Hi! I’m Vanessa Prinz, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and owner of VP Lactation Consulting based in the western suburbs of Chicago. As a former IBCLC at a local hospital, I have experience providing both inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding support. In private practice, I have worked with hundreds of families throughout Chicagoland and beyond in the form of in-home, in-office and virtual consultations in addition to teaching breastfeeding classes and facilitating support groups.

I regularly attend professional breastfeeding conferences and complete ongoing training to keep up with the latest medical research and advances. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; I graduated summa cum laude in 2000. Since I began my career in lactation consulting in 2010, I have cultivated my own network of knowledgeable and experienced medical professionals in various specialties related to breastfeeding. In addition to offering you my own vast experience and resources as an IBCLC, I coordinate with these specialists to ensure that you receive comprehensive care when you need it most. As a mother of four, I understand how important it is to have a village.

I’ve learned that breastfeeding comes more easily to some mothers and babies than others. And most of us need help at some point or another. Just like walking, breastfeeding is instinctive and natural, but getting it right requires patience, practice and perseverance, along with some support and TLC.

I address the individual needs of both mother and baby. I am committed to providing warm, caring and unbiased support to help you reach your breastfeeding goals and enjoy the motherhood journey. Together, we will find a way.

Kate Manusos, RN, IBCLC, RLC

I’m Kate Manusos, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I currently support families during their inpatient stay at a local hospital and have expanded to outpatient support. Seeking new learning opportunities and staying updated on best practices in the lactation community is important to me as there is always space to grow. Fun fact – I found out I passed my IBCLC exam at 38 weeks pregnant and went into labor with my second child a week later!

I graduated Purdue University (Boiler up!) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013 and practiced at the bedside for ten years in a Chicago Neonatal ICU – eight of those as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. Having a newborn in the NICU is undoubtedly one of the scariest experiences for a new family, but my favorite part of my time there was helping a parent bond with their baby. If they wanted to breastfeed – I was going to find a way to safely support them!

Early in my breastfeeding journey, I felt like no one was really listening to me and understood how much I was struggling.  These experiences shaped my approach: listening to and acknowledging your experience and goals. Your breastfeeding journey is unique to you, and my hope is to give you the strength and confidence to see that you are doing an amazing job for your baby and family.

Andrea Peach, RN, IBCLC, RLC

Hi! I’m Andrea Peach, a registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a mom of two! I bring a unique blend of ten years of clinical nursing experience and my own experiences as a mother. These personal experiences have deepened my empathy for and understanding of each of the families I work with.

I hold a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Aurora University and spent the majority of my nursing career in Labor and Delivery. I loved being a Labor and Delivery nurse, and believe the only job better than bringing new life into this world is helping mothers sustain their babies’ lives through breastfeeding. In addition to outpatient consultations to address breastfeeding challenges, I alsoassist with breastfeeding initiation in the hospital setting.

As a nurse and mother, I believe strongly in the importance of evidence-based care and continually seek to expand my expertise through ongoing education and professional development. I personally understand the complexities and anxieties that can accompany the breastfeeding journey; it is this that fuels my desire to continually learn.

My approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to creating a judgment-free space for mothers. Whether you are a first-time mom seeking reassurance or a seasoned parent facing new hurdles, I’m here to provide tailored support and evidence-based guidance to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, I aim to empower mothers with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to nurture their breastfeeding relationship with their little ones. Let’s work together to reach your goals!