About Me

Hi, I’m Anne! I’m a Certified Infant Feeding Educator and Postpartum Doula, a Monterey-County native, a wife, and a mom to a joyful and thriving formula-fed toddler.

I came to formula-feeding with openness, though exclusively formula feeding wasn’t our initial plan. After our son’s birth, we received amazing non-judgmental support from our midwives and IBCLC, who educated and equipped us to give breastfeeding our best shot. When it became apparent to all of us it just wasn’t feasible, I no longer needed lactation support; I needed formula feeding support… and there was nobody locally. Aside for the back of the formula can and a few instagram accounts, we were on our own. Is this how new parents should feel? I say no!

That’s my goal here at Empowered Infant Feeding! Parents should learn the entire spectrum of safe and appropriate infant feeding methods, so that you have the knowledge to pursue your priorities (not the hospital’s, your OB/midwife’s, your grandma’s, or anyone else’s) from a place of confidence, not fear, and have the ability make wise adjustments if/when necessary.

I am here to provide evidence-based, judgment-free, family-centered guidance and education to empower you to make the most holistically healthy choice for feeding your baby, and to prepare your expectations, relationships, and home for your new life as a family.

I believe that the transition into parenthood can be joyful when parents are surrounded with support that values the family’s goals and helps quiet the cultural noise coming at them from all sides.

I’m here for you, your feeding goals, and your baby!

Education & Training

I have received a first-of-its-kind Infant Feeding Educator certification through ProDoula, a nationally recognized Doula Training & Certification organization. As a C-IFE, I can help you:

  • Explore expectations to help formulate short and long term goals, and provide evidence-based information on common infant feeding topics through the first year of your baby’s life. This includes breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding, and solids.

  • Build realistic expectations for the early postpartum adjustment period.

  • Understand how newborn behaviors impact feedings.

  • Identify needs as they arise, such as feeding tools and vetted community resources.

  • Recognize the signs of healthful feeding and when you might seek out the support of a professional.

  • Know how and when goals or feeding methods may need a slight adjustment and the alternate options available when necessary.

Infant Feeding Educator

Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

I am a ProDoula Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula. In tandem with being an IFE, being a Postpartum Doula means I can:

  • Provide physical, educational, and emotional support to the newly postpartum family.

  • Talk through your birth/adoption story, and inform you of the impact your birth experience and postpartum healing may have on your feeding journey.

  • Help you plan ahead for a more peaceful transition to parenthood.

  • Equip your family to support your recovery, sleep, and feeding goals.

  • Discuss and identify your parenting style and how your feeding goals work into it.

  • Keep a watchful eye out for signs of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) and offer trustworthy referrals to trained providers.

  • Offer education on infant soothing and newborn care.

Infant Feeding Technician

I am a Certified Infant Feeding Technician, earned through Ohio State University. IFTs typically work in a NICU or other healthcare setting. Though that is not my focus, this training has equipped me with the knowledge of proper preparation and handling of expressed human milk and formula. In addition, IFTs are trained to:

  • Display a baseline knowledge of neonatal nutrition needs and can identify key differences between various types of commercial infant formulas, as well as human milk.

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately calculate and prepare infant formula and human milk feedings to meet diet order specifications and according to institution protocols.

  • Know the IFTs role in infant feeding documentation and inventory control.

  • Reduce common errors during the preparation, handling, and storage of infant formula and human milk.

I earned my BA in Sociology from Biola University in 2014, and have worked in non-profits (adoption & foster care, community outreach, and faith-based initiatives) for nine years in Monterey County. I have a deep understanding of how society, culture, and institutions affect our everyday lives, and the importance of seeking social justice for vulnerable populations.

Why would having a degree in sociology help me as an Infant Feeding Educator and Postpartum Doula? So many societal factors are at play when a family decides how they’re going to feed their baby: the presence or absence of finances, family structure and support, job benefits, adequate healthcare, and so much more. Often, the “Breast is Beast” rhetoric seems only to speak to middle-upper class, healthy, stay-at-home moms who are able to attempt exclusive breastfeeding for 6-12 months. We need to acknowledge not every parent’s reality is like this for countless reason.

How can we make decisions that honor every parent’s circumstances and empower them to feed and care for their baby in the best way for them? We can change a society one family at a time.

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Additional Education & Certifications

Infant, Child, & Adult CPR & First Aid | Red Cross

Evidence Based Infant Feeding | Lactation Education Resources

Formula Feeding | Lactation Education Resources

Formula Feeding | Doula Learning Channel

Bereavement Preparation | Doula Learning Channel