Advocacy in Action Spotlight: Kristyn Leonard, IBCLC, CLC
What happens when personal experience, professional expertise, and a passion for justice collide? You get powerful advocates like Kristyn Leonard: an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, small business owner, mother of four, and unapologetic truth-teller. As part of our Advocacy in Action series, we spoke with Kristyn about what drives her work in the birth and breastfeeding space, how her story intersects with state policy, and why she believes every South Carolina family deserves access to the care they need, especially in those critical early days of parenthood. From founding local nonprofits to shaping state legislation like S42, Kristyn reminds us what grassroots advocacy looks like in action: persistent, personal, and deeply powerful.
Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what drives you.
Hi! My name is Kristyn Leonard, I’m an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, small business owner, mother of 4, and your typical female too-many-plates juggler. Lots of little things have contributed to my passion and advocacy within the birth and breastfeeding space, but my kids are my ultimate driver; they are what led me to my profession, to starting my practice, and making things better for them and the rising generation is the why behind my advocacy. I also have ADHD and that neurodivergent drive for justice that doesn’t always make logical sense.
Can you share a bit about the advocacy or community work you’re involved in?
Locally, I helped found the non-profit Love Your Birth! after we noticed that national organizations weren’t meeting the needs of our community. Birth practices and policies are very different here than in other parts of the country and we wanted an organization that was tuned in to what we need here. I participate with the South Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition and Breastfeeding Equity SC. I have also partnered with WREN to support our state level pumping law in 2020 and now to work on insurance coverage for lactation and doula services. On the national level I participate with the United States Breastfeeding Committee and have advocated in DC for federal support for breastfeeding policies.
What does advocacy mean to you on a personal level?
To me it means speaking up in spite of the fear and insecurities of imposter syndrome and standing in the truth of what I need and what my community needs. It means valuing myself and my community and believing that we are worthy of having our needs met. It means being persistent and creative, not taking no for an answer and being willing to look for alternative solutions to meet the end goal.
Was there a moment or experience that sparked or deepened your commitment to this work?
When my oldest child was born in 2007 the lactation consultants in the hospital I delivered at were amazing. They transformed my mothering and supported me when I was young and learning. After that, I always wanted to give back in the same way. But life happens, and instead of ending up working in the hospital I ended up in private practice, which I love. However, as a small business owner, I can’t provide services for free; but the no cost access to care that I had made all the difference for me and is what I believe all families deserve, so there is a deep cognitive dissonance there for me. I work to resolve that cognitive dissonance through my advocacy. It’s what I can do. I can’t bill Medicaid, and I can’t see Medicaid families for free, but I can advocate for Medicaid coverage of lactation services. Families have so much going on, and so many costs already associated with a newborn – paying for lactation care shouldn’t be what holds them back when we have had federal law in place since 2010 saying that lactation should be covered by insurance without cost sharing. And if you’ve ever had a baby you know, postpartum is not the time to add advocacy work to your schedule. My kids are a little older now, so this is the season of my life when I can advocate for those with babies.
What’s one change—big or small—you hope to see in your community?
Short term, I hope to see this bill I’ve been working on with WREN (S42) pass and for all South Carolina families to have access to doula services and lactation support covered by their insurance. The idea of postpartum doula services covered by Medicaid makes me seriously giddy inside, I don’t know that everyone appreciates just what a huge impact that could have on our community.
In the long term, perhaps an unrealistic perspective I would love to see is us all operate from a place of abundance. I think so much of the discord in the world today is the result of a scarcity mindset. To trust that there is enough in this world for everyone shifts our perspective and our actions.
What would you say to someone who wants to make a difference but isn’t sure where to begin?
1. Find a group that already exists and aligns with your goals and ask how you can participate. Or bring your ideas to a group that is already doing similar work in the same space. The bill that we have now, S42, is the product of conversations I had with WREN, saying this is the problem I’m facing, I think we need legislation to fix it, but I don’t know how to make that happen. I would never be able to navigate the legislative process without the support of WREN. When I participate with the United States Breastfeeding Committee, they provide support and training for those attending their advocacy days making it much less intimidating.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak up and network. I met Ashely Lidow from WREN by chance when she was participating on a panel at a national lactation conference I attended in 2019. When I heard she was from South Carolina I found her after the presentation and introduced myself, we’ve been working together ever since. I promise you even a “cold” email will be very warmly received. People who are already doing this work want to meet you, they will be thrilled to have your help and support.
How can people support you or the work you care about?
In general, contact your local representatives and ask that they support breastfeeding policies.
Right now it’s August 2025, and August is National Breastfeeding Month. In honor of that I’d love for you to contact your South Carolina Senator, let them know that you support S42 and you would like them to support it as well. If you’re reading this in 2026, we may be on to the House of Representatives or even the Governor, fingers crossed.