Bianca Flokstra

About Bianca Flokstra

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant also with expertise as an international development professional with an emphasis on food and nutrition security including maternal and child health. Over 16 years of cross-cultural experience and training in strategic management, program/grant management, program design, grant development and acquisition, small enterprise/economic development, micro-finance, intercultural relations, strategic learning and adaptive management. Have led many types and sizes of teams and excel in problem solving, navigating complex situations, and efficiently moving work streams forward. Passionate about solving root causes of problems (especially with gender, equity and diversity issues), using human centered design in problem-solving, supporting individuals to reach their full potentials, and removing barriers to success. MA in international economic development, BA in business management and marketing, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Fluent in English and proficient in French. Advanced computer and internet skills, especially in Google Suite/Workplace, Microsoft 365, and Lotus Notes.

Experience

1. Lactation Consultant

   Metropolitan Breastfeeding

   Aug 2022 — Present · Bethesda, MD, US

   Prenatal and postpartum lactation consultations (home, office and telehealth) assisting clients with:Prenatal consultations on best practices for successful lactation in the early days postpartumPostpartum consultations spanning a wide spectrum of infant ages from those still in the NICU to nursing toddlersLatching, positioning, how to tell if your infant is getting enough milkMaking the best, informed decisions about feeding their infants whether that is exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, hybrid formula/breastmilk, and introducing solidsMaximizing lactation post breast surgeriesNavigating primary engorgementMaximizing milk supply while infants are in the NICU or separated from lactating parent or when infants are unable to feed efficiently at the breastAssisting infants to breastfeed after being in the NICU and transitioning home, separated from parents, exclusively bottle fed initially, and after any oral restriction releasesReturning to work while continuing to lactateRelieving and preventing mastitis-spectrum conditions including ductal narrowing (clogged ducts), engorgement, inflammatory mastitis, bacterial mastitis, abscess, blebs, milk fistulaParent-led weaning and child-led weaning as well as weaning from a pumpMaximizing insufficient milk supply and managing and downregulating hyperlactationNavigating milk supply and breastfeeding of infants with oral restrictions (lip, tongue, buccal) and other facial and oral anomaliesInfant breast and/or bottle refusal Pumping techniques to maximize milk supply and avoid oversupply, finding the right pump for unique situations, flange fittingEducating on normal infant behavior based on their age especially as it relates to feedingCollaborating with other health care providers to provide best all around care for the breastfeeding dyad including pediatricians, pediatric dentists, OBGYNs, ENTs, chiropractors, chranio-sacchral therapists, breast surgeons etc.General lactation advice

Education

• Evangel University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  2002 — 2006

• Eastern University

  Master of Arts (MA), Development Economics and International Development

  2009 — 2010

• Lactation Education Resources

  Certfied Breastfeeding Specialist, Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

Skills

• Livelihood
• Usaid Rules and Regulations
• Emergency Management
• Community Outreach
• Report Writing
• Grant Writing
• Nonprofits
• Grants
• Program Monitoring
• Program Evaluation
• Disaster Response
• Multimillion-Dollar Budget Management
• Ngos
• Program Management
• Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos)
• Grant Administration
• Management
• Program Development
• Grassroots Development
• International Development
• Office 2010
• International Relief & Development
• Start-Ups
• Team Leadership
• M&E