Breastfeeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy. That's where I come in!
Hi! I'm Rachel. I am a former teacher turned IBCLC, a mom of four really wonderful children, wife to a mailman, and I love solving breastfeeding problems!
How did this all begin for me?
I have almost always worked in positions where I am able to serve others. I was a life-guard, a basketball coach, a childcare provider, and for many years I worked as a foreign language teacher to some really incredible students. I have always thrived working with and supporting people from all backgrounds, and my career change to become an IBCLC has been a natural progression of my passion for excellent and engaging education and support.
I always knew that I wanted to breastfeed when I had children. What I didn't know is just how much the fragility and preciousness surrounding new life would change my world. Babies and families are such a gift. New life is a gift. Being able to feed your baby the way you want to can be a very delicate but very rewarding road. Just the same, when you struggle with feeding your baby, it can feel very lonely. It can feel like your body isn't working they way it should. It can bring about all kinds of emotions that hurt and linger. And I want to help change that.
So in 2013, I completed my first certificate in the field of lactation and became a Certified Lactation Educator. While I was a CLE, I taught countless prenatal breastfeeding classes and offered basic support to families who needed it. It was clear very quickly that families in my area needed more complete care when it comes to infant feeding, so I took the next step. I attended trainings and workshops on everything from low supply to oversupply, breastfeeding through allergies, oral function and rehabilitation, and so much more. I spoke with countless healthcare providers and created a wonderful team of resources that could help the families who choose me to support them. And I happily keep going with it all because I LOVE helping mothers feed their babies!
So yes, I've got you covered when it comes to ties and allergies. I'll help you navigate oversupply and low supply and IGT. I'll make you the most fabulous pumping routine with some super comfortable flanges. I'll help you night wean and fully wean. But the absolute best part of my job is really listening to you, understanding just how you want to feed your baby, walking you through everything you need to know, and making a plan that keeps your baby healthy and growing and keeps you 100% informed and supported.
How did this all begin for me?
I have almost always worked in positions where I am able to serve others. I was a life-guard, a basketball coach, a childcare provider, and for many years I worked as a foreign language teacher to some really incredible students. I have always thrived working with and supporting people from all backgrounds, and my career change to become an IBCLC has been a natural progression of my passion for excellent and engaging education and support.
I always knew that I wanted to breastfeed when I had children. What I didn't know is just how much the fragility and preciousness surrounding new life would change my world. Babies and families are such a gift. New life is a gift. Being able to feed your baby the way you want to can be a very delicate but very rewarding road. Just the same, when you struggle with feeding your baby, it can feel very lonely. It can feel like your body isn't working they way it should. It can bring about all kinds of emotions that hurt and linger. And I want to help change that.
So in 2013, I completed my first certificate in the field of lactation and became a Certified Lactation Educator. While I was a CLE, I taught countless prenatal breastfeeding classes and offered basic support to families who needed it. It was clear very quickly that families in my area needed more complete care when it comes to infant feeding, so I took the next step. I attended trainings and workshops on everything from low supply to oversupply, breastfeeding through allergies, oral function and rehabilitation, and so much more. I spoke with countless healthcare providers and created a wonderful team of resources that could help the families who choose me to support them. And I happily keep going with it all because I LOVE helping mothers feed their babies!
So yes, I've got you covered when it comes to ties and allergies. I'll help you navigate oversupply and low supply and IGT. I'll make you the most fabulous pumping routine with some super comfortable flanges. I'll help you night wean and fully wean. But the absolute best part of my job is really listening to you, understanding just how you want to feed your baby, walking you through everything you need to know, and making a plan that keeps your baby healthy and growing and keeps you 100% informed and supported.
Rachel Martinez is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and serves clients in Southeast Tennessee. This includes Athens, Benton, Calhoun, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Dayton, Englewood, Etowah, Knoxville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Niota, Oak Ridge, Ooltewah, Riceville, Soddy Daisy, and Sweetwater, Tennessee.
Additionally, we proudly serve families in all or parts of the greater Chattanooga and Knoxville areas including Blount, Bradley, Hamilton, Knox, Loudon, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Roane Counties, Tennessee.
This site is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical concern, please contact your Primary Care Provider, Pediatrician, or an IBCLC.
Additionally, we proudly serve families in all or parts of the greater Chattanooga and Knoxville areas including Blount, Bradley, Hamilton, Knox, Loudon, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Roane Counties, Tennessee.
This site is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical concern, please contact your Primary Care Provider, Pediatrician, or an IBCLC.