Navigating the delicate balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat but for Jennifer Reynolds, RN, IBCLC, it’s been a journey of passion, resilience, and purpose.

After two decades as a Nurse and Lactation Consultant at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Jennifer faced an unexpected career shift that led her to fully embrace her calling. Today, as the founder of Lactation Lady 4U, she empowers mothers with compassionate, in-home lactation support, guiding them through the often-overwhelming early days of parenthood.

In this interview, Jennifer shares her story of turning a career setback into an opportunity, the lessons motherhood has taught her about business, and the rewards of helping families thrive.

Tell us about your path. What inspired you to start your business, and how did you get to where you are today?

My transition into full-time lactation support was driven by both passion and circumstance. After dedicating 20 years as a Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, I found myself at a crossroads when I was laid off. Instead of seeing it as an ending, I embraced it as an opportunity—a chance to fully commit to the work I love.

Supporting moms and babies has always been my calling. Even while working at the hospital, I provided lactation care part-time because I knew how essential knowledgeable and compassionate support is for new mothers. When the time came to step into this work full-time, I was determined to continue serving my community and ensuring every mother who needed help had access to expert, personalized care.

Through my practice, I empower families with education, confidence, and support during such a pivotal time in their lives. It’s an honor to guide moms through challenges, celebrate their successes, and ensure no mother feels alone in her postpartum experience.

How has being a mom influenced your entrepreneurial path? What lessons from motherhood have helped you in business?

Becoming a mother shaped everything about the way I work. I know firsthand how overwhelming those early days can be—how much support new moms need but don’t always receive. When I had my first child (who is now 27!), I didn’t have much help, and I felt the weight of that experience deeply.

Navigating postpartum challenges, including PPD, reinforced how critical postpartum care is—not just for breastfeeding, but for a mother’s overall well-being. That personal experience fuels my passion every day. I strive to be the support system I wish I had, ensuring that no mom feels isolated or unsupported.

Motherhood has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of showing up even when things are hard. These same values shape my business, allowing me to stay committed, compassionate, and focused on making a real impact in the lives of the families I work with.

What brought you to Long Beach, and what do you love most about living and doing business here?

Long Beach has been my home since I first moved out on my own at 23, and I’ve loved it ever since. The city is diverse, welcoming, and filled with incredible people.

Being part of this community for so many years has allowed me to connect with amazing families, build meaningful relationships, and grow both personally and professionally. I’m grateful for the connections, the conversations, and the sense of belonging that Long Beach offers. There’s something truly special about living and working in a place where people genuinely care for one another, and I’m honored to serve and support families in this wonderful city.

What is your business all about, and what services do you specialize in?

My work is centered around supporting moms and babies during one of the most transformative times in their lives. With my background as a Mother-Baby and Newborn Nursery Nurse, along with my certification as an IBCLC, I provide in-home lactation support that is both evidence-based and holistic. My goal is to create a safe, reassuring space for moms to feel empowered, informed, and confident in their breastfeeding experience.

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey that can bring both beauty and challenges. I specialize in helping with a wide range of concerns, including latch difficulties, milk supply issues, tongue and lip tie concerns, painful nursing, pumping strategies, and postpartum adjustment. Beyond the technical aspects, I also offer emotional support because I understand how important it is for moms to feel heard, validated, and cared for.

What sets my approach apart is my commitment to truly meeting families where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally. In-home visits allow me to observe feeding dynamics in a mom’s real environment, creating customized solutions that fit seamlessly into daily life. Whether a family is navigating the newborn phase, transitioning back to work, or facing unexpected hurdles, I’m here to provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

This work is more than a career—it’s my passion. Seeing a mother gain confidence, watching a baby thrive, and knowing that I’ve helped a family feel supported is the greatest reward.

What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and business, and how have you overcome them?

As a mother of three—two in college and one heading into middle school—balancing my business and my family has been a constant learning experience. Life moves fast, and just when I think I have a routine figured out, something changes. But I’ve learned to adapt, prioritize, and be present in the moments that matter most.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about being intentional with my time. I schedule as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of my clients while ensuring I’m available for my children when they need me. Some days, that means early morning or evening visits to accommodate both my work and my family. Other times, it’s about setting clear boundaries and knowing when to step away from work.

It’s not always easy, but I remind myself why I do what I do—to support moms and families while also being the best mom I can be to my own children.

If you could give advice to another mom considering starting a business, what would it be?

Take it slow and trust the process. Growing a business while raising a family isn’t a sprint—it’s a long-term commitment. I’ve built my business gradually, learning invaluable lessons along the way, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Investing in ongoing education has been key to my success. I’ve spent over 20 years as an IBCLC and continue to expand my expertise. I’m currently completing my certification with Infant Massage USA and working closely in areas of mental health, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. My certification in domestic violence advocacy has deepened my ability to support families beyond breastfeeding—because care encompasses so much more than just feeding.

For any mom considering entrepreneurship, I’d say: never stop learning, build connections, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Success takes patience, consistency, and passion, but every small step forward is progress that adds up over time.

What does a typical day look like for you? Any tips or routines that help you stay organized and sane?

I plan my days a few days in advance, scheduling home visits thoughtfully while allowing room for flexibility. My typical day starts around 9:30 AM and runs until about 4:00 PM. I know life—especially with a newborn—doesn’t always run on a perfect schedule, so I stay adaptable for my clients and myself.

As a breast cancer survivor, prioritizing my health is essential. I carve out time for exercise, whether it’s yoga, Orangetheory, or Pilates, and I make sure to take care of my overall well-being with practices like acupuncture, massages, and facials.

My biggest tip? Plan ahead, but allow for flexibility. And above all, make self-care a part of your routine—it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a business owner so far?

One of the most rewarding moments has been reading the heartfelt reviews from families I’ve supported. For years, I never thought about asking for feedback—I simply did the work because I loved it. But when I finally started collecting reviews, I was deeply touched.

Hearing how my support has made a difference in a mother’s confidence or a baby’s health has been incredibly humbling. It’s a reminder that what I do isn’t just a service—it’s about building trust, offering guidance, and being there for moms during such a vulnerable time.

I feel truly grateful to be in a profession I love—one that allows me to make an impact every day. Helping families through the early stages of parenthood is an honor, and knowing my support has mattered to them is the greatest reward of all.

 

Jennifer Reynolds, RN, IBCLC is the founder of Lactation Lady 4U, providing compassionate, in-home lactation support to mothers and families in Long Beach and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a background in maternal-newborn nursing, Jennifer is dedicated to helping families navigate breastfeeding with confidence. For inquiries or to schedule a consultation, visit Lactation Lady 4 U or  www.lactationlady4u.com or contact lactationlady4u@gmail.com.