“I believe that when a mom and baby are struggling, whether it be with feeding, sleeping, colic, reflux or other issues, it is important to look at the whole picture to find the root cause of the problem. You can treat symptoms all day long, but as your baby grows, they will just develop into new symptoms. If you don’t find the root cause, you will always be chasing a new treatment.”

Suzanne began her career as a Breastfeeding Educator and founded Merry-Go-Round in Kingwood in 2003. Merry-Go-Round quickly became known as the go-to resource for new parents in the area as it provided everything from private lactation consultations to breast pump rentals to hosting a weekly breastfeeding support group. While in private practice, Suzanne provided lactation support to numerous local mothers in the North Houston area and became known for her expertise in handling complex breastfeeding issues. In 2010, she received the Family Time Woman of Achievement in Business Award, recognizing the contributions that her business had made to the community.

In 2014, Suzanne transitioned from private practice to working for The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. While working at the hospital, Suzanne not only provided lactation support to mothers in the early postpartum period, but was instrumental in helping the hospital become the first Baby-Friendly (BFHI) designated hospital in the Houston area. A hospital can only receive the BFHI designation when they implement specific practices that have been shown to support successful breastfeeding. In 2015, she was approached by Dr. James Liu at Adult and ENT & Allergy of The Woodlands to establish a lactation practice in his office to provide support for parents and the babies being seen in his office for lip and tongue ties. In her role at the practice, she wrote the infant frenectomy discharge guide, established procedures and protocols for the infant frenectomy procedure, and recruited and trained other lactation consultants for the practice. In 2016, Suzanne returned to Private Practice, this time with Tessa Gardin, IBCLC, founding Bayou City Breastfeeding to provide in-home lactation consultations to mothers in central and north Houston. Since that time, the practice has grown, and now has two office locations and has expanded to include several other IBCLCs.

Over her lactation career, Suzanne has continued to pursue additional lactation training and certifications, becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2006 and eventually an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2016. She continues to pursue advanced lactation training to further her knowledge by taking classes and attending conferences. She is a member of ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association), USLCA (United States Lactation Consultant Association), the American Laser Study Club, and IATP (International Association of Tongue tie Professionals). She also serves as co-Vice President of HALCEA (Houston Area Lactation Consultant and Educator Association).

Suzanne and her husband have been married 20 years, and together have three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, is an avid runner and enjoys working out, reading, biking, cooking and painting.

“I believe that when a mom and baby are struggling, whether it be with feeding, sleeping, colic, ... Read More

With a background in nursing from Abilene Christian University, I bring nine years of invaluable experience in the Women’s Health field, evolving from a labor and delivery nurse to an IVF nurse coordinator, and finally finding my calling as a lactation consultant after the birth of my first daughter.

My journey into lactation consulting was inspired by the incredible support I received from my own IBCLC during my breastfeeding journey. Facing numerous challenges early on, her knowledge and guidance were pivotal in helping me navigate through the hurdles. Now, I’m driven by the desire to pay it forward and assist other families in their feeding journeys with the same level of care and expertise that I received.

With a holistic approach to lactation support, I believe in the power of knowledge and support above all else. Less is more, and I strive to empower families with the confidence and skills they need to succeed without relying on unnecessary accessories or interventions.

What I find most rewarding about supporting breastfeeding families is witnessing the joy and fulfillment when they meet or exceed their original feeding goals. I tailor my support to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family. By understanding their daily life, work, cultural practices, and family dynamics, I develop personalized plans that are realistic and achievable. When mothers feel uncertain or overwhelmed about breastfeeding, I offer a compassionate ear and work collaboratively to navigate through the challenges.

With a background in nursing from Abilene Christian University, I bring nine years of invaluable ... Read More

I believe in a holistic approach to lactation support, treating root cause, looking at oral function as a whole, and working in a team approach with various other providers. I’ll be the first one to admit I don’t know it all, and I can’t do it all. But I know who to ask and who to connect my clients with to so they can get the right answers.

Helping families feel empowered and realize their goals in feeding their baby is a huge drive in doing what I do. So much pressure is felt by moms to do things a certain way. My job is to support each parent in their personal goals.

I view the role of other family members (e.g., partners, grandparents) in the breastfeeding journey as critical. Support, reassurance, and cheerleading are important. It’s the people around them that can make or break the success of a breastfeeding goal.

