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Our Team.
Kelsey Smith
Founder and Owner | RN, BSN, IBCLC
My name is Kelsey Smith. I am a wife, mother, RN, Lactation Educator and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
In 2015, my daughter was born and so was my passion for the world of lactation. With both children, breastfeeding didn't come easily. Each new child brought new challenges that with hard work and perseverance, we ultimately overcame. I saw this world that could be so beautiful and so incredibly frustrating all at the same time and knew I wanted to be a part of it. My experience and challenges led me to want to help others entering the world of breastfeeding. As a registered nurse, I've seen firsthand the lack of support offered to mothers during the postpartum period and knew I wanted to be part of that change. This led me to begin my journey to become a Lactation Consultant.
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Jeanette DeMeis
BA, IBCLC
My name is Jeanette DeMeis. I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Lactation Educator through UCSD’s Pathway II Program. Prior to becoming a Lactation Consultant, I earned a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley and worked in education as a teacher and administrator.
I discovered my life’s calling in my mid-thirties after enduring both heartbreaking and beautiful feeding journeys. My path to parenthood began with infertility struggles and an early miscarriage. In December 2017, my daughter was born at 25 weeks weighing only 1 lb. 10 oz. I exclusively pumped during her months long NICU stay, enduring many challenges prior to latching her for the first time. My feeding journey with my daughter caused the deepest despair, but also made me stronger and more determined than ever.
A few days after my daughter’s first birthday, I discovered that I was pregnant with twins. It was totally unexpected! Following a rocky beginning, we managed to exclusively breastfeed well into their toddler years.
After spending countless hours mentoring other families through La Leche League, I knew I had found my calling. I recognize how many barriers stand in the way of reaching feeding goals. I experienced, firsthand, the difference a compassionate and knowledgeable IBCLC can make.
It is an honor to come alongside your family to provide individualized care and work towards an optimum feeding outcome for your unique situation and goals.
Christina Benefiel
RN, BSN, IBCLC
Hi, I'm Christina Benefiel, a pediatric registered nurse, certified lactation counselor (CLC), and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
When I first became a mother and began breastfeeding, I was shocked by how hard it was and how alone I felt. I faced unexpected challenges: lots of questions, very few answers, and the misconception that struggle was just part of the process. As a nurse, I didn’t realize that lactation support existed beyond the hospital. With my first child, I navigated feeding with very little help.
Everything changed with my second baby, when I reached out for support from Kelsey at Love at First Latch. Her guidance and compassion transformed my experience. For the first time, I felt truly supported, heard, and equipped, and it sparked something in me. That experience inspired me to pursue advanced training in lactation so I could offer that same level of care to others.
Today, I have the privilege of working alongside the very person who helped me, supporting families with in-home, office, and virtual consultations. Whether you're preparing for your first baby or navigating a complex feeding challenge, I’m here to walk with you through every step, offering evidence-based care grounded in empathy.
You don’t have to do this alone. Support is here, and it makes all the difference.
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