About Renee Beebe
Prior to my career as a lactation consultant, I was an educator. I worked in the field of special education for 10 years as a teacher and an administrator. After the birth of my first daughter in 1990, my interests changed. I became fascinated with newborns and the experience of breastfeeding.
I have been helping women breastfeed since 1991 - over a decade! I volunteered with La Leche League for six years, taught breastfeeding classes and worked as a postpartum doula before I started my own business in 1996. The Second 9 Months was born out of a desire to support women in becoming the moms they want to be and to help them overcome breastfeeding challenges. I love my work! It is amazing to have a career that enables me to do what I love.
My approach to breastfeeding is quite simple. In every situation, the most important thing is to feed the baby. The next 2 items of importance are maintaining the milk supply and the mom's comfort. Those 3 things are major considerations when I'm working with a breastfeeding dyad. There are times when I do recommend supplementation. There are times when I help a mom decide that breastfeeding may not be right for her. I am, however, a breastfeeding advocate and firmly believe that human milk is the appropriate food for human babies and that breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers, babies and the planet.
On a personal note, I am a single mother of 2 daughters and an extraordinarily silly chocolate "labradoodle". At this writing my daughters are 19 and 16 years old. (Yes they were breastfed!) They have taught me so much and I continue to learn from and be challenged and inspired by them. I have lived in Seattle for over 30 years. When I'm not working or parenting, I'm usually gardening or doing some house project. Whenever we get a chance, the girls and I escape to the mountains or the beach.
For more information or if you have any questions at all, please call or send me an email. I would be happy to talk with you.
Brief “resume”
Current activities:
- Owner, The Second 9 Months
- Board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) 1997-present
- Certified postpartum doula 1996 to present
- Member, Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS) 1996 to present
- Leader, La Leche League 1991 to present
- Reiki practicioner, 1999 to present
Past activities include:
- Founder, Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS) 1996
- Director, Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS) 1996-2004
- Consultant for Pollywog Nursing Positioner 2004
- Lactation consultant, Northwest Hospital Childbirth Center 2002-2004
- Breastfeeding instructor, Northwest Hospital
- Breastfeeding instructor, Birth and Body Works
- Lactation consultant, Northwest Medical Supply 1999-2001
Formal education includes:
- B.S., Psychology; Oregon College of Education, 1980
- M.Ed., University of Washington, 1983
- Accredited LaLeche League Leader, 1991
- Postpartum Doula, Seattle Midwifery School, 1996
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, 1997
- Certified in Pediatric CPR
Professional memberships include:
- ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association)
- NAPS (Northwest Association for Postpartum Support)
- La Leche League International
- DONA (Doulas of North America)