Who We Are

Lactation Learning Collective is the creation of Allison, LaShanda and Patricia co-founders who met at Beth Israel Medical Center’s Breastfeeding Center in 2012. Each  went on to have private practice’s where they served lactation families around NYC. They also each had a passion for helping to grow the lactation profession  by offering mentorship for individuals looking for mentorship hours, a requirement for sitting for the IBLCE exam to become a Lactation Consultant.

In 2019 the  common thread they each shared of having lactation support groups throughout NYC where families can come and receive guidance and support from an IBCLC for an affordable price and frequent request from fellow birth workers looking for mentorship for IBCLC cumulated in the creation of the Lactation Learning Collective.

Lactation Learning Collective addresses the needs of the lactation community by offering access for families needing lactation support, mentorship for aspiring IBCLCs looking for affordable mentorship opportunities and overall growing the lactation profession by cultivating competent mentorship guidance for a more diverse lactation field.

  • LaShanda Dandrich

    IBCLC

    LaShanda Dandrich is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a co-founder of Lactation Learning Collective. After the birth of her daughter in 2009, her passion for breastfeeding and supporting mothers and families in the postpartum period blossomed. She became a trained postpartum doula while pursuing her IBCLC credential. In her decade long career as an IBCLC she has supported families of all diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds throughout NYC and served as mentor to many interested in the lactation professional field.

  • Allison Walsh

    IBCLC LCCE FACCE

    Allison Walsh IBCLC LCCE FACCE (she, her, hers) is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (2006), Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (2000), and doula (2000) in private practice providing in-home and virtual visits in New York City. She is a co-founder of the Lactation Learning Collective and loves both aspects of mentoring future IBCLCs and supporting families. Allison is a Past President of Lamaze International and has served in various leadership and committee roles within the organization. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Haven Midwifery Collective and also the New York City Breastfeeding Leadership Council. She is a member of the New York Lactation Consultant Association, and an active La Leche League Leader. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and mother of three formerly breastfed children.

  • Patricia McGuire

    IBCLC BS

    Patricia is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant , IBCLC, in private practice since 2008. Along with being a co-founder of Lactation Learning Collective she works part-time as a lactation consultant on NYU hospital’s mother/baby unit. Patricia leads the lactation support group at “The Wild” in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

    Patricia has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Media from City College.