The Booby Bunch
Lactation Loop is a collective of board-certified IBCLCs — International Board Certified Lactation Consultants — united by a shared commitment to evidence-based, compassionate breastfeeding support. We work across six states, meet weekly as a team to stay current on the latest research, and genuinely love what we do.
Every IBCLC on our team has passed a rigorous board examination and brings deep clinical experience to each visit. Many of our IBCLCs completed their certification pathway through Lactation Loop's own mentorship program — which means this team was built from the inside out, on a foundation of collaboration and trust.
Whether you need support in the hospital, at home, in one of our offices, or virtually — we have someone on our team who can help.
Jennifer Chivas RN, BSN, IBCLC “the Booby Boss”
Jen grew up in Michigan and began her nursing career in 1998 after graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1997. She spent 15 years as a labor and delivery nurse in Metro Detroit — nearly a decade and a half at the bedside with mothers and babies — before earning her IBCLC certification.
In 2012, she joined an outpatient breastfeeding medicine clinic, where she built the deep clinical foundation that would shape everything that followed. It was here — working through complex cases, low milk supply, exclusive pumping, tongue tie, and the full spectrum of breastfeeding challenges — that Jen developed the evidence-based, hands-on approach she brings to every family today.
In 2016, she purchased a home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, made the full move in 2017, and launched Lactation Loop in 2018 as a private breastfeeding support practice. In Florida, she also worked part-time at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, supporting some of the most complex breastfeeding and NICU cases in the region.
What started as a solo practice has grown into a six-state collective of board-certified IBCLCs — built entirely through mentorship. Jen personally guides lactation professionals through the IBCLC certification pathway, and many of the IBCLCs you see on this page earned their credential through the Lactation Loop mentorship program.
Today, Jen sees families virtually, in-home, and in-office, using evidence-based care to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals — wherever they are.
🏖️ Florida Team
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Lauren Clippard RN, IBCLC
Born and raised in Sarasota, FL, I began my nursing career in 2002 at Manatee Memorial Hospital as a Mother/Baby nurse. After facing my own breastfeeding challenges, I wanted to support other women. In 2011, I became an IBCLC and joined M.O.M.M.'s Place at MMH, working as an inpatient IBCLC and outpatient childbirth educator. Since 2021, I’ve been with the Loop, helping moms in outpatient care. I have a husband and three children. I assist with all breastfeeding needs, especially dietary and allergy concerns. It’s an honor to support women during this special time as they learn to breastfeed.
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Erin Lee RN, BSN, IBCLC
I hold bachelor's degrees in biology and nursing from The Sage Colleges in Troy, NY, and have seven years of nursing experience in pediatric intensive care, including transplant care. Before my first child was born, I worked in a pediatrician’s office, where an IBCLC helped me overcome common breastfeeding challenges. Breastfeeding my daughter for over a year became my proudest achievement. Inspired by this, I became an IBCLC in 2013. After working in private practice and having two more children, I chose to focus on my family. I’m excited to join Jennifer and her team to support breastfeeding families. Recently, I completed a master class on infant oral function and tethered tissues and now specialize in infant oral rehabilitation. I live in Northwest Bradenton with my husband and three busy children. In my free time, I teach fitness classes, support youth sports, and travel in our RV.
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Krista Baggett IBCLC
I’m from Sarasota, Florida, wife and mother of four. I worked 20 years in modeling, theater, and dance, plus 10 years in medical offices. I love children, became a stepmother, then had my own. I chose natural childbirth and long-term breastfeeding but faced challenges like engorgement and colic. After overcoming them, I became a certified lactation counselor in 2018.
During pregnancy, my father’s stage 4 liver cancer led me to increase my breast milk supply, pumping for him post-birth, which aided his treatment and extended his life. After he passed, I committed to helping others. A year later, I joined Lactation Loop and earned my IBCLC certification in his memory. I now work with a top Sarasota OBGYN and The Healthy Start Coalition to support mothers and babies in breastfeeding.
