Mother's Nurture Doula and Breastfeeding Education

Delayed; not DENIED!

Whewww, where do I start?! September 2015, Venus was 4 months old. I had just gotten my milk supply back after having to relactate, which took about 2 months to accomplish. In that 2 months, I felt every emotion a human could feel. Defeat, shame, anxiety, lonely, more shame, and so on. But by the end of it, I felt relieved, and accomplished!

And while that ending feeling made everything I went through worth it, I had made up my mind that I never wanted another mom to feel as low as I did in those months. It took another 2 years to completely come out of what I now know was postpartum anxiety and OCD, and I vowed that I would not stand by while other moms also had to feel that way.

So, I did some research and decided that I wanted to become an IBCLC, so I'd have the knowledge and credentials to actually help mommas like me. September 2018, I enrolled in CCP. During my time there, we experienced COVID, I had my baby boy, and got engaged to my best friend! I graduated with my first degree in May of 2023 and thought that was as good as it would get. August of that same year I started the Human Lactation Consultant Program at Drexel University (where I was working at the time), and graduated in May 2024.

I left the program feeling anxious and excited to sit for the board! September 2024, I sat for the IBCLC exam, after minimal preparation because of so much happening at the time. 12 weeks later, on December 14th, the day before my birthday, I found out I failed the exam. 💔 Needless to say, I was heartbroken. My confidence and self esteem took a major hit. Here I was, leading groups, helping countless women with breastfeeding and I had just failed the exam that would've given me the credentials that say I'm qualified to. Embarrassed, ashamed, defeated, and damn near suicidal at the thought of almost 10 years of work was for nothing.

After about a month, I finally collected myself and got busy! I knew that wasn't how my story was supposed to go! May of this year, is registered for the exam again and studied my ass off non-stop for MONTHS! I'm talking, in between clients at work, listening to audio lectures in the car and while cooking..

Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week 🤎

Honoring strength, culture, and the beautiful bond of nourishing our babies with love and pride. 💪🏾✨️

Photo of my beautiful mother nursing my sister in 1992! 🫶🏾🙌🏾

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib or cot death, is the unexplained death of an infant under one year old, usually during sleep. SIDS is diagnosed after ruling out all other causes of death, such as accidents, abuse, or undiagnosed conditions.

In the United States, about 2,300-3,400
babies die from SIDS each year, and more than 90% of SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age.

Did you know?
Breastfeeding has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS. Research suggests that breastfeeding promotes a safer sleep environment and helps regulate a baby's sleep patterns, reducing the likelihood of SIDS. Additionally, breast milk contains antibodies and immune factors that help protect babies from infections, which can contribute to SIDS. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%. By promoting a safe sleep environment and providing immunological protection, breastfeeding plays a critical role in reducing the risk of SIDS.

Missed our last Lactation Lounge? Need a group to share your experiences and gain useful insights from other breastfeeding moms? Just want somewhere to vent your not so great breastfeeding experiences without judgment?

We'll, we're back! The Lactation Lounge will be taking place this month on November 19th! It's free and it's virtual, so what are you waiting for?!

We can't wait to have you join and share all your stories and insights!

Comment "Link", and I'll send you the direct link to register! See you there. ☺️🤱🏾✨️

Somebody should create a documentary called "Surviving a Breastfed Baby" , cause BABYYYY I'm ready to tell my story! 🤣

And I'd love to hear all your stories too, in the Lactation Lounge, kicking off in less than 1 week! Do you want a safe space to come share your breastfeeding experiences with other moms and gain useful insights? Well we'd love to have you!

When: Thursday October 24th at 6pm

Where: Zoom (so any and everyone can join!)

How: Register via the link in my bio!

Cost: FREE 99 !

Come join an encouraging group of mamas who just want to tell our stories. 💕

This truly brought me to tears today! 🥹💕 Every so often, the universe sends me a reminder of why it chose me for this path. Growing up, I never saw myself having a career in lactation - but lactation chose ME!

I feel deeply grateful to be in this position, empowering new mothers to navigate one of life's most intimate journeys. Witnessing the transformative power of breastfeeding, I've seen anxious first-time parents blossom into confident caregivers. Helping them overcome challenges and savor triumphant moments of connection with their babies fills me with joy.

Every success story, whether it's a premature infant's first feeding or a mom overcoming supply issues, reminds me of the impact I have on families' lives. Supporting the intricate dance between mother and child, I'm humbled by the trust placed in me and inspired by the resilience of the families I serve. Being a lactation professional isn't just a profession – it's a privilege to nurture and uplift the next generation, one feeding at a time. ✨️🥰🤎

✨️ Client Highlight ✨️ - and her beautiful 16 month old nursling, Mikyla! 💕 Thank you so much for trusting me and sharing this amazing update!

Just your friendly neighborhood Lactation Educator! 🩶🤱🏾

Photos by 💕

One thing I learned during my clinical internships and employment over the past several months is that what mom needs the most is support. Not educated Powerpoints or information crammed down their throats, but just genuine support. So, I'm here to do that!

Introducing the Lactation Lounge: Breastfeeding Support Group! Hosted by me, your favorite brown LC! ☺️ This group is, first of all, free, and second of all, created to cater to the millennial mommas schedule. That's why it's in the evening, and why it's on Zoom! We'll discuss relevant current events, celebrate fellow mommas accomplishments, and uplift those who are struggling. Support and community amongst our peers is how we all succeed. So if you're breastfeeding your 2 week old, your 2 year old, you stopped breastfeedig a year ago, are exclusively pumping, struggling to get the hang of it, you're comfort nursing your big old toddler, or just need other moms to talk to for an hour, we want you to join our group. Share your experiences and give other moms some encouragement to keep going!

Click the link in my bio to register for our first session which will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 6pm-7:30pm via Zoom! Can't wait to see you all there! 💕🤱🏾👩🏿‍🍼

*TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF OUR GROUP, EVERYONE WILL BE REQUIRED TO KEEP CAMERAS ON AT ALL TIMES! THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE WHO REGISTERS FOR THIS GROUP, IS WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE (if you catch my drift)*