Who are we?

We are a collective of pre and post birth professionals, majority IBCLC. We meet every week to keep our group collaborative and up to date on the most current evidence based standards in maternal child care and support.

The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized clinical skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBLCE is currently the only credentialing agency that offers a board certification in breastfeeding medicine in lactation consulting globally. IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide competent, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care.

jennifer chivas lactation consultant and mentor ibclc florida.jpg

Hi! I’m Jen Chivas,

“The Booby Boss”

(RN, BSN, IBCLC)

Jen is native to Michigan, moving to Lakewood Ranch Florida with her beautiful family of five in 2017 where she began a private practice in breastfeeding support.  She has now returned to Michigan to grow yet another location servicing the west side of Metro Detroit. Mentorship has helped create her current team of IBCLC’s now spanning a total of 5 states in the U.S.

Jennifer has an extensive history working with women and children.  She began her career as a Labor and delivery nurse where she worked for 18 years helping mothers in the intrapartum and postpartum areas.  Her lactation career bloomed when her organization decided to take on the Baby Friendly designation.  She obtained her IBCLC certification and then took over the lead role of this five year project which included outpatient clinic work with two physicians and outpatient support groups.   Once relocated in Florida, Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital also offered her a pier diem position where she could continue her clinical growth and support with more medically challenging inpatient breastfeeding clients, becoming expert in exclusive pumping and low milk supply clients.

Her family and career continues to change and grow, offering new opportunities.   Practicing primarily outpatient now; working with mothers virtually, in home or in office with loving arms using evidenced based care to help breastfeeding families achieve their goals.

SChedule

  • Erin Lee RN, BSN, IBCLC

    I have bachelor's degrees in biology and nursing from The Sage Colleges in Troy, NY, and I have seven years of nursing experience in pediatric intensive care, including care for transplant patients.

    Before my first child was born, I transitioned to a pediatrician’s office, where I met an IBCLC who helped me succeed in breastfeeding after facing many common challenges. The journey, filled with frustration and eventual joy, led me to breastfeed my daughter for over a year, my proudest achievement.

    Inspired by my experience, I became an IBCLC in 2013. After some time in private practice, I had two more children and decided to focus on family. I am excited to work with Jennifer and her team, supporting breastfeeding families. I recently completed a master class on infant oral function and tethered tissues, working with Childrens Therapy Solutions to assist families facing these challenges.

    I live in Northwest Bradenton with my husband and three active children. In my free time, I teach fitness classes, support youth sports, and travel with my family in our RV.
    Schedule

  • Maria Grey IBCLC

    I am a native of Florida living in Hernando County. I have been married for 16 years and have three children. After my first daughter’s long stay in the NICU, I discovered my passion for lactation support. The help I received from lactation consultants during that time was crucial. Each of my breastfeeding journeys has been unique, and I have consistently found guidance from these professionals.

    For over 12 years, I have volunteered as a lactation peer counselor. I received my Certified Lactation Counselor certificate in 2019 and earned my International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential in 2022, dedicated to my oldest daughter, who passed away in 2019.

    My personal experiences include exclusively pumping, extended breastfeeding, nursing with tongue and lip ties, managing oversupply, food sensitivities, and breastfeeding after trauma. I strive to create a safe space for parents to ask questions and seek help. I helped establish the online group Hernando's Breast Friends, serving Spring Hill, Brooksville, and Weeki Wachee.

    I believe in a holistic approach that includes a supportive network of knowledgeable care specialists to help clients meet their breastfeeding goals. My aim is to encourage and empower families through support, problem-solving, setting expectations, and providing evidence-based care. Breastfeeding is a vital part of early parenting, and I am proud to contribute to this journey.
    Schedule

  • Rachel Bennett MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC

    Hello, I’m Rachel! My experiences with birth and breastfeeding, along with my work as a Speech Language Pathologist, drive my passion to help other parents feel supported and prepared. After years of peer support, I became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and started mentoring with Lactation Loop, earning my IBCLC certification in 2024.

    My breastfeeding journey began over six years ago with my first child. I have faced challenges like tongue and lip tie revisions, pumping while working, tandem nursing, breastfeeding during pregnancy, breastfeeding an adopted child, extended breastfeeding, natural weaning, donating breastmilk, and advocating for my breastfeeding rights.

    I have four young children aged 6, 4, 3, and 7 months, all of whom have been breastfed. I'm married to my husband Aaron for 9 years, and we reside in North Texas, living a holistic lifestyle and enjoying new foods, outdoor activities, and documentaries. As an IBCLC, my goal is to support parents throughout their feeding journeys, providing them with the tools and confidence to nourish their babies.
    Schedule

  • Lauren Clippard RN, IBCLC

    Born and raised in Sarasota, Fl. I started my career in 2002 working at Manatee Memorial Hospital as a Mother/Baby nurse. I personally had many breastfeeding challenges which led me to want to help other women during their journey. In 2011 after becoming an IBCLC I joined Katie Powers at M.O.M.M. s place, located at MMH, here I worked inpatient as an IBCLC and outpatient childbirth educator. In 2021 I joined the Loop where I love working with moms in the outpatient setting. I have a husband and 3 beautiful “babies” of my own.