I tailor my support to meet the unique needs or preferences of each family by first and foremost asking why they want to achieve in their breastfeeding journey. I’m not here to judge or push my own agenda. I’m here to support what each client sees as a successful journey. And then also realizing that this can be fluid and we adapt as we need and get more information.

I believe in a holistic approach to lactation support, treating root cause, looking at oral funct... Read More

Hi! I’m Joanna Patane-Hopkins, a passionate lactation consultant, registered nurse, and life-long learner dedicated to providing meaningful care and support throughout your breastfeeding journey.

My nursing background includes working with infants and their families for the past 10 years as a pediatric and NICU nurse. My journey into lactation consulting began as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse where I was working with families and IBCLCs on a daily basis. As I witnessed IBCLCs empower parents and improve health outcomes for both babies and their families, I knew I wanted to become an IBCLC in the future. Soon after, I earned my certification as a nurse breastfeeding counselor (CBC) to better support breastfeeding families. My own complex breastfeeding journey further inspired me to begin the pathway to becoming an IBCLC.

Hi! I’m Joanna Patane-Hopkins, a passionate lactation consultant, registered nurse, and life-long... Read More

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science-Nutrition and Foods, in 2003, Kyna began her career as a Nutritionist for the Woman Infant and Children Program (WIC). During her tenure at WIC, she provided breastfeeding counseling and began teaching breastfeeding classes, and it was through this work that she discovered her desire to help babies and mothers. This ultimately led to her pursuit of the IBCLC. Kyna Patrick has proudly been an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant since 2009. After becoming an IBCLC, she began working as hospital-based IBCLC in the Austin area, with a specific focus on supporting parents and babies in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). In 2011, while working in the Austin area, she established a private practice to provide home visits to new parents.

After moving to Houston with her family in 2012, Kyna began working at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas with a team of fellow IBCLC’s. During her time there, she was a key contributor to providing the breastfeeding training to the nursing staff which was required for the hospital to attain the Baby Friendly (BFHI) designation, which recognizes health organizations that specifically encourage successful breastfeeding policies and practices. After 6 years at TWHT, Kyna transferred to the Kingwood Medical Center and is currently one of the inpatient IBCLCs providing lactation support to new parents.

In 2015 Kyna began working with Suzanne and Tessa at the office of Dr. James Liu, ENT and continues there as a team member, providing pre- and post-frenectomy support for families struggling with breastfeeding/feeding issues and oral anomalies such as tongue tie. In this venue, she has gained extensive knowledge of how to support families through the frenectomy process.

Kyna joined the Bayou City Breastfeeding team in 2019 where she provides in-home lactation consultations for new families in Northwest Houston, Cypress, Katy and surrounding communities.. Like the other IBCLCs in the practice, Kyna continues to pursue advanced training in lactation to provide the best support possible for families dealing with complex lactation and infant feeding issues.

She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) and the Houston Area Lactation Consultants and Educators (HALCEA) group.

Kyna is a dedicated Christian and is active in her church. When not working, she spends time with her husband, stepson, young daughter, infant son, and Max (the doggie), Mel and Cloud (the cats).

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science-Nutrition and Foods, in... Read More

I believe that when mothers receive the right type of support and are empowered as the expert on their baby, the whole family benefits. I aim to help each mother meet her own unique feeding goals by offering support and expertise throughout the journey.

I believe that when mothers receive the right type of support and are empowered as the expert on ... Read More

With a holistic approach to lactation support, I believe in addressing the needs of the whole person. I find immense reward in helping families feel empowered and confident in their feeding choices, knowing that they have the knowledge and support to nurture their little ones.

Outside of my professional role, I cherish spending time with my family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and embarking on adventures. One of my biggest passions is learning sign language for my two deaf children and to support the broader D/deaf community, from pregnancy to lactation. My current skill level is conversational sign but am working on fluency and medical terminology.

When it comes to supporting breastfeeding families, I recognize the importance of involving other family members, such as partners and grandparents, in the journey. Their support is invaluable in bolstering parents’ confidence and empowerment.

With a holistic approach to lactation support, I believe in addressing the needs of the whole per... Read More

I am an IBCLC, birth and postpartum doula, and Certified Childbirth Educator. I have specific training in Low Milk Supply and Reflex-based Oral Function. I’m also proud to hold certifications as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and Certified Childbirth Educator.

