Willows Pediatrics just welcomed their newest lactation consultant and she just happens to be a Fairfield resident! Mom of three young boys and a native Long Islander, we wanted to know what brought this week’s Meet A Mom, Laurie Rubel, to Fairfield and why she loves it so much! It also happens that our own Jessica and Laurie both grew up in the same town a few years apart! Their best friends growing up were brother and sister and they were always at the same family parties together. They didn’t know each other had both ended up in Fairfield till they saw each other one day at the local post office!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I am originally from Long Island. I have lived in Fairfield since 2013. We decided to move to Fairfield after having our first son and so my husband wouldn’t have to do the reverse commute to New Canaan anymore. Fairfield was a recommendation for our realtor and friends and we fell in love with it!
Tell us about your Family!
I am married to my college sweetheart, Michael. We met at James Madison University. We have three sons, Brandon (9), Thomas (almost 7) and Evan (4)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I come from a large family of nurses. My mom has 6 brothers and sisters and I have 17 first cousins on that side and counting my mom, my sister and I, and their spouses we have 22 registered nurses in the family.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
I wish I was told how hard it is. I don’t think anyone can ever explain how hard it is when you have your first child. I feel like I knew nothing about caring for a baby when I had my first child and it was a real steep learning curve.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
There are so many things I love about Fairfield, so I will limit it to two I love the community we have here, for such a large town, we have a tight knit community, and we’ve found so many great friends.And the second, is being so close to the beach and water and having so many fun summer activities here.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
I don’t think I take advantage of this hack enough but if I did it would make my life a lot easier. Meal planning and preparing on the weekend so my meals and ingredients are set for the week. If I would follow my own advice my weeknights would go much smoother.
Tell us about your new job! Where do you work and how did you get into this profession?
I am a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a internationally board certified lactation consultant. I worked in a family practice clinic in NYC when I first finished NP school and worked in primary care there until I had my first child. I got my second and third degrees from Columbia and have my bachelors and Master of Science in nursing. After having difficulty breastfeeding my first child and with all the challenges, I faced with him and then different challenges with my second child, I realized I was interested in learning more about lactation. When trying to find a location to get my lactation training, I reached out to Dr. Christina Smillie at just the right time and she offered to train me at Breastfeeding Resources, where I have worked part time since 2016. Now I also just started working at Willows Pediatric Group in December 2021.
Breastfeeding Resources is a private breastfeeding practice that offers breastfeeding support to moms and babies. At Willows Pediatric group I work as the on-site lactation consultant, supporting moms and babies with breastfeeding challenges.
Why is it important to go to a lactation expert?
It is important to go to a lactation consultant if you have various breastfeeding challenges, including but not limited to, pain with breastfeeding, feeding issues with breast or bottle, growth issues, etc. A Lactation consultant can help with guidance about feeding, identify problems, provide emotional support in those early stressful days of life.
Tell us about the different services that you offer?
I provide breastfeeding support to mothers and babies at both practices. I help with breastfeeding problems, bottle feeding problems, plugged ducts, nipple injuries, and so much more. I also run the mom and baby support group at Willows for age 0-3 months.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Fortunately, I get the best of both worlds, because I work part time, so I am have working mom, half stay at home mom. When I think about reasons for having my career, I think of going to work as a way for me to do me. I use my brain, I talk to other adults, I contribute to the well being of others. I look at the overall contribution I am making to the community and my own well-being as justification for leaving my kids to go to work a few days a week.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom has been my biggest influence as a mom. I strive to be the type of person and mother she is. She always puts others above herself. She cares for everyone in whatever way she can, whether it be cooking, cleaning, cuddling, whatever is needed, she does it for everyone.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Don’t sweat the little things. Stay calm. It will all work out the way it should. I say that to patients all the time and I need to remind me myself of that everyday. Calm moms and environments, make calm babies.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Centro
Grab a Drink with Friends: Sinclair
Have a Date Night: Molto
Spend time together as a Family: Penfield Beach
Outside Activities: Penfield Beach
Grab coffee: I don’t drink coffee, but I love the Candlewood market.