During my master’s program in nutrition and exercise physiology at Columbia University Teachers College, I was significantly influenced by the book, “Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives,” by Annie Murphy Paul. I was fascinated by the influence of the pregnancy environment on the future health of a child. I came to understand that the time of growth and development in early life was the most optimal time to impact gene expression and future health outcomes. From then on, I focused my education and practice on nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy. 

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After completing a clinical dietetic internship and becoming a Registered Dietitian, I started my career as a clinical dietitian at a prominent New York City hospital. In this position, I gained valuable experience working with women during their pregnancies, especially maternity patients with diabetes. To better assist these women, I became a Certified Diabetes Educator and have since helped provide many patients with the proper guidance and support necessary to manage their diabetes without the need for medication.

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After about three years in my first position, I moved on to another well-known New York City hospital, where I focused on the care of both women, infants and children. In this role, I expanded my education and experience with lactation and nutrition during early childhood. I realized there is often a lack of clinical breastfeeding support for new parents that can lead to discomfort, confusion, and discouragement. In order to better support the families I work with, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I went on to complete several continuing education courses that better prepared me to address complex feeding issues such as tongue tie and low milk supply. 

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I started Sharon Arnold-Haier Nutrition and Lactation Counseling because I am passionate about helping parents grow their families with real food and focused guidance before, during, and after pregnancy. While our healthcare system is primarily focused on treating disease, I believe that by focusing on nutrition optimization early in life, there will be less disease to treat. As a parent or future parent, you have the power to influence your child's health trajectory through the food choices you make for you and your family. This is an exciting time, and it can be overwhelming, but as your nutrition and lactation expert, I will help empower you to make choices now that will help shape the future health of your growing family.