I'm glad you're taking the time to read about me. Putting trust in someone is so important. Only you can decide who is right for you. That being said, here are some things you may want you to know.
First and foremost 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).
Second to that, I'm a student. As corny as it sounds, I'm 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. My personal experience mixed with my education, training, and professional development, 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. It's to show you the varied routes to arrive at your chosen destination.
My job is to:
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Find out what your goals are (and help you clarify them if needed)
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Get you the best, evidence-based information available
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Help you use that information to make choices, aligned with *your* goals, to meet the needs of your family
About Eme
My journey is glittered with varied experiences.
When it comes to parenting it seems I have lived a hundred lives. (Boy, I have stories!)
Suffice it to say, my mixed experience gives me a unique perspective that not many people have.
I struggled with a many common (and not so common) breastfeeding issues with my first two children. Unfortunately I also 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 (food allergies!) that led me down the road to where you find me today. Eventually I got involved with La Leche League and became an Accredited Leader (2009) after my 4th child was born. (I retired in 2017.) I am now a LUVS Leader and I offer free breastfeeding support group bi-weekly. 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 ---> 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 vulnerable time.
I recognize education is an ongoing process. I don't plan to ever stop being a student, as life offers many lessons. I received my Associates Degree in Science with an emphasis in Math in 2005, and I am close (so close I can smell it!) to completing my Associates Degree in Child and Adolescent Development (to transfer to CSUSM.) More recently I completed the Foundations in Lactation Education course! I had taken a similar course years prior, but this was just what I needed to get the most recent research available! (Research never stops!) 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 ProfessionalTM (CLP) designation from Lactation University, and a I'm a lactation educator. Moon Shadow Doula was my original business and I am now expanding it to what you see here - June Road at Home. I'Il continue to stay current on my continuing education (UTD Professional Profile) to gain the best skills to help families like yours make choices that are best for them. These range from lactation courses and postpartum doula training, to speaking engagements from the best of the best in their fields.
I am a dedicated educator at heart, with a unique background that combines academics, an understanding of the human condition, and empathy. I bring a deep understanding of both the neurology of learning, and the science, and emotion of human development. For decades my experience as a mother, clinical professional, and homeschool educator has refined my ability to support families through complex transitions with patience and ntegrity, compassion and authenticity. In my early years I was honored to be nominated for Doulas of Southern California (DASC) award of Breastfeeding/Lactation Educator of the year. Now, with years worth of experience and continued education, I am currently completing my A.A. in Child and Adolescent Development so I am better equipped to support you as your family navigates these years.
I hope you
Feel confident in the choices you're making today
Believe in yourself
Please reach out -
I look forward to being of service to you, and your family.