Meet Stephanie Dunn | Physician: Pediatrics and Lactation Medicine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Dunn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I own the only physician-led Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine practice in Colorado. I am a general pediatrician and had been in practice for over 10 years. I knew the ins and outs of the biz pretty well, and a lot of it didn’t make sense to me. Like, 20 minute visits to spend with a newborn and their new parents? More focus on checklists and documentation and less focus on relationships? I loved being a pediatrician, but, in order to do justice to my career, I had to reinvent myself as a caretaker. Breastfeeding has always been a passion. It’s the first relationship for a baby, and it takes time to learn – why not dedicate my career to this one aspect of medicine? Turning over this new leaf gave me a chance to be creative, learn (a lot), be my own boss, all while wearing a stethoscope and problem solving like a physician. Starting a new business is daunting, but I always felt like I was in it for the right reasons.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lots of folks warned me that medicine would be a difficult career. I heard about the long hours and the broken healthcare system, but it still seemed like a worthwhile and interesting way to make a living. I could not imagine doing anything else. I went to medical school in New York City and completed my pediatric training at Columbia University. It was a challenging 7 years – lots of hard work and lots of sick kids. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but I loved it, so it was the right thing for me. We moved to Denver 15 years ago. In Colorado, I’ve worked in the acute care setting, in primary care and now as a breastfeeding medicine specialist. It’s an interesting specialty because there are TWO patients: the parent who is lactating and the baby who is nursing. Each can have their own problems, and their own problems can be tied up together. Breastfeeding is not easy. Every day is a challenge.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love my neighborhood: Washington Park, so we would start there. As a kid, I thought having a front porch was the dream. Front porches are my favorite thing about Wash Park! I would love to take a friend around East Wash Park around Halloween or in the Spring, just to check out decorations or flowers. The park itself is amazing. I’m a runner, and I spend a lot of time making loops. Almost every time I’m out, I see someone I know! My family loves Mister Oso and Bonnie Brae Ice Cream – both are walking distance from the house. I also like the Cherry Creek bike path. It’s so easy to get downtown without having to drive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to DENVER MOMS!! This brave, curious, gutsy, energetic, vulnerable, considerate, hilarious, passionate, loving group has brought their babies to see me and learn breastfeeding. Alternative methods of feeding your baby are just fine, but if your heart desires to breastfeed, you should get the support you need to make it happen. These moms are looking out for their babies, but they are also looking to make the most of their own parenting journey.

Shout out to MY KIDS!! They are well beyond breastfeeding, and they don’t remember those early days, but I do. Nursing my kids was the experience of a lifetime.

Website: https://www.wovenpeds.com

Instagram: @wovenpediatrics

Image Credits
LOL, these are all selfies. I don’t have $$$$ for professionals!!