OLCA 2010 Conference

Faculty

Lisa Marasco, MA, IBCLC, FILCA, has worked with breastfeeding mothers for over 20 years as a lactation consultant both in private practice and for Santa Barbara County WIC. She is co-author of “Making More Milk: A Nursing Mother’s Guide to Milk Supply,” and has written numerous other articles. Lisa’s interest and specialization in milk production began with researching the physiology behind the problem of scheduled feedings in order to counter the resurgence in popularity of this old practice. Using this foundation of knowledge, she found herself drawn into analyzing other low milk supply situations, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which became her master’s degree thesis. Lisa is a long-time La Leche League Leader and associate professional liaison for LLL of Southern California/Nevada, serves on the board of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Santa Barbara County, and received the designation of a Fellow of ILCA in 2009 in recognition of her contributions to ILCA and the field of lactation.

Laura L. Hernandez, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati. Dr. Hernandez is a researcher in the area of physiology of the mammary gland and milk synthesis. Her PhD work focused on characterizing the bovine mammary gland serotonergic system at the University of Arizona. The current focus of her research are the effects of serotonin produced in the mammary gland on milk production and milk synthesis in the human mammary gland, as well as its effects on bone metabolism. Additionally, she examines the role of mammary gland derived serotonin in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. She has published several papers in the aforementioned areas.

Donna Walls RN, BSN, IBCLC, Herbalist, Aromatherapist has been a maternity nurse for 35 years and a Lactation Consultant for 23 years. She has presented seminars on normal birthing, breastfeeding support, natural and herbal medicines for women and environmental health, locally and nationally. She is a Master Herbalist and certified aromatherapist in private practice and continues as a clinical Lactation Consultant