Find a Midwife Near Me in Lynwood, CA

“I’m an IBCLC and Certified Nurse Midwife with an independent practice providing both full-scope midwifery care and comprehensive lactation services across hospital and community settings. My lactation work spans the full clinical spectrum—from establishing breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum period to managing complex feeding challenges such as low milk supply, delayed lactogenesis, post-cesarean lactation, and infants with dysregulated feeding patterns. I have extensive experience in detailed newborn oral evaluation, including identification and functional assessment of anomalies such as ankyloglossia. I integrate these findings into individualized care plans and frequently collaborate with interdisciplinary providers for frenotomy when indicated, as well as provide structured pre- and post-procedural feeding support to optimize outcomes. My approach is evidence-based, highly individualized, and focused on measurable outcomes. I prioritize effective milk transfer, protection of maternal supply, and long-term sustainability of the breastfeeding relationship. My care plans often incorporate structured supplementation strategies—including the use of supplemental nursing systems to maintain feeding at the breast—alongside selective, clinically appropriate use of galactagogues. I place strong emphasis on ongoing reassessment and adjustment to ensure interventions remain effective. I also have experience supporting higher-risk dyads, including late preterm infants, NICU graduates, and cases involving maternal endocrine or perinatal factors impacting lactation. Working across both inpatient and community environments has given me a clear understanding of care transitions and the gaps families encounter after discharge, allowing me to provide more cohesive, continuous support. My midwifery background strengthens my ability to assess the full maternal–infant dyad and identify contributing factors early, supporting more efficient and durable lactation outcomes. I’m confident practicing autonomously and value strong collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, with a consistent focus on delivering practical, clinically sound, and patient-centered lactation care.”

Hello, my name is Stephanie Avelar, and I am a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula. I provide nonjudgmental, evidence-based support to families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My practice focuses on clear communication, calm guidance, and creating a supportive environment where parents feel informed, confident, and empowered.

*Currently on maternity leave for the remainder of 2026* Birth and babies are my passions. I started the journey to becoming a birth doula shortly after having my second baby, Colton. My first and second births were completely night and day. My first baby, Caleb, was an incredibly long and strenuous labor; a total of 72 hours. With my second, however, I was only in labor for a total of 25 hours, which still is very long, but not by comparison. I owe a lot of that to my amazing birth team I had for my second birth, which included a midwife and doula support, and the education I gained throughout my pregnancy on how to prepare my body for birth. I believe in a holistic approach to birth. I don't think birth should be treated as a medical emergency until proven that it needs to be. Birth is a natural, beautiful thing, and while modern medicine absolutely has its place, I don't think it automatically belongs in every birth space. That said, I support every way to give birth, because in the end you're the only one in control. If you want an epidural, membrane sweep, Pitocin, all the drugs, I will absolutely support your decision. Or if you want to deny all cervical checks, do intermittent monitoring, and have your baby in the tub, that's great by me too! My priority as your doula would be to give you access to all the information you need to make well informed choices and give you the support you need to make your birth experience exactly what you want