Sheridan Ross
IBCLC, RLC, CLE, CMT, CIMT, Labor Doula **
There is nothing more rewarding for me than being with and supporting new families. Being a valuable part of helping with new life is an amazing type of gratification. I see women literally transform when things begin to work in the way they want and hoped. I love what I do. I love following my passion: supporting the mother, empowering her, encouraging her, validating her.
I've worked with my mentor and 20-year industry veteran, Sheila Janakos, at Healthy Horizon's Breastfeeding Center in Burlingame, where I provided counseling, education, and support to moms at every stage. I've also worked in the Family Birth Center at Mills-Peninsula Hospital, have regularly taught breastfeeding classes, and assisted with support groups. Additionally, I've worked as a labor doula, a massage therapist with a focus on prenatal massage, and am a certified infant massage instructor. I also see patients at Bay Area Fertility & Pregnancy Specialists and Pediatrics in Redwood City.
I am a member of ILCA (International Lactation Consultants Association), USLCA (United States Lactation Consultants Association), and BALA (Bay Area Lactation Association).
Approach
Breastfeeding is a unique and personal experience.
"It's natural. It should be easy. It's what I'm MEANT to do." That inner dialogue is somehow wired into every mother, so when it doesn't work out perfectly and immediately, it can be very hard to take. What you really need to understand is that there are countless mothers experiencing the same frustrations. In other words, you are not alone. Really.
It can take weeks for mom and baby to get into the groove. And that's normal. Often, getting it "right" might be just a series of tweaks or adjustments in technique. It can also be a simple reinforcement that you're doing it right or just helping you with your own technique. Of course, it's not always that easy. Breastfeeding is a wonderful and natural act, but that can also make it even more frustrating if it doesn't work right at first. It's at those times that it's especially comforting to have someone there to coach and guide you along.
Every day, we deal with issues that are common to mothers around the world, but because they often aren't talked about, it can generate profound feelings of failure and inadequacy – which are made even more severe by soaring hormones and lack of sleep.
Our pledge is to work with you through the process until you're comfortable with where you want to be. Instead of judging, we offer support, guidance, care and compassion.
** International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC)
Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
Certified Infant Massage Teacher (CIMT)