Andra Sandberg
RN / Lactation Consultant
Andra Sandberg Consulting
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
My aunt saw something in me and encouraged me to become a Registered Nurse.
Having gone to a diploma nursing program, I wanted to complete my Bachelors Degree at Humboldt.
Feeling the freedom of graduating, I joined the Peace Corps in Iran for 2 years, and studied Farsi.
When I returned, I began working on my MA in Counseling Psychology and MFT license.
I was married for 10 years, worked in Saudi Arabia, and traveled the world.
My sister moved in with me with her son and daughter, a real education for one without children.
Family relationships led me to become a Licensed Prayer Practitioner at the Center for Spiritual Living.
Retired at 65, financially comfortable and independent, feeling blessed and grateful.
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
RN / Lactation Consultant
I recently retired from my hospital position as RN / Lactation Consultant.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Writing
Being Creative
Day to Day
I can speak about working as a Lactation Consultant / RN which gave me independence and a personal creative outlet for the last 6 years of my work in a hospital setting. I loved working with new families and their newborns, helping them learn how to breastfeed and bond. This is such an important moment in a family's life, and to be helpful in this situation is a great reward. I was able to include many healing modalities in my work, and valued the relationships with staff and patients.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
There are volunteer opportunities and school assignments that can be completed in a hospital maternity setting. I worked with a student that joined me for several hours over the course of her term, so she could learn more about what a Lactation Consultant does. This way, one can feel what the environment is like, working in a hospital, and to see if the work still seems interesting. If you are in California studying Spanish helps a lot. Also, imagine yourself as being there already.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Certification/License
RN, IBCLC
RN, IBCLC
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"'It's not okay to pursue happiness. If you can't do something right, don't do it at all. Another day shot to pieces.' Mostly my Dad had these themes, mom was quiet."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation Immigrant
