Who I am
Hi! My name is Maria Fernandez, a proud mom to three amazing girls and fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband. Our family is rounded out by Zack, our feisty Chihuahua, and Bella, a beautiful feral cat.
In my first pregnancy, the anticipation of breastfeeding joy collided with unexpected challenges: supply issues, latching struggles, and an overload of online advice. Each of my kids brought their own unique breastfeeding journey, weaving moments of difficulty into an unbreakable bond.
Before my lactation journey took off, I worked as a Registered Nurse in a hospital setting. It was there that I began my quest for knowledge, earning certifications as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). My time in neonatal care allowed me to witness firsthand the hurdles families face.
Beyond traditional certifications, I'm a certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and trained in Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) through the Gillespie Approach. My skills in oral function, tongue tie, and other oral tethered tissues deepen my understanding of comprehensive infant care.
Furthermore, I have completed a comprehensive course in Women's Herbal Therapy, providing me with a deep understanding of how herbs support lactation and women's health. This additional knowledge has greatly augmented my ability to support maternal health and wellness.
Fueling my passion, I continually expand my expertise, diving into courses on lactation, oral function, and specialized therapies.
My mission is deeply personal: I'm here to share evidence-based knowledge and tools, supporting families in creating beautiful, healthy connections through breastfeeding and holistic infant care.
• Vice President of the Long Island Lactation Consultant Association (LILCA)
• Member of the New York Lactation Consultant Association (NYLCA)
• Member of the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA)
• Member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)