Meet Emily Politte Bender

I am a RN/BSN who has been a IBCLC since 2013. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2005 from Auburn University.

After leaving the Navy in 2011 (see below if interested in my military service), I worked at Winchester Medical Center as Mother/Baby Nurse. After 2 years I became their IBCLC with the research guru Jill Stancil, and other IBCLCs. I enjoyed educating patients and other staff how to handle lactation complications that arise. I also had an outpatient clinic garnering experience treating outpatient lactation concerns.

I started my private practice in 2019 and have been in business ever since. I enjoy the mother/baby bond, helping babies thrive, and complicated scenarios, where I can really make a difference. Feeding babies and supporting mothers are my calling in life, apart from serving Jesus and serving my family.

My older work history includes being a veteran who enlisted in the Navy in 1999 and was an Aircrew IFT on P-3 Orions for 2 years. I obtained a Officer’s Package to send me to Auburn on Scholarship to be a Navy Nurse. While in the Navy, I worked in Mother/Baby (where I fell in love with feeding), Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Family Practice Clinic Treatment Room, and Oral Sedation. I am very grateful how the service shaped my work ethic, perspective, and sense of humility. In 2011 I was medically discharged and began my civilian life in Winchester, VA.

I found my husband Michael Bender, now a Fairfax Firefighter Ladder-Truck Driver, at the beginning of my Navy Nurse career at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. I have two children, Claire and Patrick. I am Catholic and belong to Sacred Heart Parish, my kids attend Sacred Heart Academy. In my scarce free time, I love to paint. If you would like to see my “work” check out @emskerart on Instagram.