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Paving The Way: Diversity In Lactation, Inc. (PTW) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 with a mission to diversify the lactation field and improve access to culturally relevant care. We believe that families deserve support from providers who reflect and understand their communities—and that the pathway to becoming a lactation professional should be accessible to all.

Through mentorship, education, and collaboration, we support aspiring BIPOC lactation professionals as they navigate the journey to becoming International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other lactation credentials.

We provide structured mentorship cohorts, resource hubs, exam prep support, and professional development opportunities—equipping mentees with the tools and confidence to succeed.

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Our Work Includes

  • Supporting aspiring lactation consultants through 1 to 3-year mentorship opportunities

  • Offering IBCLC pathway guidance and personalized support

  • Obtaining grant funding to offer financial reimbursement for educational expenses

  • Collaborating with hospitals to increase workforce diversity

  • Creating templates and tools to help others launch their own mentorship programs

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Current & Future Partnerships

We are proud to work with local hospitals to expand access to equitable lactation care by developing pathways for workforce development. Looking ahead, we are building partnerships with private practice lactation consultants and community health centers to create mentorship pipelines that are rooted in community care and cultural responsiveness.

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Meet the Founder

Two women, one young girl, and a baby doll sitting at a table with breastfeeding information and supplies, with other tables and photos in the background.
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A woman sitting on a park bench holding a sleeping baby in her lap, wearing a black hoodie with 'IBCLC' written on it, outdoors on a sunny day.

Danielle Freeman, LPN, IBCLC

Founder & Program Director

Danielle Freeman is a Licensed Practical Nurse, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, a Board Member of the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition, and the Founder & Program Director of Paving The Way: Diversity In Lactation, Inc also known as PTW.

Upon entering the lactation field, she learned about the lack of diversity in the lactation workforce and the breastfeeding disparities plaguing Black and Brown women because of lack of education and support. This was motivation enough for her to create the change she wanted to see.

After having her fourth child in December of 2024, Dani decided to close her practice to become a stay-at-home-mom to her newborn and homeschool her 8 year old daughter. 

Dani is still passionate about families having access to the support they need and deserve. By helping other birth and lactation professionals of color become IBCLCs, families can have access to culturally relevant care to assist them in achieving their feeding goals.

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Our Affiliates

  • Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition

  • Hartford Hospital

  • Griffin Hospital

  • Mother Nurture Maternity - Lactation Consultant Launchpad

  • Ready Set Push - Metro Atlanta Mother's Milk Alliance (MAMMA)