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Allison Heilman BSP, IBCLC
For 10 years, I have grown passionate about helping people breastfeed successfully. I am a wife and mother of 3 wonderful children. I have worked with kids for over 15 years as a nanny. My love for breastfeeding started with my own kids, each experience was different. I breastfed through challenges like tethered tissues, postpartum depression, and food sensitivities. After nursing my last child, I chose to become a certified IBCLC. With my degree in Psychology, I aim to support both the practical and emotional sides of breastfeeding for you and your partner. I faced many difficulties with my youngest and wished I had support. Now, I want to be the person who helps mothers breastfeed confidently for longer.
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Maria Grey IBCLC
I’m from Hernando County, Florida, married 16 years with three children. After my first daughter’s NICU stay, I found my passion for breastfeeding support, valuing help from lactation consultants. I’ve volunteered as a lactation peer counselor for 12+ years, became a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2019, and earned IBCLC certification in 2022, honoring my oldest daughter who passed in 2019.
I have experience with exclusive pumping, extended breastfeeding, tongue/lip ties, oversupply, food sensitivities, and breastfeeding after trauma. I create a safe space for parents to ask questions and get support. I helped start Hernando’s Breast Friends, an online group for Spring Hill, Brooksville, and Weeki Wachee.
I believe in a whole-person, team-based approach to help families meet breastfeeding goals through evidence-based care, clear guidance, and problem-solving. I’m proud to support families on their breastfeeding journey.
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Amanda Bartles BA-PSYC, IBCLC
I’m a mom of 4 (3 under 5). I have a background in psychology, & my passion for perinatal mental health naturally bridged into feeding- recognizing that how we feed our babies shapes our emotional wellbeing, self-trust, & family connection. I watched my own mother tandem feed twins while battling PPD, which showed me how deeply feeding shapes our postpartum experience. Today, I help families with all things breast & feeding while honoring the emotional & mental shifts that weave through feeding & early parenthood.
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Beth McHoul IBCLC, retired midwife
I have always been dedicated to helping mothers and babies. I began in child development and later became a CPM midwife while working in Haiti for 28 years. I saw how vital breastfeeding is for babies. After moving back to the US, I became an IBCLC and now support families in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. I am passionate about helping moms and babies with feeding, no matter their choice. I’ve been married for 49 years, have two grown children, and six grandchildren. I have a lot of experience with families from many backgrounds. I love supporting women and babies during the postpartum time and beyond.
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Linda Caiger RN, BSN, IBCLC, CCE, Midwife
I lived 47 years in the US Virgin Islands before moving to St. Petersburg. A home birth 45 years ago inspired my 35-year midwifery career. I also spent a year as a labor and delivery nurse in Los Angeles. Thirty years ago, I became a Certified Childbirth Educator and taught childbirth and breastfeeding. After retiring from midwifery, I focused on postpartum support. In 2009, I became a certified lactation consultant, working privately and in a pediatric office before moving inland. For six years, I’ve been on the Lactation Team at Bayfront Baby Place and now join Lactation Loop to support new moms in St. Petersburg. I teach classes and lead the Mom-Baby group. I breastfed my son for a year; his children were breastfed nearly two years. Helping moms and babies with feeding is my favorite part.
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Antonina Proshak BS, IBCLC
I began my passion for maternal and infant health studying Health Science in college, learning breastfeeding benefits. With 10+ years in lactation support, I live in Venice, Florida, with my husband and four kids. Since 2018 as a lactation consultant, after five years as an assistant and counselor at WIC, I bring both professional and personal experience. My struggles with oversupply, undersupply, mastitis, sensitivities, hormone issues, and tongue/lip ties shape my compassionate, personalized support. Every breastfeeding journey is unique—I’m here to help you with evidence-based care and understanding.
🚗 Michigan Team
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Heather Carnaghi RN, IBCLC, HNB BC
Heather was a labor and delivery nurse before becoming a lactation consultant six years ago. She started working in hospitals, helping families with feeding during and after birth, including in the NICU. She has three children, each with different breastfeeding challenges like low milk supply and lack of support. Through learning and personal growth, she improved her nursing experience with each child. Outside work, Heather enjoys mountain biking, camping, and hiking. She believes breastfeeding is more than feeding—it's about discovering inner strength and creating a lifelong bond with your baby.
