“I have 6 children and I feel so blessed to have been able to breastfeed all of them. I have breastfed for a total of 22 years!”

How did you become involved in supporting Black breast/chestfeeding in Los Angeles County and why are you passionate about it?

I moved to LA 17 years ago, already an IBCLC, and looking to continue to support families in the area as I had done in the 

Washington, DC metro area and NYC where I moved from. I was passionate about joining other lactation professionals in this area because California seemed to be doing some amazing and innovative things to support, promote, and protect lactation and I wanted to be a part of it all! 

What is the most rewarding part of the work that you do to support Black breast/chestfeeding?

The most rewarding part? There are so many rewarding parts, it’s hard to choose! But I guess if I had to choose one thing, it would be dispelling myths. As a lactation professional, when we dispel harmful myths about breastfeeding we can help people better achieve their breastfeeding goals, and many times help people exceed their own expectations and original goals.

Do you have a personal experience or story to share about a breast/chestfeeding journey?

I have six children and I feel so blessed to have been able to breastfeed all of them. I have breastfeed for a total of 22 years! All of my five grandchildren have been breastfeed for up to two years and that makes me very happy, too! It also makes me laugh that even though I breastfed each of my kids anywhere from 3-5 years that NONE of them are currently breastfeeding LOL! Weaning happens and is a part of the breastfeeding journey! 

What do you hope to see change for the better with regard to Black breast/chestfeeding in Los Angeles County?

I would like to see all families, including and especially black families, to receive the information they need prior to giving birth and the support they deserve after giving birth to succeed in the lactation goals they have established for their family. I would like this for ALL families regardless of race, ethnicity, ability to pay, etc. It takes a village