Hi I'm Sioeane, a Certified Lactation Councillor (CLC) and the founder of Makana Lactation Consulting. I help families get calm, realistic feeding support from the comfort of home, so you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself at 2 a.m.

I’m the wife of an active duty Military member, a mom and a veteran, so I know firsthand what it’s like to build a family while life is being anything but calm or predictable. When I had my first baby, I wanted to breastfeed, but it was harder than anyone warned me it might be. At the hospital I was told I’d be meeting with a lactation consultant before heading home, however that never ended up happening and I was sent home to figure it out on my own without any kind of support or the information I needed. That experience is what lead me to becoming a CLC- so that other moms from all walks of life, wouldn’t have to feel as alone and defeated as I did. Because we are a Military family and that means relocating every few years I figured out how to build Makana as a mostly virtual practice, so I can support you from anywhere in the country, whether you’re the one moving, I’m the one moving or both.

For many families breastfeeding is about more than just nutrition. It can be a way to bond, to feel close, and to know your baby is getting exactly what they need. At the same time, I believe that a fed baby and a supported mother are what matters most. Sometimes that looks like exclusive breastfeeding, and sometimes it looks like pumping, combo feeding, or formula feeding. My job isn’t to guard one ‘right’ way to feed, but to help you find a plan that works in your real life, protects your milk supply as much as possible, and supports your mental and physical health along the way.

Makana was built around mostly virtual visits because most families don’t need one more thing added to their already complicated and busy lives. With virtual lactation support, you can stay in your own space, keep baby comfortable, and still get eyes on latch, positioning, pumping, and your overall feeding plan. For any families that move often, or live far from in-person resources, virtual care also means you can keep working with the same lactation consultant throughout your feeding journey.

Because Military service is a big part of my family’s story, Makana offers a discounted package for active duty Military families. I know all too well what it’s like, the long hours, unpredictable schedules, and the way it feels to be both proud and exhausted at the same time. Being able to choose which option suits your family best is one small way to honor the work you’re doing and make sure that getting solid feeding support isn’t the thing that gets pushed to the bottom of the list because of money or constant moves.

Because Makana is a mostly virtual practice and our family moves with the needs of the Military, I don’t directly bill state, federal, or third-party insurance companies at this time. I am happy to provide you with a detailed bill you can submit to your insurance to request reimbursement if your plan allows it. Makana is actively working toward becoming an approved Tricare provider, but is not currently in-network yet.