Ashwini Bhise

IBCLC, MHA, Ph.D.

Ashwini Bhise grew up in Mumbai, India, with grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and multiple generations all under the same roof. Her parents played a major role in supporting her to achieve her career goals, and they instilled in her a drive to help people in any way possible.

Growing up in a country with a prevalent breastfeeding culture, and where health care provider and patient interactions work very differently than in the US, Ashwini realize the need for education on diversity and cultural aspects of postpartum care that could benefit both families and health care teams.

That understanding crafted the last decade in her life, a wide range of working in different communities as a private practice consultant, working in coalitions, outpatient services, and hospitals to educate and support breastfeeding mothers, and raising awareness about cross-cultural behavior.

Ashwini began her lactation  journey with her own initial struggles breastfeeding her children. She attributes her eventual success to the expertise of the lactation consultants who worked with her, and to the support of her parents and husband. Her experience inspired her to pay it forward, so when she took time off from work to raise her toddlers, she trained to be a certified lactation consultant.

In addition to her IBCLC, Ashwini also holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Arkansas, and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University.

In 2017, Ashwini moved to Pittsburgh, where she lives with her husband, Vaibhav, and daughters Shreeya and Mihika. She loves spending time with her family, catching up with extended family in India, listening to Indian film music, and trying different cuisines. She plans to see the world — or as much as she possibly can!