About Jewel
As a parent of twins who experienced breastfeeding challenges, I understand that each lactation and infant feeding relationship is unique. I recognize complex lactation challenges to enable parents and babies to get the help they need sooner rather than later.
May 2013 – 2020, I volunteered as a Breastfeeding USA Breastfeeding Counselor, providing evidence-based breastfeeding information and support, as well as promoted breastfeeding/chestfeeding/bodyfeeding as the biological and cultural norm within Sacramento and surrounding counties.
June 2015, I completed the UC San Diego Lactation Consultant Program. During the program I completed clinical hours at UC Davis Medical Center (Labor and Delivery, NICU, PICU, and Postpartum Units) and at WIC in Rancho Cordova. I had the pleasure to work under direct supervision of several highly respected IBCLCs with 20 + years experience.
October 2015, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
I have specialized training in assessing infants for structure and function challenges that often contribute to infant feeding, sleep, and behavior challenges. I collaborate with local Chiropractors and Craniosacral Therapists (body workers) who assist infants and families with infant feeding challenges. I am well versed in the importance and efficacy of body work.
I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. I am cisgender with my preferred pronouns, she/her/hers.
Becoming a parent is a life changing experience, yet unique to each individual. My passion for breastfeeding began after the birth of my fraternal twin boys in 2007. Despite having dealt with a high risk pregnancy, bed rest, preterm delivery, cesarean birth, delayed lactation, pumping, NICU babies, latch and positioning challenges, structural issues, feeding complications, and ongoing sensory issues, I breastfed my twins for 13 months.
Having survived the first year as a parent of twin boys, my life was forever changed. I am grateful for the support from friends, family, lactation support groups, and professional lactation help.
I understand the importance of providing families with the lactation support and education needed to develop a strong emotional bond and successful feeding relationship.
I am a committed lactation and maternal infant health advocate with a focus on improving access to lactation education, resources, and infant feeding support.
Education
Brain and Sensory Foundations: Certified First Level (2022)
Shinpiden Reiki III Practitioner (2021)
Empowered Childbirth with Reiki (2020)
Okuden Reiki II Practitioner (2018)
Shoden Reiki I Practitioner (2018)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (2015)
UC San Diego: Lactation Consultant Program (2015)
Lactation Education Resources: Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (2014)
Breastfeeding USA: Accredited Breastfeeding Counselor (2013)
National University: Masters of Education in Cross Cultural Education (2000)
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (2000)
UC Davis: Bachelor of Arts, Rhetoric and Communication (1994)
Affiliations
Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition: Political Liaison Board Member
International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA): Member
United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA): Member
Breastfeeding USA: Breastfeeding Counselor (retired 2020)
Parents of Multiples, Sacramento: Member
Multiples of America: Member