Meet Thea and Rena

Thea Simpson MS, CLS, CPD
Co-Founder Clinical Specialist

Hi, I’m Thea, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your lactation and postpartum journey! 

As a mother of two wonderful kids, aged 4 and 7, I developed a passion for lactation based on my own experiences. Although it wasn’t my initial career path, becoming a mom ignited a desire in me to provide support to parents throughout their prenatal and postpartum journey, regardless of their unique circumstances especially when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping! Having encountered a wide range of challenges during my own nursing and pumping journey between my children, I’ve gained valuable insights and the ability to empathize with the struggles new parents face.

When our first child was born prematurely at 32 weeks, spending significant time in the NICU, I learned the art of exclusively pumping while gradually introducing nursing a few weeks after birth. I’ve dealt with issues like supply loss, working hard to regain it, and even managing excessive milk supply (I can share stories about how far milk can spray!). I understand the pain and desire to nurse, as well as the surprise of a toddler pulling down your shirt and nursing in public without your consent. No matter where you are in your journey, I’m here to provide support, encouragement, and empowerment.

As a Certified Lactation Specialist and Certified Postpartum Doula, I bring over six years of experience teaching and supporting nursing and pumping at a WIC clinics and in-home lactation support and doula services. Drawing from my personal history of postpartum mood disorders, I am particularly passionate about your mental health. That’s why, during every visit, I will inquire about your physical and emotional well-being. Your overall health matters to us!

If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, we can make adjustments to ensure that lactation and pumping become comfortable and enjoyable experiences. My aim is to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive and succeed. Let me empower you to flourish.

  • Certified Lactation Specialist – LEC (Lactation Education Consultants) 
  • Certified Postpartum Doula – CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
  • Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Training – Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota of Postpartum Support International
  • Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion – IABLE 
  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Indiana and Minnesota WIC
  • Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition Member
  • Twin Cities Regional Breastfeeding Coalition Member
  • Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition Previous Member
  • United States Breastfeeding Coalition Conference Representative  
  • Women Ventures Graduate 
  • Bachelors of Arts – DePauw University 
  • Masters of Science in History – Indiana State University

Rena Hale PhD
Co-Founder Business Development

Hi there! I’m Rena, a proud mother of two amazing children, and I’m excited to share my personal and professional journey with you.  Co-founding this company with Thea was inspired by our own experiences and the realization of the crucial support needed during the lactation journey. As a newly minted PhD in Biomedical Engineering, I returned to work when my daughter was just six weeks old, determined to provide exclusive breastmilk for her first six months.

This goal required determination, unwavering support, and extensive training. I faced challenges such as low milk supply with my first child and an overabundance with my second. Being the first lactating mother in my office who chose to pump meant advocating for understanding and accommodations from my team. It was tough, especially with my 30-60 minute commute, which often led to tears. Juggling pumping, nursing, and coordinating with childcare providers became skills I honed, earning me the title of a pumping and nursing queen. Despite the challenges, I take immense pride in what I was able to provide for my children.

Equipped to Flourish was born out of a deep concern for the struggles faced by working moms, including myself and my friends. We are here to be your unwavering support system, your tribe. We firmly believe that as a working mom, you deserve all the support, understanding, and encouragement. We can’t wait to meet you and provide the guidance you need to thrive in your own lactation journey.

Welcome to Equipped to Flourish! 
  • Leader Launch Graduate
  • Women Ventures Graduate
  • Distinguished Teaching Faculty Award from Mayo Clinic
  • Bachelors of Science – LeTourneau University 
  • Masters of Science – University of Texas
  • PhD of Biomedical Engineering – University of Texas 

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