LAURIE MCHENRY, RN, BSN, IBCLC

For 15 years, Laurie McHenry, RN, BSN, IBCLC, has been supporting families at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) – spending 13 of those years in the lactation office. As a nurse educator, she works alongside four fellow lactation nurses and a dietitian, providing education and compassionate care to every postpartum patient, as well as to families across the hospital in need of lactation support.

Laurie’s passion for teaching runs in the family, as she comes from a long line of educators. For her, patient education comes naturally, and she approaches it with empathy and empowerment at the forefront. Her goal is not to steer families toward one choice, but to ensure they feel informed, supported, and confident in making feeding decisions that are right for them.

Reflecting on her work, Laurie shares that empathy is central to her practice, especially in healthcare settings where families may feel uncertain or vulnerable. By listening, guiding, and teaching without judgment, she strives to create an environment where families leave not only more informed, but also more reassured and confident in caring for their little one.

CHEER is proud to recognize Laurie McHenry as our CHAMPion of the Week for her dedication to patient education, her empathetic approach to care, and her longstanding commitment to supporting families at UMMC and beyond.