My name is Belisia Fernandez. Most people call me Bel. I breastfed both of my older children for 2 years each and I am currently breastfeeding my youngest child who is 1 year old (and counting). All 3 of my children presented individual struggles with breastfeeding such as pain, bleeding, cracked nipples, mastitis, lip/tongue ties, and latching struggles. When I was breastfeeding my middle child, I donated over 1500oz of breastmilk to a mom friend in need. Her baby was diagnosed with failure to thrive and was not gaining any weight. My breastmilk supply saved the baby’s life. This was the turning point for me to learn more about lactation as a career to help other families succeed in their breastfeeding journey.

In 2018, I became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. In 2019, I became a Certified Lactation Counselor and started working for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This helped me gain clinical experience while completing coursework for my associate degree and studying for the Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Exam. I completed both in 2021 and started the coursework for my bachelor’s degree. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in management and health administration in December 2022. I then decided to branch out to private practice. I wanted to help more people in my community with their lactation needs, especially in-home visits the first few days of postpartum which is the most critical to lactation. I reside in Palm Coast, FL with my husband, our 3 children, and our 2 fur babies. We enjoy the beach, traveling, salsa dancing, and gardening.