Today we’d like to introduce you to Lazara Briones.
Hi Lazara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a neonatal ICU nurse for the past 34 years. In my journey, I have seen the devastating impacts that breastfeeding moms who have not been empowered with the knowledge on how to care for or feed their babies can have. I have seen babies readmitted for dehydration and hyperbilirubinemia, which led to something called kernicterus, which can result in irreversible brain damage. I have seen mothers sobbing with painful, bleeding, cracked nipples. I’ve seen babies readmitted for SIDS events that were preventable. I have seen umbilical cord infections that led to overwhelming sepsis and the baby’s loss. This laid heavily on my heart, so I felt I needed to go out into the community, not just as a nurse with so many years of experience, but as a lactation consultant and an educator. I needed to try to empower moms and their partners on what to expect and how to feed and care for their little ones.
Through the years, I have added: cranial sacral therapy, infant massage, baby wearing, newborn care, infant CPR and choking, sleep and wellness coaching and even nutritional awareness and coaching for mom
I now have written a book called Beyond the Prenatal Vitamin, which touches upon nutritional needs of the postpartum mother, as well as dealing with sleep, stress, breathing, and meditation techniques, baby wearing, and more in the hopes of providing education and awareness to improve the lives of families.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been challenging trying to balance being a full-time Stanford neonatal ICU nurse with family responsibilities and then starting a business and going out into the community while juggling all these different things. I’ve also continued my education and acquired many certifications along the way:
– my IBCLC
– CFT cranial sacral fascial therapy and cranial sacral therapy
– baby wearing certification
– perinatal nutritional program
– infant massage certification as an educator through IMUSA
– becoming a CPR instructor
– Dunstan baby educator certification
– HeartMath practitioner
– myo munchie practitioner
– specializing in oral function and tongue ties
The list just goes on. When I find a challenge, then I do my research and I become educated in order to make an impact, whether that be in the neonatal ICU or in the community. I have made a significant amount of investment in obtaining the knowledge and the skills necessary to serve. The biggest challenge has been being my best self and showing up in all these different areas of my life while obtaining the skills and knowledge needed to improve the lives of the babies and the families that I have the privilege to serve. I have also created a free community on Circle app with resources and videos for all my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Transform Your Life LLC DBA Mindful Breastfeeding?
Here’s the updated version:
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I’m the sole owner and practitioner behind Mindful Breastfeeding, and what sets me apart from other lactation consultants is the depth of experience I bring to every family I work with. I’ve been a Neonatal ICU nurse for almost 34 years and an IBCLC for 6 — so when I walk into a home, I’m bringing more than three decades of hands-on newborn expertise alongside my lactation practice.
Over the years, I’ve built a truly holistic practice that goes well beyond lactation. I’m trained in craniosacral fascial therapy and craniosacral therapy, certified in babywearing, and educated in postnatal nutrition. I’m an infant massage educator through IMUSA, a CPR instructor, a Dunstan Baby educator, a HeartMath practitioner, a Myo Munchee practitioner, and a sleep and wellness consultant. Each of these tools lets me look at the whole picture — mom, baby, and family — not just one piece of it.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been privileged to be an instrument of change and empowerment in the lives of so many families. Helping a new mother find her confidence in those early, overwhelming days — that’s the heart of everything I do.
I offer telehealth, in office and in home visits. My preference is in home visits for the family’s convenience.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Heart, without question. Everything I do comes from a deep passion for impacting families during one of the most vulnerable and beautiful seasons of their lives. Skills and certifications matter — and I’ve spent almost 34 years building mine — but what makes the real difference is that I genuinely care about every mother and baby I work with. When a mom is exhausted, overwhelmed, and doubting herself at 2 a.m., she doesn’t just need a clinical expert; she needs someone who sees her, believes in her, and walks alongside her. That’s what I bring. I lead with my heart, and I think families feel that from the moment we meet. It’s why my work never feels like work — it’s a calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MindfulBreastfeeding.com
- Instagram: askLazara
