Sheela Rath Geraghty, MD, MS, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM

The difficulties I experienced in breastfeeding my three children inspired me to learn how to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. I know that families want what is best for their own children, and I promise to do what I can to help them.

I have always loved children, especially babies. During my pediatric residency, I wanted to find a way to help mothers with their babies. That’s why I sought further training to become a lactation consultant.

I work as a pediatrician in the Pediatric Primary Care Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s, a job I’ve held since 1999. I care for children from birth to 18 years of age. As an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant certificant, I also specialize in providing breastfeeding support. I serve as the medical director for the Cincinnati Children’s Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic. I help mothers with breastfeeding in the primary care pediatric setting and through referrals to the Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic.

When I help a mother breastfeed, I listen closely to her feelings about breastfeeding. My care philosophy is one of shared decision-making. It is important for me to be nonjudgmental and help each mother determine what is best for her and her baby. I try to empower every mother by teaching her the skills that she needs to meet her breastfeeding goals using an evidenced-based approach.

I want breastfeeding mothers to know that they can bring their baby to the Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic for help at any time. Mothers do not need a referral. They can just call for an appointment. We see mothers and babies together during the clinic visit and then determine what is needed to make breastfeeding as successful as possible.

My research focuses on obstacles to successful breastfeeding. I work with colleagues throughout the country to determine the best care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. We scientifically study the health outcomes for babies when they are unable to latch and are fed pumped breast milk. Babies are fed breast milk in a variety of ways. I want to help them be the healthiest that they can be.

Here’s a fact about me: My husband and I have college-aged triplets.