My name is Aarani Montanari and I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a passion for helping mamas, babies and families on their feeding journeys and the transition to new parenthood. My passion for helping moms began when I experienced my own difficult transition to motherhood in 2021. I struggled with breastfeeding my son and subsequently struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression. Finding an amazing IBCLC to help me reach my breastfeeding goals as well as finding a support system of new moms saved me and helped me discover the joy in motherhood. It is this experience that inspired me to become an IBCLC - I know how much of a difference it can make to have support in this vulnerable transition time to motherhood and I want you to know I am here for you every step of the way. I cannot wait to meet you and your sweet little one!
Master of Science, University of California Irvine (2017)
Bachelor of Science, University of California San Diego (2013)
Lactation Consultant Pathway 2, University of California San Diego (2024)
English
I provide lactation and feeding support prenatally and postpartum. Prenatal Visits: We will go through all the info to get yourself feeling ready to take on breastfeeding. These visits can be done as a home visit (60min) or telehealth visit (45min). Postpartum Visits: I can help with early lactation, supply, mastitis, latch, positioning, pumping, bottle feeding, return to work, and weaning. These visits can be done as a home visit (60-75min) or telehealth visit (45min).
I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Aarani. From our very first meeting, she made me feel heard, supported, and empowered. Breastfeeding didnt come easily at first, but her knowledge, patience, and encouragement made all the difference. Aarani took the time to understand my concerns, provided practical tips tailored to my situation, and followed up to make sure things were improving. Thanks to her, I feel more confident and comfortable feeding my baby. I am so grateful for her support during such a vulnerable and important time. Highly recommend to any mom needing guidance. She is awesome!!
- Danielle O.
I reached out to Aarani during a really low point. Breastfeeding wasn’t going the way I hoped, and I was deep in postpartum depression—tired, emotional, and constantly second-guessing myself. I felt so overwhelmed. Aarani walked in and immediately made me feel calmer and safe. She wasn’t just focused on the feeding issues—though she absolutely helped with that—she also made space for everything else I was feeling. She didn’t rush, didn’t make me feel like I had to be doing better, and didn’t gloss over the hard stuff. She gave me permission to be where I was, and tools to move forward without shame or pressure. I’ll always be thankful for her presence during that time. It made a lasting difference in both my breastfeeding journey and my early days as a mom. I’d recommend her in a heartbeat to any new parent who needs support!
- Antonia P.
I cannot recommend Aarani enough! From the moment we connected, she made me feel supported, heard, and completely at ease during a time that was overwhelming and emotional. Breastfeeding didn’t come naturally for me, and I was feeling discouraged and in pain—but Aarani brought clarity, kindness, and so much knowledge. She took the time to observe, explain, and gently guide both me and my baby until things clicked. She answered every question with patience, never made me feel rushed, and truly tailored her advice to what worked for us. Her encouragement gave me the confidence I didn’t know I needed. Thanks to her help, we’re now breastfeeding comfortably and with joy! I am so grateful for her care—it made a world of difference. If you’re struggling at all or just want a supportive expert in your corner, Aarani is absolutely the one to call. 💛
- Risa M.
Aarani came to us when my second baby was 8 weeks old. I had just gone back to work and was in the thick of trying to pump and breastfeed while caring for the baby and my toddler, and I was feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and not sure if it would ever get better. From the moment she walked in, Aarani brought a calm, reassuring presence that instantly made me feel supported and heard. She took the time to really listen to me, observe a feeding, and gently guide me with hands-on help, clear explanations, and without judgment. She was incredibly knowledgeable but also deeply empathetic—something I didn’t realize I needed so much at the time. Thanks to her expertise and encouragement, we were able to build a sustainable feeding plan that worked for us. But even more than that, she gave me confidence in myself as a second-time mom and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I can’t recommend Aarani highly enough. If you're in a tough spot on your feeding journey or just need some compassionate support, she is the one you want by your side.
- Natalie H.
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