When Laura Westover, PA-C, CAQ-Peds, IBCLC, encourages fellow PAs to understand the fundamentals of breastfeeding, her message is simple: even a little knowledge and encouragement can make a meaningful difference for new families.
“Even if they can just be encouraging to a mom on her breastfeeding journey,” Westover said. “I think that goes a long way.”
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Westover has completed extensive additional education and earned one of the profession’s most respected credentials in lactation care. She first became a Certified Lactation Counselor before pursuing advanced certification as an IBCLC, a decision inspired by her supervising physician, Dr. Jennifer Anderson.
Today, Westover and Anderson are both IBCLCs, allowing their pediatric practice in Castle Rock, Colorado, to offer expanded lactation services through a dedicated lactation room and a clinical team of nearly 20 staff members committed to supporting families during the earliest stages of a child’s life.
The practice is also recognized as a Lactation Friendly Medical Office by the Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition, one of only four practices in the state to hold the designation. To earn recognition, the practice implemented breastfeeding-supportive policies, established annual staff training, created a dedicated lactation space and adopted standards consistent with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The practice supports families who use formula when medically indicated or as a personal feeding choice.
According to the latest NCCPA Statistical Profile of Certified PAs by Specialty, about 2% of PAs practice in general pediatrics.
Now in her 14th year of clinical practice, Westover continues to find purpose in caring for children and building lasting relationships with the families she serves.
“I love forming long-term relationships with families,” she said. “It is very rewarding to walk alongside families as their children grow and develop, as well as being a trusted person for them when their child is sick.”
Her passion for breastfeeding began with her own experience as a mother. Navigating the challenges firsthand gave her a deeper appreciation for the physical, emotional and educational support families often need after welcoming a new baby.
“There are numerous benefits for both mother and baby,” Westover said. “There is also a huge public health benefit to breastfeeding.”
For mothers, breastfeeding has been associated with lower risks of postpartum depression, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and several cancers. It also offers convenience, economic savings and an opportunity to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
For infants, breast milk provides optimal nutrition, easily digestible nutrients, immune protection through maternal antibodies and supports the development of a healthy gut microbiome. Breastfeeding has also been associated with lower rates of ear infections, asthma, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome.
Breastfeeding rates in the United States have improved, but disparities persist in initiation, duration and access to support. The American Academy of Pediatrics has emphasized the need to address these inequities through culturally responsive care and equitable access to breastfeeding education and resources. Westover said helping close those gaps is an important part of her work.
Westover noted that approximately 30% of the practice’s patient population is covered by Medicaid or CHP+, and about 15% of families are Spanish-speaking.
Westover said infant nutrition guidance continues to be refined as professional organizations update recommendations. She points to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recently updated guidance on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, which provides recommendations for both breastfed and formula-fed infants, as well as toddlers and adolescence. The guidance reinforces the importance of appropriate iron intake during infancy, including iron supplementation for breastfed infants at 4 months, and prioritizing iron-rich foods as complementary feeding begins.
“Making sure babies receive the nutrients they need at each stage of development is just as important as supporting breastfeeding itself,” she said.
Westover typically sees between 18 and 20 patients each day, including well-child visits, same-day sick appointments, mental health visits, children with special health care needs and nearly daily lactation consultations.
Although much of her work focuses on breastfeeding, she believes every family deserves compassionate, evidence-based guidance that meets them where they are.
Whether parents choose to breastfeed, pump, supplement or formula feed, Westover strives to provide education and support that helps families feel confident in their infant feeding journey.
Her practice also remains actively involved in the community through programs that support children’s health and development. The practice participates in the Reach Out and Read early literacy program and has distributed more than 9,000 books to children over the past 4 years. The practice also provides financial support to the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, helping families build strong foundations for learning from an early age.
Although she does not provide significant pregnancy or prenatal education in her current role, Westover believes families benefit from receiving breastfeeding information before delivery and having access to support right after birth.
“Having support and education prenatally, as well as getting off to a good start in the hospital, is absolutely key,” Westover said. “Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial and can be celebrated.”
For PAs interested in expanding their knowledge, Westover recommends connecting with local health departments, Women, Infants and Children programs, Breastfeeding USA and other evidence-based breastfeeding organizations. She also encourages health care professionals to pursue continuing education whenever possible, noting that even a foundational understanding of breastfeeding can positively impact patient care.