ABOUT DANIELLE

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my children—after all, that’s what breasts are for, right? But I never expected just how much I would love it or how long I would continue.

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When my daughter Anya was born in 2005, we were separated for two hours right after birth, and the hospital’s lactation support was minimal at best. Despite this, I was fortunate to start breastfeeding her easily and continued exclusively for six months. We went on to breastfeed for another year and a half before I weaned her. It wasn’t until later that I realized how lucky I was, as many of my new mom friends faced significant challenges. I immersed myself in learning about breastfeeding, attending La Leche League meetings, and soon became a well-informed supporter.

In 2009, I saw an opportunity to take a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) course just a state away. At 36 weeks pregnant with my son Asher, I took the course and passed the exam. Shortly after Asher was born, I officially became a CLC. However, even with my training, I experienced painful, bloody nipples just two days postpartum. Thankfully, with guidance from my La Leche League Leader, we improved Asher’s latch, and I went on to breastfeed him for four and a half years.

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Becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) had been a goal since Anya was a baby, but the initial requirement of 2,500 clinical hours seemed impractical at the time. When the pathway was later adjusted to 500 hours, I decided to pursue it. After being laid off from my job as a digital marketing manager, I dedicated myself full-time to this goal. On Halloween 2015, after completing the required courses, clinical hours, and a rigorous board exam, I became an IBCLC.

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Since then, I’ve worked in three New Jersey hospitals and have also run a successful private practice, helping around 1,500 families with breastfeeding challenges. In my private practice, I provide personalized, one-on-one support, from prenatal education to postpartum care. Whether it's latch difficulties, milk supply concerns, or the transition back to work, I offer practical, evidence-based solutions tailored to each family’s unique situation.

 

Driven by a desire to help even more families, I enrolled in a Master of Public Health program with a focus on Community Health Education at Montclair State University, graduating in May 2022. This additional expertise has deepened my understanding of public health and further fueled my commitment to maternal-infant health.

 

While I wish that everyone wanted to breast/chestfeed exclusively, I understand that it isn’t always possible or desired by every family, and that’s okay. My role as an IBCLC is to support families in reaching their lactation goals, whatever they may be. Whether it’s increasing supply, transitioning to combination feeding, or weaning, I’m here to help each family find the path that’s right for them.