched extensively on the topics of midwifery and birth centers.

“It feels like home here.”

Laurel is now involved in many aspects of Special Beginnings. She works in the office, attends births, and performs home visits.

Additionally, she assists in the Breastfeeding Boutique with:

Laurel enjoys the families she meets and cherishes the relationships that form with the families as they grow through the years. Laurel says,

“The birth is amazing each and every time, and to see families return for the birth of their second, third, and fourth child is a wonderful bond that we share.”

Laurel and her husband, Chuck, have a grown daughter, Kristin and two bichons, Spunky and Maggie. She is grateful for her family and their support of her career as a birth center nurse.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had and it feels like home here.”

Credentials

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) North Arundel Vocational and Technical Center, 1983
  • Registered Nurse (RN) license, Excelsior College, 2006
  • Certification for Lactation Consulting, IBLCE, 2009

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