    Although I help mothers with all of their breastfeeding needs, I am especially knowledgeable about dietary and/or allergy concerns. It is such a privilege to be able to come alongside women in this beautiful and transforming time in their lives, helping each individual dyad learn this dance together.

    Schedule

  • Allison Heilman BSP, IBCLC

    For 10 years my passion for breastfeeding has only grown by helping those around me succeed in feeding their babies. I am a wife and mother of 3 wonderful kids. I have worked with children for over 15 years as a nanny. My love for breastfeeding began with my own children, each breastfeeding experience was different of course! I have nursed through tethered tissues, PPD, and food sensitivities myself. It was after nursing my last child that I decided to pursue a career as an IBCLC.

    Once certified, in collaboration with my Bachelors Degree in Psychology, I look forward to not only helping your breastfeeding journey run smoothly but also be an emotional support to you and your partner through all aspects. With my youngest, I hit several bumps and didn’t know that I could reach out and receive support. My goal is to be that person, helping mothers extend their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

    Schedule

  • Beth McHoul IBCLC, retired midwife

    My calling has always been mothers and babies. I started out in child development and eventually became a CPM midwife while living and working in Haiti for 28 years. I recognized how important and life saving breastfeeding was for babies and when I returned to the US to live, I became an IBCLC now serving the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Areas.

    My passion is to help moms and babies along their feeding journey regardless of feeding preference.

    I have been married for 49 years and have two grown children and six grandchildren. I have many years of experience with families and women having a variety of social backgrounds and settings.

    I truly love women and babies and love serving them through the postpartum period and beyond.

    Schedule

  • René Fisher BA, IBCLC RLC

    My passion for breastfeeding stems from my experiences as a mother and over 30 years of assisting breastfeeding women and families. It requires good communication between mother and baby to overcome challenges. I aim to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.

    My journey began when I, a struggling mother, sought help from a La Leche League leader. With their support, I successfully breastfed all three children despite challenges. Inspired, I became a leader in 1992. In 1998, while holding a baby, I earned my degree and became an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. My volunteer work turned into a 30-year career.

    I have lived in New York for most of my life and now reside in Orange County with my husband of nearly 40 years. We have raised three children and enjoy our two grandchildren. My career includes starting a lactation department at my local hospital, offering a breast pump rental service. After ten years, I joined the Ameda breastfeeding team, focusing on education and collaborating on initiatives under the Affordable Health Care Act.

    My next role was coordinating the lactation department I established in 1999, where I initiated a Skin-to-Skin project in the NICU that earned recognition. My responsibilities involved managing staff, developing policies, training interns, creating patient education materials, and presenting data at pediatric conferences. I also co-founded the Mid-Hudson Lactation Consortium and guided continuing education for local lactation consultants.
    Schedule

  • Krista Baggett IBCLC

    I grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and am a wife and mother of four. I've been involved in the local arts, working as a model and performing in theater. For 20 years, I taught dance and spent over 10 years in doctors' offices. I love children, and after marrying, I became a stepmother and wanted my own kids. I aimed for natural childbirth and extended breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, I faced challenges like engorgement, colic, food allergies, and sleep issues. After overcoming these, I became a certified lactation counselor in 2018 to help other mothers.

    During my pregnancy, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. Knowing breast milk can help fight cancer, I increased my supply and pumped milk for him after my son was born. He found it helpful after chemotherapy, and he lived longer than expected, believing breast milk assisted in his recovery. I promised to continue learning and helping others after he passed. A year later, I joined Lactation Loop and earned my IBCLC in his memory. I also work with a leading OBGYN in Sarasota and The Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. My mission is to support mothers and babies in having great breastfeeding experiences and to help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
    Schedule

  • Linda Caiger RN, BSN, IBCLC, CCE, Midwife

    After 47 years in the US Virgin Islands, I moved to St. Petersburg three years ago and am very happy in my new home and job. I had a home birth 45 years ago, which led me to become a home birth midwife, practicing for 35 years. I took a year to work as a labor and delivery nurse in a large hospital in Los Angeles but returned to home birth and the islands.

    Thirty years ago, I became a Certified Childbirth Educator with the Bradley Method and the International Childbirth Education Association. I taught childbirth and breastfeeding, which fueled my passion for teaching. Upon retiring from midwifery, I chose to focus on postpartum care, helping moms in vulnerable but empowering times.

