An Inspired Chat with Petra Tupy of Merriam

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Petra Tupy. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Petra, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think the biggest misunderstanding about what I do as a lactation consultant is that people assume I’m only here to push breastfeeding. That couldn’t be further from the truth. My role is really about helping moms figure out what feeding option works best for them and their baby—without judgment. For some families that’s breastfeeding, for others it’s pumping, combo feeding, or formula, and all of those are valid and deserve support. Feeding your baby shouldn’t come with guilt, pressure, or shame, and my goal is to walk alongside you so you feel confident and supported in your own journey.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Petra! Originally from the Czech Republic, I moved to Kansas City in 2000 and am thrilled to call it home. As a mom who breastfed my two kids for about two years each, I’m deeply passionate about supporting families.
As a former NICU nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2017, I bring a wide variety of experience to help you on your breastfeeding journey. I opened my private practice in 2018, and as a registered nurse and IBCLC, I’m here to offer compassionate, judgment-free support with home or office visits.
Lately, Craniosacral Fascial Therapy has become my new passion! Since I was introduced CFT Gillespy approach last year, I’ve come to find that breastfeeding is about a lot more than milk supply and latching. While so important, I’ve discovered that underlying tension is a root issue arising in common problems. CFT is a gentle way to release tension, helping with latching and pre and post-frenectomy. It can often be the missing puzzle piece in lactation care. Additonally, moms well-being is just as important as baby’s, and being a mom is not an easy task. CFT can help moms relax, balance their hormone, and take some of the load off of their heavy plate.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
A big part of who I am today comes from my grandma. When my mom went back to school to get her doctorate, my grandma stepped in and helped raise me, and she really showed me the value of hard work in two different ways. On one hand, she cared for us so deeply and taught me what it means to love and show up for your family. On the other hand, she was running a homestead, selling raw milk, working at a factory—just truly doing it all. She was both nurturing and a total business role model, and watching her taught me that with grit and heart, you can really accomplish anything.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger, brand-new mom self one thing, it would be to trust my intuition more. I spent so much time second-guessing myself—worried about what doctors said, what other people thought, or if I was “doing it right.” Looking back, I wish I would have trusted that little voice inside me, because at the end of the day, no one knows your child better than you. Your gut as a mom is powerful, and it deserves to be listened to. That’s something I carry with me now, and it’s advice I’d share with any new mom who feels unsure or overwhelmed.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions in my field is around tongue ties. There’s still a lot of debate, and many people dismiss them as a myth, but in my experience, I’ve seen just how much of a difference it can make when a tongue tie is identified and treated. Babies who struggle to breastfeed and bottlefeed often improve significantly after a release, and the benefits can extend well beyond those early feeding days. While every family’s journey is unique, I believe it’s important that parents at least have access to good information and support so they can make the choice that feels right for their child.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Something I’ve come to understand deeply is that a mom’s well-being and mental health are just as important—if not more important—than the number of ounces pumped or how breastfeeding is going. At the end of the day, your baby needs love, connection, and a healthy parent far more than they need a perfect feeding record. When feeding goals start to overshadow the joy of bonding and building a relationship, that’s when things can feel heavy and unsustainable. My approach is to bring both knowledge and compassion into the process, helping families find solutions that support not only their baby’s needs, but also the mom’s heart and peace of mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://midwestlactation.com/
• Instagram: @midwest_lactation

Image Credits
Cassandra Elizabeth Photo