Hello!
The name Empress Lactation Counseling comes from the Empress card in the tarot deck. It is the symbol of motherhood, femininity, and beauty. There is nothing more beautiful than a mother caring for her child. When the Empress card is pulled, it symbolizes abundance and the arrival of blessings. Together we can create that abundance in your baby feeding journey.
My Story
I was born and raised in the Willamette Valley in Oregon and I love everything about the Pacific Northwest. I'm the oldest daughter of three girls and grew up on a small farm in a small town.
After doing a year of college I spent a year and a half on a church mission in the Philippines where I became fluent in Tagalog. I was able to see how normal and prevalent breastfeeding is in that country and I was amazed. I rarely saw mothers breastfeeding their babies growing up in the US.
After coming back home and getting married, my first child, Lana Jane, was born at 25 weeks via emergency c-section due to sudden and severe preeclampsia in November 2017. Due to being so early, the nurses didn't think I would be able to provide much breastmilk for her but thankfully, I was able to produce more than expected. Those early days of pumping were long and hard. Sadly my darling girl Lana passed away but I was so grateful I was able to feed her during the time I did get with her.
A year later, my son Ivan was born at 39 weeks and was healthy as could be. I had no understanding about breastfeeding other than I wanted to do that for him. When I started having difficulties and severe pain, I contacted a lactation counselor but unfortunately I had a difficult experience with her. This prompted me to do as much research and self education as I could and so began my breastfeeding education journey.
Two years after having my second son, Dane, I knew it was time to start my formal lactation counselor education. I am now certified through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. I am proud to be counted among the many caring and well trained lactation counselors and I am passionate about helping mothers wherever they are in their personal journeys. If you would like to search my certification, you can do that by clicking here. My ID number is #356710.