Deirdre McLary is an IBCLC, doula, and childbirth educator. She has worked with NY metro area families and doulas for over 15 years. Originally trained as a labor support doula by Ilana Stein in 1998 through ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators), she has continued her education via training and/or certification with the following organizations; DONA, ICAN, American College of Midwifery, La Leche League, ICLA, Lamaze, Birthing From Within. She works locally as a lactation consultant at a beloved pediatric office where she sees mothers & babies on a daily basis. She also offers private lactation consulting, postpartum doula care, and facilitates group pregnancy and new family programming through out the area. Deirdre is proud of helping families create positive, lasting and rewarding breastfeeding and postpartum experiences. Along with Kim, they both now have moved in the direction of mentoring and training newer doulas and birth workers by offering workshops with available CEUs and their online Doula Mentor Program.
Who are you the love child of?
Lucille Ball & Mad Max
How long have you been doing what you do?
Since 1998. Dang, that’s old.
What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?
Babies! I love babies! And I love new moms. Really. I love the newness of if all. I love seeing women and families come into confidence. I think pregnancy is a gateway to really intuitive living, trusting instincts and learning to build on relationships. Learning to be a mom is hard work, intuitive work, transition work. I love being a mentor and guardian of this transition, helping women come into trust; with themselves, with their partner, with their baby and as their doula and lactation consultant, with me.
Quick. Word association. What words describe you?
Kind. Clever. Loyal.
What draws you to working with expectant women and new families?
I think a pregnant woman is at her most powerful, her most beautiful. Her power shines bright. Even when there’s vulnerability there, she has such potential, it’s growing inside her. Besides, it’s a calling for me – when I was a girl I always wanted to play with babies and would pay more attention to my friend’s baby sister than my friend.
Favorite resources for new families?
Science & Sensibility, A Research Blog from Lamaze International
Kellymom.com
Nettle & Hive baby store in Nyack
A good breastfeeding glider! Register for a glider above all else
Favorite moment(s) at work?
The peals of laughter and shock from grown adults that a good, bubbling, loud baby poop can bring still crack me up. We are all suckers for fart humor!
Favorite TV show or movie?
The Knick, Call the Midwife, Broad City and Blade Runner
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Wearing black, ice cream, margaritas
Who lives in your house?
My husband and 3 children.