    In 2009, I became a certified lactation consultant, working privately and in a pediatric practice until moving inland. For the past three years, I've been on the Lactation Team at Bayfront Baby Place and am eager to join Jen and the Lactation Loop team. I want to support new moms in St. Petersburg in the coming years. I currently teach all classes at Bayfront Baby Place, both online and in-person, and lead their Mom-Baby group. I have a grown son whom I breastfed for a year, and his children received breast milk for nearly two years. A good day for me is helping a mom and baby feel happier and more comfortable in their feeding journey.
    Schedule

  • Heather Carnaghi RN, IBCLC, HNB BC

    Heather, originally a labor and delivery nurse, went into lactation six years ago. She began her lactation career in the hospital setting, caring for intrapartum, postpartum and NICU feeding families. She has three children, all with different breastfeeding journeys. They had a range of difficulties from low milk supply to lack of support, but after a deep dive of education and personal growth she was able to nurse more successfully with each baby.

    When she is not working with lactation families you can find her outdoors mounting biking camping or hiking.

    “ I love that breastfeeding is not just about breastfeeding your baby, it’s about finding your inner strength. Breastfeeding may not be easy but when you work out all of the kinks you find out you were stronger than you thought. Its the best bonding with your baby, a bond that lasts a lifetime. “

    Schedule

  • Natalie Cochenour RN, IBCLC

    Born and raised in South East Michigan. My passion for assisting families with breastfeeding started after struggling with my first child. I recognized the support needed during these tender first days and beyond. Finding support and community as I grew as a mother was crucial in my love for working in the lactation field.

    In 2012 I took my first position at a local hospital, working as a postpartum nurse and my passion for breastfeeding bloomed. I became a board-certified (IBCLC) in 2016 and have enjoyed working with newborns inpatient and after discharge in our outpatient clinic. I pride myself in supporting breastfeeding families with a tender touch addressing the clinical and emotional struggles common during the postpartum journey. 

    When I’m not working with moms and baby’s. I’m spending time with my 3 wonderful children and husband on our small family farm. We enjoy homesteading and raising our family with the beauty of our country home and making as much as we can with what we grow.  As a proud military family we support my husband in his ability to serve our country as well. 

    Schedule

  • Jessica Phegley MS, RN, BSN, CLS

    My passion for health and healthcare has been life long. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Health Promotion with a focus on women and children from Indiana University. I then knew I wanted to expand my abilities to help moms and babies and I received my second Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I became a Certified Lactation Specialist in 2015 and am pursuing my IBCLC certification this year. I loved my time working in the hospital as a postpartum nurse, helping moms begin their breastfeeding journey and protecting their milk supply.

    I have been married to my husband Josh for 11 years. We have two children (6 and 8) with whom I was fortunate to have wonderful nursing journeys. We have spent much of our time as a family traveling from city to city for my husband's work, but now we are enjoying this new season of consistency here in Michigan. In my free time, I enjoy doing house projects, gardening, hiking/biking/running outside, and learning. I recently finished a Functional Nutrition and a Certified Personal Trainer certification. My personal and career desire is to empower families with the knowledge, resources and support they need to have their best lactation experience possible.

    Schedule

  • Amanda Bartles BA, CLC

    Warm memories of being held by my mother while she tandem fed my twin siblings sparked my breastfeeding journey. I recall her enjoying the moment and gently stroking our cheeks. I was surprised at the challenges I faced. With my first child, I struggled but accepted the pain as part of breastfeeding. When my second child came, I sought better support, and a Lactation Loop employee equipped me with knowledge that led to a successful experience without pain. I recognized breastfeeding as natural and healthy, but I didn't realize I would need help.

    These two different experiences inspired me to support mothers and babies. After succeeding with my second breastfeeding experience, I reached out to Jen and applied for her mentorship program. I feel honored to be a student at Lactation Loop. She encouraged me to earn my CLC and pursue my IBCLC. I also earned a B.A. in Psychology with a focus on children and women, and I plan to use my education to offer comfort and acceptance to each unique client as an IBCLC.

    You will remember your breastfeeding experiences for life, and I want them to be beautiful. My oldest, now 6, still thinks about breastfeeding, which lasted until he was 27 months old. I am still nursing my youngest, who is 13 months. I want you to feel confident and your baby to be comfortable while breastfeeding. I am dedicated to helping you overcome any challenges and making specialized care available to you.
    Schedule

  • Macey Gerolemon BS, IBCLC

    My passion for healthcare began after multiple personal injuries that led to a slew of doctors' appointments. After seeing family doctors, cardiologists, and neurologists, my health did not begin to see a turnaround until I found a practitioner that saw me as a whole person. Through this journey, I fell in love with healthcare and became passionate about cultivating a practice of holistic care.

