JA Lactation Support, IBCLC

I worked with Julie on my second child and have nothing but positive things to say about her. She completely transformed my breastfeeding journey, and I am truly grateful for her continued support. Going into my second pregnancy, I held defeat and frustration since I was not able to figure out breastfeeding with my first and ended up exclusive pumping for 11 months.

I was determined this time around to avoid being attached to a pump, and I wanted to have that beautiful bonding experience that so many of my breastfeeding mama friends would post and share about. I knew my strategy this time was to get an outside lactation consultant even if it wasn’t fully covered by insurance, as my experience with the hospital LCs was really discouraging and didn’t provide me hope (side note: she provides super bills so that clients can submit for Flexible Spending Account reimbursement). Every other LC I worked with critiqued the size and shape of my nipples, pushed me to get baby to use a bottle to supplement, recommended tube feeding, blamed tongue tie, and promoted the nipple shield. I sure was confused and overwhelmed! A doula recommended Julie and said she always goes above and beyond… boy was she right!

Even before my first appointment, Julie was texting and available to me. She gave me guidance about tongue tie and who her go to specialists are. I ultimately decided to get the tongue tie procedure done via the pediatrician, but I was still stuck with weaning off the nipple shield and getting a really good latch as baby’s mouth recovered and strengthened. I had an hour appt booked and she certainly didn’t let me leave without a solid foundation and game plan for how to get my baby to feed properly. I loved that she wasn’t stuck to the clock and gave me the attention and time needed. My baby was also struggling with reflux so she introduced new feeding positions that helped reduce reflux and helped me troubleshoot to comfortable feeding positions (ones that would work at home and not just in a hospital setting or breastfeeding support group). After each appointment, she would send me home with written instructions on what to do, and she even filmed videos so I could remember the advice that was provided. She did thorough exams of baby and gave me exercises that would help strengthen his mouth and body for breastfeeding success. I believe I saw her three times and each week involved new steps forward. At one of the appointments I came in so sleep deprived, stressed, and really down (probably a lot of PPD at play there too), but sweet Julie provided just the encouragement and I left the appointment feeling so well-heard and able to move forward. Her phone was always available to me, so I remember texting her quite a bit to make sure I was understanding everything.

I am so grateful to Julie. It is because of her that I have this amazing bonding experience with my baby. I spend nights nursing my little one before bed and reflecting on how my dream came true. My goal forever is to encourage any mama to not give up on feeding. Before working with Julie, I never thought breastfeeding for me would be possible…. I am blessed to experience the opposite.

What is there to say about Julie that hasn't already been said... Jeez. This woman was a god send. Period. I was originally referred to a different lactation consultant out in Vista but I was hung out to dry in the middle of a pandemic with a baby who has latch issues, lip and tongue tie, tightness in her neck and jaw and a low supply. I found Julie through a Breastfeeding Support Group on FB and someone posted resources on finding a Lactation Consultant in my area. Although I couldn't use my insurance she is worth every penny.

Julie was SUPER supportive and gave me the tools to successfully breastfeed. It was a lot of work but it was well worth it. I had so many moments where I felt like a total failure for not being to do something that is natural but Julie reassured me that I was doing well and that she was proud of me.

It was difficult for me to say goodbye to her when we had to move out of state because she had made such an impact in my life. Thankfully by the time this occurred I was already successfully BF my baby girl.

I strongly recommend her. She is the best!

I was depressed, anxious, and practically scared to feed my own baby. This was my second little one, and I couldn't understand for the life of me why this one was so much harder. After seeing Julie, I learned it wasn't just me. My pain was gone the same week. My milk is finally flowing, and baby is so HEALTHY he looks like the Michelin Man and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man were his brothers.