Hi, I'm Ariana.
I’m an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and mom to two girls, ages 13 and 10.
My journey into the “lactation world” began in 2011 when I gave birth to my oldest daughter. My natural birth plan went out the window and ended in a c-section. I had great difficulty breastfeeding, it just didn’t come naturally as so many had said it would. Because my birth experience had not gone the way I had envisioned, I was absolutely intent on making breastfeeding work. The only reason I was successful was because of the amazing help I received from a Lactation Consultant. Eventually things became easier and I went on to breastfeed my daughter until she self weaned.
I became passionate about breastfeeding and specifically about helping other new moms figure out how to make it work for them too. In 2012 I began a “Lactation Educator Counselor” program and became certified that year. After completing this program, I knew I wanted to further my education and become an IBCLC.
Before I was able to begin a Lactation Consultant education program I became pregnant again. When I learned that our new baby would be born with complex special needs, I decided to put my continuing education on hold. Our new baby was born in December of 2013. She had a life saving surgery at only two days of age and spent her first two weeks in the NICU. Luckily, with my education as a Lactation Counselor I was able to pump and provide her with breast milk for her first 7 weeks (she needed very precise feedings) at which point I was able to transition her to direct breastfeeding.
In 2015 after her care had stabilized, I was able to begin the Lactation Consultant education program through the University of California San Diego Extension. I completed a 9-month internship in a busy Baby Friendly hospital and passed my board exam to become an IBCLC in 2016. I began my private lactation practice in Orange County in 2018. We are a military family and relocated to the Santa Clarita Valley in 2021 where I offered lactation support for three years. We recently returned to San Clemente in the summer of 2024 and I look forward to continue to support families with infant feeding.
I am passionate about helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals. Our breastfeeding journeys all look a little different, and I’m here to help you meet YOUR goals, whatever they may be.