About Heather Hutton

Heather has continuously held the IBCLC designation for the last 10 years - the highest level attainable for any lactation professional and the gold standard for clinical lactation care. In addition, she has been an exam prep writer for content that helps new IBCLCs pass their board examination.

Heather has advanced education and specialization in assessing for tongue and lip-ties as well as therapeutic oral habilitation before and after tongue and lip-tie release procedures to improve the outcomes of a release procedure. Heather also has advanced education and experience with low milk supply, medically fragile and ill babies, first time parents, bottle feeding, and perinatal mental health.

Heather is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 12 years of nursing experience. Her nursing background includes working in neonatal intensive care (NICU), labor & delivery, postpartum, surgery, hospital based lactation care and management, as well as a home visiting case management program for first time, low income mothers and their babies supporting enrolled families on a bi-weekly basis from pregnancy through their child’s second birthday.

Heather also hold the designation of Certified Case Manager and has case management experience with perinatal clients, pediatric clients, and clients with chronic conditions.

Heather is an independent lactation consultant and is the founder and owner of Optimal Nurturing, LLC.

Heather has received special recognition for her exceptional patient care and expertise. She has received a Daisy Award, employee of the year award, and has been designated a subject matter expert.

Heather believes that keeping up with the latest recommendations and research through annual continuing education is essential for providing quality lactation care. For this reason, she is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, United States Lactation Consultant Association, and National Lactation Consultant Alliance.

Heather takes a gentle, counseling approach to lactation care through shared decision-making. She seeks to encourage autonomy and self-efficacy. Heather strives to provide a judgement-free zone where we can determine what your goals are and provide you the education and support needed to work toward those goals and maintain realistic expectations in the context of the biology of the breastfeeding dyad and any unique challenges you may be facing.

Heather was born in Kingsport, TN and raised in Hawkins County, TN. She currently resides in Bristol, TN. She has lived in the Tri-Cities Tennessee area all her life and can’t imagine living anywhere else.