Lactation Consultants & IBCLCs Near Me in Poughkeepsie, NY

Janice Clarke (pronounced Ja-niece) she/her is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and the founder of JC Lactation Counseling, a private practice based in the Bronx, New York, dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally competent breastfeeding support. Her mission is to offer clarity and reassurance to parents navigating their lactation journeys, whether through prenatal education or postpartum consultations, both virtually and in person. Janice’s passion for lactation support stems from her own breastfeeding experience. After giving birth to her son in February 2019, she struggled with severe nipple pain and postpartum anxiety, feeling lost and unsupported by her healthcare team. It wasn’t until a WIC peer counselor identified her son’s poor latch that she found relief—an experience that highlighted the critical need for accessible, knowledgeable lactation professionals. This turning point inspired Janice to enter the field of lactation consulting. With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and a graduate background in public health, Janice pursued formal lactation training through the Center for Breastfeeding, becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor in September 2019. She gained clinical experience through mentorship with a private practice lactation consultant, hospital internship programs, and direct work with families. In 2020, she established JC Lactation Counseling in response to the racial disparities in lactation support, with the goal of increasing representation and ensuring that Black families receive the culturally competent care they deserve. Beyond her private practice, Janice is employed with Public Health Solutions NYC Breastfeeding Warmline, where she provides lactation assistance to families throughout New York City. She has also delivered the Unique Challenges of Black Breastfeeding presentation to organizations such as the New York Lactation Consultant Association, the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, the Tri-State Breastfeeding Association, and the International Childbirth Education Association. Additionally, she has led workshops at events hosted by the Office of the New York City Public Advocate. Janice is deeply committed to normalizing breastfeeding, promoting human milk as the cultural norm, and empowering marginalized communities with evidence-based information. She envisions a world where every parent has access to the support they need to reach their infant feeding goals without judgment or barriers. Outside of her professional work, Janice is an avid reader—favoring historical romantic fiction, romcoms, and fantasy—and enjoys audiobooks as a way to keep up with her love of storytelling. She has a deep appreciation for food, especially Asian noodle dishes, and dreams of a life where she can travel freely, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures. Her warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others make her a trusted advocate for breastfeeding families and a powerful voice in the lactation community.