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Lisa Levy RN, BSN, IBCLC
LIsa has been clinically supporting women and babies for over 30 years. Originally starting her career in Labor & Delivery for over 20 years she then pivoted into the lactation space. Here she has supported postpartum mothers inpatient and outpatient since 2014.
Lisa is married with three children of her own and comes to the lactation space with loving patient arms.
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Samantha Fey IBCLC
I’m Sam, an internationally board certified lactation consultant and trained postpartum and birth doula. I began as a nanny, discovered my passion for breastfeeding after my first child, and became a lactation consultant in 2022. I know the challenges and joys of feeding and offer compassionate, personalized support. I live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with my husband, three kids, a corgi, and a cat. I love coffee, romantasy books, musicals, and pole dancing. I’m excited to support you and your family on your feeding journey with Lactation Loop.
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Natalie Cochenour RN, IBCLC
Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, my passion for breastfeeding support began after struggling with my first child. I understand the need for care during early days and beyond. In 2012, I started as a postpartum nurse, deepening my passion. Certified as an IBCLC in 2016, I support breastfeeding families both inpatient and outpatient, addressing clinical and emotional postpartum challenges. Outside work, I spend time with my husband and three children on our small family farm, enjoying homesteading and country life. We also proudly support my husband’s military service.
🏈 Texas Team
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Rachel Bennett MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
I’m Rachel, an IBCLC certified in 2024 through Lactation Loop. With a background as a Speech Language Pathologist and personal breastfeeding experience spanning over six years, I support and prepare parents. I’ve managed challenges like tongue and lip tie corrections, pumping at work, tandem nursing, pregnancy breastfeeding, nursing an adopted child, extended breastfeeding, natural weaning, milk donation, and advocating for breastfeeding rights. I have four breastfed children (ages 6, 4, 3, and 7 months) and live in North Texas with my husband Aaron. I aim to empower parents with confidence and support throughout their feeding journeys.
🗽 New York Team
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René Fisher BA, IBCLC RLC
I’ve supported breastfeeding for over 30 years, inspired by my own journey and desire to help families. After struggling as a new mom, a La Leche League leader helped me breastfeed three children, leading me to become a leader in 1992. In 1998, I became an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, turning volunteer work into a career.
Originally from New York, I now live in Orange County with my husband, three children, and two grandchildren. I founded a hospital lactation department with a pump rental, later joining Ameda to focus on education and health care. I led the department, launched a NICU Skin-to-Skin project, managed staff, created policies, trained interns, wrote materials, presented at conferences, co-founded the Mid-Hudson Lactation Consortium, and promoted lactation education.
🌲 North Carolina Team
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Macey Gerolemon BS, IBCLC
My passion for healthcare grew from personal injuries and numerous doctor visits, which only improved when I found a practitioner who treated me holistically. This inspired me to pursue holistic healthcare. I earned a BS in human biology and a nutrition minor at NC State, conducting nutrition research and helping start a chapter for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. My lactation interest began through maternal and infant nutrition courses at NC State. To deepen my skills, I worked with The Lactation Loop in Florida, mentored by IBCLCs. Now back in North Carolina, I support breastfeeding families and mother my own child, aiming to provide research-based, family-centered care in the greater Triangle area.
🏀 Indiana Team
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Jessica Phegley MS, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Passionate about health, I hold degrees in Psychology, Health Promotion (women & children), and Nursing. Certified Lactation Specialist since 2015, pursuing IBCLC. Experienced postpartum nurse supporting breastfeeding moms. Married 11 years to Josh, with two children (6 and 8) who breastfed well. After many moves, we’re now settled in Indiana. I enjoy house projects, gardening, outdoor activities, and have certifications in Functional Nutrition and Personal Training. My goal: empower families for the best lactation experience.