A strong foundation in pediatric medicine

Irina earned her medical degree in Pediatrics and Neonatology from the Ural State Medical Academy in Russia, graduating Summa Cum Laude for her outstanding academic and clinical achievements. She practiced as a pediatrician and neonatologist in Russia and Ukraine before immigrating to Canada in 1997.

Nursing and lactation care in Canada

After moving to Canada, Irina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Montreal and completed further training in Healthcare Management at Laval University. Since 2005, she has worked as a Pediatric Nurse Clinician, providing care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.

In addition to her clinical work, Irina has held leadership roles as a unit head and care coordinator in several Canadian hospitals. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the healthcare system and a unique ability to bridge clinical expertise with organizational insight.

In 2018, she became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has supported thousands of families in the Greater Montreal area through in-home, in-office, and virtual consultations — helping parents navigate everything from breastfeeding challenges to early parenting with confidence and clarity.

Founder of the Family Institute

In 2024, Irina founded the Family Institute, a space dedicated to empowering parents with expert support in:

• Breastfeeding and lactation care

• Prenatal education

• Newborn care and infant development

Her work blends evidence-based medical knowledge with a nurturing, human-centered approach that respects each family’s unique story and rhythm.

Prenatal education and parent empowerment

Irina offers comprehensive prenatal classes — both private and group — covering labour preparation, breastfeeding, newborn care, and baby development. Her teaching style is practical, engaging, and grounded in clinical knowledge, making her classes some of the most trusted in the Montreal area.

Awards and recognition

• Recipient of the Commemorative Bourse of Tecla Liné and Neila Laroza (2005) from the Canadian Nursing Foundation, honoring her contributions to nursing in Canada

• Graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction in Pediatrics and Neonatology from the Ural State Medical Academy, awarded for academic excellence and pediatric research

A personal touch

Irina is a proud mother of three beautiful children and brings both professional expertise and lived parenting experience to her work. Outside of her practice, she enjoys swimming, paddleboarding, and traveling, and is passionate about helping families feel supported, informed, and connected from the very first days of parenthood.