What drives me in this work is the opportunity to meet families where they are, to share in their challenges and victories. Beyond the cute babies (though they’re a definite bonus!), it’s those “me too” moments, those shared experiences, that fuel my passion.

In my practice, I take a “wholistic” approach, ensuring that both the breastfeeding person and baby receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. I firmly believe in instilling confidence in mothers, providing practical support, and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive.

When a mother feels uncertain or overwhelmed, I strive to validate her feelings and break down the care plan into manageable steps. It’s all about empowering resilience and offering support that meets families where they are.

I am an IBCLC, birth and postpartum doula, and Certified Childbirth Educator. I have specific tra... Read More

Nicole has always had a passion for caring for others, so after completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2004, she decided to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated in 2007 from Delmar Collage in Corpus Christi with an associate degree in Nursing. After graduation, she worked in various nursing capacities before realizing her passion for working with new and expectant mothers while working in Labor and Delivery.

In 2011, Nicole began working at Hermann Memorial Southeast on the newborn nursery team and postpartum. It was while working at Hermann Memorial Southeast that she decided to pursue a career in Lactation. She initially became a Certified Lactation Counselor, and transitioned into the Lactation and Education Department in 2014. While in the Lactation Department, Nicole provided bedside lactation support to new mothers. She worked on various teams to improve the care given to new mothers and babies, including instituting skin-to-skin after deliveries, newborn bedside transitioning to keep babies with their parents instead of the nursery, and teaching nursing staff basic breastfeeding support skills. She received the Good Samaritan Bronze Award in both 2014 and 2016 for her work in the Lactation department. She successfully completed the boards to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2015. She also completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) in 2015 from the University of Texas Arlington.

In 2017, Nicole joined Suzanne, Tessa and Kyna working at the office of Dr. James, Liu, ENT who specializes in diagnosing and treating oral restrictions. In her role at the office, she provided pre and post-frenotomy support for families dealing with feeding problems caused by lip and tongue-ties. Shortly after joining the team at Dr. Liu’s office, Nicole established her own private practice and began providing in-home lactation support to the southeast Houston area. In 2019, Nicole joined her private practice with Bayou City Breastfeeding, LLC where she continues to provide support for mothers in south and central Houston. She is a board member of the Houston Area Lactation Consultants and Educators (HALCEA) group Nicole currently lives in Houston, Texas with her two daughters and husband. She is active in her community and enjoys Pilates classes.

Nicole has always had a passion for caring for others, so after completing her bachelor’s degree ... Read More

“I have a true passion for helping moms breastfeed their babies, I can’t believe I get to do what I love for a living. I am truly blessed.”

Tessa has been helping parents and babies with breastfeeding since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Maternal and Child Health and Human Lactation and became an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2010. She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) and the Houston Area Lactation Consultants and Educators (HALCEA) group.

She began her career in Lactation as a hospital-based lactation consultant at the largest delivering hospital in Houston (The Woman’s Hospital of Texas). Along with providing personal direction for parents, during that time she was also integral in establishing the first Baby Friendly (BFHI) hospital in Houston, Texas. In 2015, Tessa also began working in the lactation clinic in the office of Dr. James Liu, ENT, a well-known pediatric Ear Nose and Throat physician that performs frenotomies on babies diagnosed with tongue tie. This provided her with extensive experience assessing lip and tongue ties and assisting these patients with managing and recovering from the frenectomy procedure. Her family life directly led to her interests in cases and conditions connected to tongue tied babies as both her daughters were born in need of intervention.

In 2016, Tessa, along with Suzanne Juel, established Bayou City Breastfeeding to provide advanced in-home lactation support for patients in the Houston area. Since that time, the practice has grown, and now has two office locations and has expanded to include several other IBCLCs.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four wonderful children, cooking, taking road trips and crafting. In addition to family time, she is active in her church and enjoys catching up with longtime friends, running outdoors and improving her yoga practice.

“I have a true passion for helping moms breastfeed their babies, I can’t believe I get to do what... Read More

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As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC), I’ve dedicated my career to supporting new parents and their little ones.

I firmly believe that our bodies and beings are interconnected. When working with families, I consider both mother and baby as part of a system. It’s essential to address complications on both sides. But my philosophy extends beyond medical care.

