Meet a Mom: Lynne Ricardo, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Pediatric Sleep Consultant

I am honored to introduce Lynne Ricardo, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Pediatric Sleep Consultant also known as “The Baby Whisperer.”

Lynne lived in Braintree for many years before moving to Whitman, where she has resided for over 25 years. She has been married for 32 years and is the mother of two children, ages 24 and 28.

In 2019, Lynne launched her private practice, initially providing home visits across the South Shore before adding office-based consultations as well. Lynne continues to offer home visits and has added office appointments in Marshfield, as well as, virtual visits.

She assists families with a wide range of feeding challenges, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, tongue ties, and low milk supply. Lynne continues to expand her expertise through ongoing education to provide the best possible support for families. In 2025, she also became a Certified Sleep Consultant through the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting.

Lynne is a tremendous resource for our community. Please keep reading to learn more about her background and extensive experience.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Cumberland, RI- I am an Ocean State Girl

I have been married to my husband, Pat, for 32 years. We have a daughter Carina who is 24, a son Christian who is 28 and engaged to his high school sweetheart Laura.

I graduated from St Anselm College with a BSN. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. My background is pediatrics. I worked on the infant toddler unit at RI Hospital (before Hasbro was built). I loved the work but had enough of day-night rotation shifts! So, I moved on to work at Quincy VNA, maternal and child health, where I saw many families who were discharged from the hospital early and in need of breastfeeding support. As I thought about my future, I realized that my niche was supporting new families and I started on the pathway to IBCLC. Once I passed my exam in 1997, I worked as an IBCLC at South Shore Hospital then eventually Brockton Hospital. Over time, I realized that I could support families better if I started a private practice- I would be able to spend more time with families and provide evidence based care. I started my private practice in 2019, offering home visits on the south shore. Within in a few months, I started offering an option of office appointments.

I love to learn new things and I take a lot of continuing courses- oral restrictions (ties), pump flange fittings, bottle refusal and low milk supply are some additional trainings I have taken. I also became a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and often integrate that into appointments.

In 2025, I became a Certified Sleep Consultant through The Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting. I am able to help families with sleep strategies so they are all better rested and able to have more enjoyment and connection. So here we are- I am helping babies with eating and sleeping- two of my favorite things😂

We live in Whitman, moved there from Braintree about 26 years ago.

I love the South Shore being not too far from the ocean. We have a boat that we keep at a marina in Weymouth that we take out to the Boston Harbor Islands for day trips.

I enjoy family game nights. When the kids were little, every Friday was pizza and game night. Now, it is less often but something I always look forward to. Sometimes, my parents join in the fun! Puzzles are great too- with my mom, daughter and future daughter in law.

My favorite part of the work I do is seeing parents become more confident and less stressed. It makes my day when a parents asks if I want to hold their baby! Yes please!

I found the toughest part of being a working mom was the fear of missing out on firsts. We were fortunate that I worked part time and my parents watched them when I worked. I remember asking my mother not to tell me if the kids did something for the first time like walking or crawling when she was there and I wasn’t. The sleep deprivation was brutal with my first!

My mother’s good friend told me “Don’t worry- the first one’s for practice.” Initially, I was insulted when she said it because I was already a pedi RN and IBCLC when I had my son. As time went on, I saw that she was right! Being a mom was not easy for me to navigate the first time around, easier with the second.

My best advice- you don’t have to be perfect. Your house doesn’t need to be tidy- enjoy spending time with your family without getting wrapped up in the tasks of motherhood.

People might be surprised to know I was a teacher in the Allied Health shops at South Shore Vo Tech in Hanover and Weymouth High School. I loved working with the students.

Is there a Quote or mantra you live by?

Be kind. That is what I live by. When I was a teacher, I gave the students extra points for their grades for kind deeds they did. At the end of the year, I painted them each a rock that said “Be kind” I wanted them to learn that life lesson even more than the classroom lessons.

You would hear me listening to Toby Mac, Brandon Lake or Mercy Me

Favorite coffee shop- Restoration Coffee

Favorite restaurant- Mia Regazza

Favorite date- a day out on the boat. I like to go to Peddocks Island and walk around, exploring the island. Maybe even hit the beach!