We are thrilled to announce that we have a new lactation consultant on staff at SDBFC!  Mahea Buckler is an RN with tons of postpartum and NICU experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our team that she has gained in her RN and IBCLC training, as well as her personal breastfeeding experiences.  Welcome to the SDBFC family, Mahea!

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii and have always been my best when I’m surrounded by nature! I moved to the “mainland” for college, and after living in Colorado for 6 years I met my future husband and moved to San Diego. As a Navy family we have been lucky to have lived in San Diego for nearly 12 years. We enjoy the beaches and the hiking that are available year-round. Before our daughter was born, I was working full time as an RN on the postpartum and NICU units. Once our son arrived, it made the most sense for our family for me to stay home with our two small kiddos.  It was during this time that my journey to become a lactation consultant began. I have always had a love of helping others, especially mothers and babies. Having the opportunity to pursue a career that allows me to fulfill that passion while also being a full-time and present parent has been a true gift!

What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?

I have always known I wanted to be a breastfeeding mother. However, I did not expect all of the overwhelming challenges that I would be faced with. I was unable to breastfeed my daughter, and although I pumped for her, there were so many emotions surrounding my feeling that I was inadequate and unable to feed my child. When my son was born I was determined to breastfeed him. Once again, we were met with unexpected challenges. Luckily, we found Robin and the SDBFC and they were able to help us work though these difficult times. Being a mother who has experienced exclusive pumping, supplementing and exclusive breastfeeding has given me a unique perspective on infant feeding and the ability to empathize with other mothers who face unique challenges. Through my experiences, my passion for helping other families with a desire to breastfeed their infants, grew. I became a lactation consultant to share my knowledge, experience and love for mothers and babies. 

What are you most excited about working with SDBFC?

I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team here at the SDBFC! I know first hand what a difference experienced lactation help can make for families, and I am passionate about providing that support for other families in the community. I am also excited to have the opportunity to create a relationship with our clients and assist them throughout their breastfeeding journeys. 

What are your top 3 tips for a brand-new breastfeeding family?

1. Allow yourself grace, there will be challenges that you face. Give yourself the space to know that you’re not always going to be perfect… and that’s OK! 
2. Ask for help! Sometimes as parents we feel deficient if we can’t accomplish every thing by ourselves. But we were meant to raise our kids in a village with people surrounding us with love and support. Find your village and support each other. You may be the one who needs help right now, but one day you will be able to provide help to another family. 
3. Everyone’s breastfeeding and parenting journey looks different. Find what works for your family!