Among the many ways I identify, I'm primarily I'm mom to 5 humans (well, 6 if we are counting my son-in-law!) and 2 pups, - and a wife (to 1 husband). Secondarily, I'm a student. A student of life, really, and I've been training for this role in lactation, postpartum, and parenting support since I brought my first child home in 1994, I just didn't know it at the time. This personal experience , mixed with my education, trainings, and certifications, provides me with a special skill set to  support families when they're going through transition, or working a new system out.

 

I liken what I do to being a tour guide. My job isn't to tell you where to go or what to do.

 

My job is to:

• Find out what your goals are (and help you clarify them if needed)

• Get you the best, evidence based information available

• Help you use that information to make the best choices, aligned with *your* goals, to meet the needs of your family

 

I want to leave you feeling confident in the choices you're making today.  I want you to believe in yourself.

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Though, I want to know - what do you want?

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My journey to here was quite involved and I went through many difficult, painful transitions. Given that my children range in ages from 31 years to 13 years old I came to this place in my life through years of varied experiences.

 

I struggled with a many common (and not so common) breastfeeding issues. With my first two children, and received poor/incorrect advice, and on that advice I weaned them much earlier than I would have otherwise. When my 3rd child was born some new struggles presented themselves that led me down the road to here. I became involved in La Leche League and eventually became an Accredited Leader after my 4th child was born. I'm now a LUVS Leader and I have learned so much working side by side with parents who've allowed me into their lives. I will forever be grateful to them, and their babies. (Some testimonials can be found here in ---> feedback.)

 

I've been on a path since to expand my depth of knowledge in the world lactation and supporting families in the postpartum period and really feel strongly that we as a society need to provide better care to families in this time.​

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When it comes to parenting and homeschooling, what didn't I experience? (Boy, I have stories!) Suffice it to say, I have parented all of my children, but I didn't homeschool all of them. My mixed experience gives me a perspective that not many people have. My parenting journey is glittered with varied experiences. 

 

I've attended as many training as time would allow (UTD CV coming soon) to gain the best skills to help families make choices that are best for them. These range from post-partum doula training to a variety of lactation courses. Additionally I received my Associates Degree in Science with an emphasis in Math in 2005, and I am close (so close I can smell it! lol) to completing my Associates Degree in Child and Adolescent Development (to transfer to CSUSM.) 

 

I recognize education is an ongoing process. I don't plan to ever stop being a student, as life offers many lessons. I am also currently in the final stretch of a years-long goal to sit for the IBCLC Exam to become a board certified Lactation Consultant, and currently hold a Certified Lactation Professional  (CLP) designation from Lactation University.

 

I have a special place in my heart for:

• Military families

• Single and foster parents

• The LGBTQ community

• Families living with food allergies

• Families with neurodivergent children (or parents ;) )

• Families/ mothers dealing with Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD

 

I hope you reach out today. I look forward to being of service to you, and your family,

 

Eme xo

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