Reproductive Justice Advocate

Pole Dance and Sensual Movement Medicine

Baby Mama with personal experience overcoming challenges with breastfeeding and postpartum healing.

Empowered Mindset Coach

Hello, My name is Christina Lares MPH, MA, Doula, CLES, CLC

Education

Certified Lactation Consultant & Lactation Education Specialist- BreastfeedLA - 2023

Advanced Abortion Doula Training - Birthworkers of Color Collective - 2022

Full Spectrum Doula Training - Birthworkers of Color Collective - 2020

MPH in Health Promotion and MA in Latin American Studies - San Diego State University - 2015 Research Focus: Understanding Teenage Pregnancy Experience Among Ventura County Latinas.

BS in Health Science emphasis in Public Health - San Diego State University - 2008

Specialties

Empowered Birth Mindset, Confidence, Body Acceptance, Positive Birth, Pleasure Justice, Abortion Support

Dance and Sensual Movement Expert with over 13 years of experience in pole dance, flexibility, and aerial arts.

Reproductive Justice Advocate with over 20 years of experience advancing bodily autonomy, human rights, pleasure justice, and healthy, sustainable communities.

Passionate about Supporting Young Parents, LGBTQIA+ families, Breastfeeding-Friendly policies and support, Sex Worker Rights, Accessibility, and Disability Justice

Benefits of Working with a Doula

A doula is trained to provide physical, emotional, and advocacy support to you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Full-spectrum doulas provide support throughout all pregnancy outcomes.

For instance, a doula might offer:

• Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing

• Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement

• Information about what's happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures

• Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff

• Guidance and support for loved ones

• Assistance with breastfeeding, lactation, and infant feeding.

Often, however, a doula's most important role is to provide continuous support during labor and delivery. Studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth is associated with:

• A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor

• A decreased incidence of C-sections

• A decrease in the length of labor

• A decrease in negative childbirth experiences

(Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022)

I love working with individuals, mothers, and birthing people who are seeking an informed, holistic, and empowered experience. Folks who are ready to trust their bodies and the knowledge and wisdom within.

Affiliations

Member of Birthworkers of Color Collective

Approved Doula Provider with MediCal Doula Program

Consultant with San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition

Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, I am here to affirm, advocate, and support you and your goals.

Testimonials from Past Clients

Certified Lactation Educator

Full Spectrum Doula

Fertility, Abortion, Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum and Beyond

Trauma-Informed, Intersectional Lens

In training to complete IBCLC

Let's Connect

Fill out the form below with your details and I will get back to you as soon as possible to set up a free consultation call. Please note, I only take a few clients per year. Availability may be limited.