Meet Emerald Rice of Cornerstone Lactation, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerald Rice.

Hi Emerald, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a mother of 5 with a counseling and social work background. I experienced difficulty breastfeeding my first child and provided him with expressed breast milk for his first year of life while finishing undergrad and pregnant with our second baby. I learned to fortify my support system and dove head first into research in hopes of my experience being different with future children. After birthing my second child, I realized that my passion and purpose were found in assisting families in navigating their breastfeeding journeys while still being able to fulfill my duty as a mother intrinsically. I became a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Lactation Educator, and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I provide lactation support in the office, at home, and virtually. I always say, “If you see a blue minivan on two tires with Starbucks flying around, just wave!”

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to my career path has been challenging, but it has been so rewarding! I obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in counseling, so entering the medical field initially seemed daunting. I worked as a peer counselor for years before sitting for the board exam in lactation and passing! By becoming a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, my discipline and career path finally overlapped, and I could merge the two.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Cornerstone Lactation, LLC?
I am an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant specializing in breastfeeding education, hands-on support, and clinically based practice. I offer services in the office, virtually, and at home. I have been featured nationally as an authority and expert regarding breastfeeding knowledge and the implementation of board-certified standards. I am most proud of the reputation I’ve built for being personable, relatable, and knowledgeable, which are all foundational and ensure the longevity and legacy of a business. During each visit, my hope is that comfort and confidence are felt with our interaction. It makes all the difference when someone trusts me at such a vulnerable time in their lives.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity of our city! I like traffic the least because I’ve got places to go and babies to latch! I’m from a small town in NC and could only dream that a business like mine could thrive there. There is a lot of opportunity here, and it’s encouraging.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cornerstonelactation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086298038870&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/TheRiceLife