Pat Shelly is founder and director of the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, a nonprofit clinic offering consultations, education and group support. Known as the “The Breast Whisperer,” Shelly started the center in 1997, now located at 2141 K St. NW.

What led to the creation of the center?

I began a home visit practice in the late ’80s to support breastfeeding women. After years working as a registered nurse, I repeatedly encountered new mothers leaving the hospital who felt unsure and misinformed when it came to breastfeeding.