Frances Duciewicz
June 2024
Frances
Duciewicz
,
RN, IBCLC
Parent Educator/Lactation
The Valley Hospital
Paramus
,
NJ
United States
Fran, you have impacted my motherhood forever and I want to thank you and recognize you with this nomination.
What can I say about Fran? I don’t know where I would be today in my postpartum journey without Fran’s support. She is caring, nurturing, and incredibly supportive of moms and babies all over Bergen County. Fran’s dedication to Valley Hospital, the support group, and her patients is unmatched by so many other healthcare professionals.
Fran has always been welcoming and attentive to me and my husband during our 1:1 sessions and virtually. I look forward to the weekly Milk, Mommy & Me support group. My case specifically was not without challenges. During my last pregnancy, I had a complex lumpectomy three days after my first child was born. During this pregnancy, I was COVID + during my last week of pregnancy and the delivery of our son. Unfortunately, the breast procedure has left me with a decreased milk supply for both of my babies.
Previously and recently, other professionals have brushed off and acknowledged my efforts to produce additional milk…but not Fran. She listened to my thoughts and goals, helped develop a care plan, and discussed potential treatment options to explore. Her reassurance made me feel my efforts could be possible. She gave me the confidence to pursue alternative therapies such as feeding consultations, acupuncture, physical therapy for my breast, natural teas and supplements, massage, and so many different foods and desserts! She continues to this day to give me confidence and support to continue my breastfeeding journey. I hope this story about an amazing lactation consultant can inspire other maternal health professionals to embody these compassionate qualities. Maybe even help support another mother who is simply trying her best to try everything for her babies. I highly recommend that any mama visit the Valley Hospital Lactation & Education team.
As I reflect on Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking of the loving and supportive women in my life. Fran, you have impacted my motherhood forever and I want to thank you and recognize you with this nomination. Along with my family, I cannot thank you, Fran and your team enough for your kindness, relentless efforts, and professionalism in my breastfeeding journey
Fran has always been welcoming and attentive to me and my husband during our 1:1 sessions and virtually. I look forward to the weekly Milk, Mommy & Me support group. My case specifically was not without challenges. During my last pregnancy, I had a complex lumpectomy three days after my first child was born. During this pregnancy, I was COVID + during my last week of pregnancy and the delivery of our son. Unfortunately, the breast procedure has left me with a decreased milk supply for both of my babies.
Previously and recently, other professionals have brushed off and acknowledged my efforts to produce additional milk…but not Fran. She listened to my thoughts and goals, helped develop a care plan, and discussed potential treatment options to explore. Her reassurance made me feel my efforts could be possible. She gave me the confidence to pursue alternative therapies such as feeding consultations, acupuncture, physical therapy for my breast, natural teas and supplements, massage, and so many different foods and desserts! She continues to this day to give me confidence and support to continue my breastfeeding journey. I hope this story about an amazing lactation consultant can inspire other maternal health professionals to embody these compassionate qualities. Maybe even help support another mother who is simply trying her best to try everything for her babies. I highly recommend that any mama visit the Valley Hospital Lactation & Education team.
As I reflect on Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking of the loving and supportive women in my life. Fran, you have impacted my motherhood forever and I want to thank you and recognize you with this nomination. Along with my family, I cannot thank you, Fran and your team enough for your kindness, relentless efforts, and professionalism in my breastfeeding journey