    My intrinsic drive for health care took me to NC State University where I graduated with a BS in human biology and a minor in nutrition. During my time in college, I carried out nutrition research through the University Honors Program and helped start a National Organization for Rare Disorders chapter, which bolstered awareness for rare disorders. But most importantly, my interest in lactation began through the nutrition program at NC State where I completed classes in maternal and infant nutrition and clinical breastfeeding. To further my proficiency in lactation, I moved to Florida for a year to work with The Lactation Loop and received direct mentorship from many IBCLCs.

    Now back in North Carolina, I am excited to support other breastfeeding dyads and enjoy motherhood as I am now nursing my first born. My goal is to serve the greater triangle area with research-based, holistic care that puts families' needs and goals first.

    Schedule

  • Lisa Levy RN, BSN, IBCLC

    Description goes here
    https://groupscheduling.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Lisa

  • Cari Tanella RN, BSN, IBCLC, CIMI

    Also known as Breastfeeding with Cari, LLC; she services the East Coast of Florida, Boynton Beach area. Originally from Brooklyn New York, Cari has been a Registered Nurse for over 40 Years. She has lived in Palm Beach County area for the past 19 years. As an RN in the Hospital setting Cari’s experience includes NICU, Pediatrics and Mother/Baby care where she also served as the Lead Lactation Consultant at Boca Regional Hospital. There she was instrumental in establishing a Milk Depot important to the safe storage and delivery of breast milk. Cari is a certified infant massage instructor. Her credentials include Director of a Home Care Service company in New York. Additionally, she spent 10 years as a Community Nurse working directly with children and their families, diagnosed with Familia Dysautonomia.

    Cari has been married for 50 years, is a mother of two and has five grandchildren. Her passion is to empower mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journey.

    Schedule

  • Maureen Crissy RN, IBCLC, RLC

    Owner of Mama Bean Lactation Services, Maureen is a NICU Nurse and IBCLC for over 25 years, servicing Broward and Palm Beach county Florida. She is also an instructor for a 3 day breastfeeding certification course though Florida State University under their Center for Prevention and Early Intervention program.

    Maureen has a vast knowledge of Infant breastfeeding and newborn development, working in a variety of roles. As a clinical development coordinator she created tools and strategies to increase breastfeeding education and success along with working for Ameda, Inc. where she was instrumental in increasing breastfeeding awareness and breast pump availability across the country.

    Maureen also was a Founding Board member of the HMBANA Milk Bank of Florida, which was key in collaborating with hospitals across the state to open milk depot sites.

    In her free time, Maureen volunteers her time at Women in Distress assisting new mothers with Breastfeeding concerns and safe infant care.

    Schedule

  • Kelly Giordano MSN, RN, IBCLC

    Raised in beautiful and sunny South Florida, I attended Florida State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I then furthered my education by obtaining a master’s degree in Nursing Administration from Barry University.

    After the birth of my second son and my own breastfeeding journey, I was driven to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant while I continued my career as a bedside nurse in the NICU.

    I have extensive experience working with infants and women. For 35 years, i have worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and in the past served as their staff educator. Along with postpartum nursing care at another hospital for over 10 years.

    Currently I continue to work as a lactation consultant at a local hospital in the NICU and postpartum area.

    I would love to be part of your breastfeeding journey. Working in the acute care setting has always been a joy but breastfeeding education and support in the home are my passion.

    I currently live in Jupiter with my husband, we enjoy long walks and nights at the beach. I also love playing tennis.

    Click Here

  • Samantha Fey IBCLC

    I’m Sam! I am an internationally board certified lactation consultant as well as a trained postpartum and birth doula. I always knew I wanted to work with babies and families and started off as a professional nanny. Then when I had my first and started breastfeeding I fell in love with it and was such an advocate for everyone to breastfeed. It wasn’t until my 2nd daughter that I even knew lactation consultants were a thing. I got referred to one and when I met her she changed the game. So I went to Henry Ford College to get my certification and graduated from the lactation program in 2022.

      I understand firsthand the challenges and joys that come with feeding your baby, and I’m here to provide compassionate, personalized care to help you feel confident every step of the way. Every feeding journey is different just like every baby and parent is.

       

     I live in Bloomfield Hills Michigan with my husband and 3 children. We have a corgi named Finnley and a kitty named Frank as well! I’m a local coffee shop snob and a romantasy bookworm(don’t ask how many books are in my TBR). When I’m not reading or learning all I can about lactation, you can find me watching musicals with my babies or pole dancing(it’s a fun workout!).

     I’m thrilled to be part of the Lactation Loop team and would be honored to support you and your family on your unique feeding journeyDescription goes here

    https://groupscheduling.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Sam

  • Sarah Benz RN, BSN, IBCLC

    Description goes here
    Click Here

  • Ashlyn Padron RN, CBS

    Description goes here
    Schedule