Hi! My name is Marcela Patel, Certified Lactation Consultant. I have been married for 11 years and am a mother of two children and 1 fur baby. The beginning of my journey as a mother was rocky. I had my daughter, Aaliyah, at 30 weeks gestation. She was born weighing 2lbs 9 ounces and spent 45 days in the NICU. Although I encountered countless obstacles, I know that my persistence with giving her my breast milk is what made her strong and healthy. I was able to breastfeed her for 3 years. We are very proud of the smart, strong and noble young lady she has become. I had my second child, Aahri, about 6 years later. He was born at 33 weeks gestation IN AN AMBULANCE. I know, my birth stories are wild ;-) Although he was a “premie” he was almost 6 lbs at birth and was able to come home with me without issues after 5 days. I was blessed to be able to breastfeed him for 1 year. He is now a very rambunctious, smart and loving little boy. Needless to say, I have a whole bag of breastfeeding tricks that I would love to share with you. No one has it “easy”, but when you have someone in your corner that’s been where you’re at and succeeded, the path gets brighter.