I create realistic, sustainable plans that preserve positive relationships around feedings. Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition; it’s a beautiful dance between two souls. I encourage laid-back breastfeeding, allowing families to feed without cumbersome nursing pillows. Babies can use their reflexes to their advantage, making feeding a more natural experience.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Registered Lactation Consult... Read More

Driven by a resolute commitment to help fellow moms realize their unique breastfeeding aspirations, Tiphany understands that every family’s journey is distinct. She brings to the table a blend of empathy, wisdom, and deep compassion—qualities that light the path for mothers as they navigate the labyrinth of challenges and joys that come with nurturing their little ones.

Driven by a resolute commitment to help fellow moms realize their unique breastfeeding aspiration... Read More

I’m Jennifer, a passionate Maternal-Child Health advocate with over two decades as a Registered Nurse and Community Health Educator. My journey began in New Orleans where I graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center’s School of Nursing. My love for Maternal-Child Health truly blossomed after witnessing a Midwife-assisted delivery while in nursing school.

From an RN at The Birthing Place at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, to volunteering post-Hurricane Katrina, and moving to Houston pregnant with my twins, my passion for supporting moms intensified during my tenure at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas.

I soon realized teaching was my calling. 🍎 As a Certified Childbirth Educator, teaching an array of topics from Infant CPR to Marvelous Multiples, I specialize in empowering parents. And my own NICU journey with my preterm twins fueled my commitment to lactation support. In 2014, I became a Certified Lactation Counselor, and soon after, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Contributing to The Woman’s Hospital of Texas becoming the first Baby-Friendly Hospital in Houston is a badge of honor for me. My heart is with the fierce moms and their tiny NICU warriors.

I’m Jennifer, a passionate Maternal-Child Health advocate with over two decades as a Registered N... Read More

I’m deeply passionate about supporting families as they navigate feeding their babies. Regardless of what you are going through, I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. This is your journey, and my role is to walk alongside you—offering evidence-based guidance, personalized care, and a whole lot of compassion (with a little humor when it’s needed).

My specialties include latching difficulties, painful nursing, oral restrictions, slow weight gain, milk supply concerns, bottle refusal, and weaning. I also provide guidance for pumping, supplementing, and creating feeding plans that honor each family’s values and lifestyle. I believe strongly in collaborative care—working closely with other professionals such as ENTs, pediatric dentists, SLPs, OTs, and mental health providers to ensure families feel fully supported.

As a “crunchy mama,” I naturally lean into holistic approaches, but I also respect and value western medicine when it’s needed. Every family is different, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you feel empowered, encouraged, and never alone.

I’m deeply passionate about supporting families as they navigate feeding their babies. Regardless... Read More

As an IBCLC I am able to pass on my knowledge to assist moms be successful in providing breast milk to their little ones. Whether it be reassuring a mom a job well done or digging in to get down to the root of the problem, it brings me joy in being able to be a part of their beautiful journey.

As an IBCLC I am able to pass on my knowledge to assist moms be successful in providing breast mi... Read More

With years of hands-on experience in labor and delivery, coupled with my specialized training as an IBCLC, I bring a unique blend of medical expertise and compassionate care to every interaction. I understand the physical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding, and I am committed to providing personalized guidance tailored to each mother’s individual needs.

With years of hands-on experience in labor and delivery, coupled with my specialized training as ... Read More

Brittaney brings over five years of experience as an IBCLC, backed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Howard University and a rich clinical background in NICU and postpartum care. Her passion for lactation support was born from her own challenging breastfeeding journey with her daughter—and it’s shaped her into a compassionate, empowering voice for the families she serves today.

Brittaney brings over five years of experience as an IBCLC, backed by a Bachelor of Science in Nu... Read More

With a background in both nursing and lactation support, I blend the best of both worlds in my practice. I have a holistic approach, preferring conservative options and homeopathic remedies while valuing the importance of Western medicine when needed.

What drives me most in my work is witnessing the triumphs of breastfeeding families. From setting goals to achieving milestones, I find immense joy in helping mothers bond with their babies through breastfeeding.

Every family is unique, and I tailor my support accordingly. By discussing specific goals and concerns, I create individualized plans to meet their needs. And when uncertainty or overwhelm arises, I offer validation, simplification, and a focus on small victories.

With a background in both nursing and lactation support, I blend the best of both worlds in my pr... Read More