Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC- Director of Lactation

Ileana is a seasoned international board-certified lactation consultant with a decade of experience in the field. Her journey into lactation advocacy commenced while exclusively breastfeeding her 3 children, now teenagers. Eager to deepen her impact on families, Ileana pursued a BA in Human Services, specializing in Child Development. Her dedication to supporting families led her to diverse settings such as local WIC clinics, birthing hospitals, outpatient pediatric clinics, community programs, and private practice.

Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced lactation support, Ileana took the initiative to develop a comprehensive Human Lactation curriculum. This innovative program aimed to train individuals as Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, effectively bridging gaps in lactation support. Leveraging her expertise, she later pursued a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership, equipping her with the necessary tools to design and spearhead impactful programs.

Ileana is deeply committed to advocating for and supporting human lactation, whether through direct nursing or pumping, with the overarching goal of prioritizing human milk feeding.

Maria Itani, IBCLC

Maria is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a BS in Biology. She has over eight years of experience in inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and WIC clinics across Southern California, but focusing mostly now on her private practice. Her efforts have been instrumental in helping many hospitals achieve Baby-Friendly designation across SoCal.

Maria is acutely aware of the challenges in breastfeeding support that can arise post-hospitalization. She champions the continuity of care, ensuring a seamless transition from hospital to home. Maria's primary goal is to normalize breastfeeding and empower families with their infant feeding goals, providing tailored support. Inspired by her personal journey nursing twins for two years, she is dedicated to educating and supporting parents. Beyond her professional commitments, Maria is a coffee enthusiast and enjoys the tranquility and inspiration she finds at the beach.