Latching On: Advancing Breastfeeding Through Birth and Beyond

Dianne is an IBCLC, podcaster, author, lactation education manager and has been working with families since 2008. She has worked with thousands of families in all areas of their breast/chest feeding journey.  Dianne teaches using her real-life experiences and case studies, which sets her apart in the lactation field, providing a personalized and realistic experience for her audiences. Dianne’s evolution began as a clinical, patient-centered lactation consultant to a public speaker and educator, where she really shines. Her energy is contagious, and is felt by families, lactation consultants and birth workers alike. 

Dr. Maria Carmenza Cuenca Arias is a pediatrician and neonatologist with extensive experience in the care of critically ill and healthy newborns, with a strong focus on the first hours of life. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and certified birth doula, specializing in early breastfeeding support and emotional care during labor and birth. Dr. Cuenca is also a certified Hypnobirthing educator and co-founder of Familia SER, a Colombian perinatal education center, where she leads programs in respectful birth, newborn care, and family empowerment. She facilitates online parenting courses, writes a regular column for La Nación newspaper, and is currently enrolled in the EmpowerLife Prenatal Science program to further integrate human rights-based approaches to early life care. Dr. Cuenca is an active member of the Colombian Pediatric Society and a published researcher in neonatal pain and perinatal health.

Boasting a 15 year tenure as a Practicing Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Amrita has dedicated her career to advancing expertise in various realms. Her specific passions include Golden Hour Feeding, Kangaroo Care, Breastfeeding Multiples, as well as initiating, Maintaining and Establishing Milk Supply in mothers of Preterm Babies. She also excels in guiding breastfeeding journeys in unique scenarios such as Surrogacy with Induced Lactation and handling special situations like Preterm, LBW, Surgical cases, Syndromes, Cleft palates and more.

Noteworthy as a Faculty member for both the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and the National Neonatology Forum, Amrita has been an integral part of numerous breastfeeding and nutrition workshops. Her extensive training in Human Milk Banking under the guidance of Dr. Ben Hartmann at PREM Bank, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, WA has been pivotal. She played a key role in establishing the first Preterm Human Milk Bank named “Yashoda” at Sahyadri Specialty Hospital, Shastrinagar, Pune. This initiative was modeled after the successful PREM Bank in WA, showcasing Amrita’s commitment to advancing lactation care and support.