With my first son, I experienced many challenges, such as unnecessary 48 hours of separation, formula, and lots of bad advice. I was so determined to breastfeed that once I was allowed to have the baby with me, I stopped using formula immediately. Despite a lot of challenges at the beginning, I was able to breastfeed for four years. 

My daughter was born five years later, and with no challenges, more support, and previously-earned experience, we were able to breastfeed for almost four years too. 

My grandson, who is three and a half years old, is currently breastfeeding.

What excites me most about being an IBCLC is supporting mothers as they reach their goals, especially watching their faces when they get their babies attached and start enjoying the experience.

My family includes my two children, one grandson, husband, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law.

Certification in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Pediatric

Community-based Mother-to-Mother Support Programs

Management and Operation of the Human Milk Bank

Oregon

After the unnecessary challenges I experienced during the first few days with my son, I knew I needed to support women on the art of breastfeeding. So, I started volunteering as a La Leche League Leader in 1992 and co-founded the organization in the Dominican Republic. Later, I found out that to reach the underserved population even more and be able to work as a team with healthcare providers, I needed to go one step further.

I became an IBCLC to reach more mothers and babies in a country where the credential did not exist. As a La Leche League Leader, I was able to support mothers by attending meetings and by phone. However, I discovered that more was needed, especially being available right from the start, such as in hospital settings. For that, I needed the credential, so I obtained it in 2000.

Follow your heart. You are the one that knows your baby and yourself. If help is needed, you are not alone. Feel free to contact anytime, anywhere.