Meet Ruth Hale | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Hale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Birth to Breast wasn’t linear but something I was drawn into, like Moana to the ocean. I am a very creative person, and I have a passion for learning. Owning my business allows me to steer my continuing education, provide long consultations, and recommend protocols I have seen the best outcomes with. My business is integrated into my life, so I get to spend quality time with my family while still replying to an 11 pm message a client may send during a night feed. Lastly, owning Birth to Breast allows limitless growth in ways I can support parents in breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

What should our readers know about your business?
Birth to Breast supports families with in-home lactation consultations, virtual support, and community lactation support groups. I am most proud of the relaxed feel of my consultations and my follow-up support. During consultations parents can take their time and tell me how things are really going without judgment. Their babies can take their time to latch and nurse. The care plans I create with families are realistic for each family’s situation. When care plans don’t go as planned or families need more support, I’m available to clients by phone or secure messaging. Getting here today was not easy. It took a lot of work, but I also wouldn’t say it was hard because I believe my passion for community collaboration and self-learning helped align me to where I am. I would love the world to know my way of supporting families as a lactation consultant is shaped by also being a doula. From this background I have learned the importance of empowering parents and emotional support. This shapes every interaction I have with families. I want families to feel more empowered and confident in themselves after interacting with me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego has so many fun places and delicious places to eat! For hanging out, I love cafes and bakeries, including Hans and Harry’s in Bonita, Nonna + Zucchero in Little Italy, Sheldon’s in La Mesa, and Azucar in Ocean beach. After getting a good latte, you can explore Rohr park, and hang out in downtown La Mesa, and in Ocean Beach. For dinner, you can enjoy some Thai food at Hug Thai Express in San Diego, get some good Middle Eastern food at Nahrain Fish and Chicken Grill in La Mesa, and of course, Mexican food at Carnitas Uruapan in La Mesa. The most interesting places are the natural ones like the beaches and national parks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am lucky to have many people to recognize! From my family and friends who supported me in this journey to San Diego birth community who have elavated me through mentorship and friendship. Robin Kaplan and the San Diego Breastfeeding Center shaped my lactation counseling foundation. My doula community supported me and encouraged me as I transitioned from doula to IBCLC. Carly Marks at Mark’s Lactation support and Best Start Birth Center helped me starting my lactation support group at Best Start Birth Center.

Website: www.birthtobreast.com

Instagram: @birthtobreast

Image Credits
Rebellious Elegance by Jamilah Allen