M. Rachael Birkenhauer, IBCLC, is an enthusiastic advocate for maternal and infant health, specializing in lactation consulting. Motivated by the challenges she faced when she nursed her own children, and the invaluable support she received from her WIC IBCLC and Peer Counselors, she embarked on the path of education. Rachael was first certified as a Lactation Counselor in 2014, then an IBCLC in 2019.

Rachael started her private practice, Lactation Counseling Services, 10 years ago in Eastern North Carolina. Today, her wealth of experience and expertise in frenectomy care and support, breast refusal, and gentle weaning earned her the 2018 Health Care Hero, Health Care Professional Award. She has pioneered collaboration and continuity of care for her clients and advocates for normalizing partnership in the medical community. She partners regularly with a local Dentist and Bodyworker as the IBCLC in a multi-disciplinary team, addressing oral restriction in infants.

 Rachael has dedicated her career to empowering mothers and families on their breastfeeding journey. She volunteered for 8 years with La Leche League, is on the board of her local grassroots organization Port City Breastfeeding Project and empowers young cadettes as a Leader in her daughters Girl Scout Troop.