This is part of a series we are doing to highlight our inspirational Milk Magic Educators. To learn more about the program including about how to sign up, visit Nurturely.org/milkmagic. Next up: Pati!
How did you hear about the Milk Magic Educator Program? What made you want to join the community?
I heard about the program through where I work for as a doula in FTV For the Village Doula Services by Sabia Wade. There was an opportunity for a scholarship given to honor the life of Angela Diaz de Leon, a wonderful birth worker and human being. I was in shock when I heard she passed away due to COVID. I felt a deep sadness knowing she was so needed in my community. When I discovered she was part of Nurturely and that this scholarship was to honor her life it warmed my heart to think I can help more people in my community through this program and hopefully continue honoring her work.
What is your background in human milk education, if any?
I am an IBCLC for about two years now for SDSURF WIC, and recently I been giving classes for FTV Doula Services and Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery. I worked in the Lactation Center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for two years prior.
Describe the community you serve and the community you belong to.
I have lived in the San Diego area for two years and I serve mostly Latinx community. I am Mexican bilingual bi-cultural and created www.lechedecoco.org to help spread Spanish information on lactation and support.
Why are you passionate about human milk feeding equity?
Because lactation should not be a privilege. There are many challenges in our society for a parent to be able to accomplish their breastfeeding goals specially for minorities, BIPOC, low income individuals, immigrants, and those with low support. We need to change that and be able to provide support and accessible health education.
What has been the best part of the program?
The presentation is so well done in terms of design, content, inclusive language, scientific evidence, just to name a few of the positive attributes. I love to sharing it with others! The information is very interesting and well magical!
How has the pandemic affected your work? How have you adapted?
What has been difficult is that I haven’t been able to see my patients in person. We do a lot of video calls and texting. Weight checks are necessary to have accurate milk transfer information. I can’t do this in person so now I help parents based on what they tell me and what I observe from the latch on a video call which can be inaccurate and complicated. On a positive note, I think this has made parents be more aware of lactation education and doing things themselves in a way that empowers them. I have seen more interest in parents with texting and this makes me feel I am a great resource for them in these times.