Hola, padres!
I’m Ariana, but you can call me Ari. If I’m not focused on sleep and lactation, I am enjoying a backyard carne asada with my husband and two kiddos.
I founded Step by Step Baby Consulting under the belief that a restful night’s sleep and lactation support is needed and deserved by ALL families.
When I found out I was pregnant with my 1st child, I was an overly-confident parent-to-be. I’d had 17 years of auntie duties, had fostered my 3-year-old niece, and was going to have my mom by my side. When I was 7 months pregnant, my mother suddenly passed away & I was hit with an immense depression. I survived by concentrating on the arrival of my son.
After my son was born, I realized he was a challenging little sleeper. I compulsively read & researched all things baby sleep, but nothing helped. I endured 8 months of sleepless nights & finally hit rock bottom. It was 2 am, my son was on his 3rd wake up of the night, I went into his room, held him, & cried along his side. The next day, my Doctor recommended I hire a Pediatric Sleep Consultant to help with my PPD & PPA. I quickly hired one, and by day 3, my son was actually napping and sleeping through the night & I was finally able to bond with him!
Becoming educated on how to best support my son's challenging sleep needs inspired me to become a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and help other parents like me! After starting to help families with sleep, I quickly realized I needed to expand my knowledge with chest-feedings and decided to become a Certified Lactation Counselor. I am currently also a Postpartum Doula in training, as I wish to give a full wrap-around approach to my newly postpartum families.
What keeps me going is hearing parents say how, as a result of my support, they are now truly enjoying parenthood. Because I truly believe parenthood is something that should be enjoyed.
I know what it’s like to be in the parenting trenches, exasperated by sleep deprivation. When we partner together, I want you to feel comfortable enough to let your guard down and talk honestly about what’s been going on. Because here, you’ll never be judged.
Curious what connecting & partnering together, would look like?
I am believe in connecting and partnering, to give parents the full support they need. I only recommend and partner with brands, products, services and providers I use and/or would use myself. When we work together, we can create an unstoppable community!
If you are a pediatrician, doula, overnight nanny, lactation consultant, chiropractor, child photographer, potty training expert, parent coach, or someone that works with young families in any capacity, schedule a 30-Minute Cafe & Connect with me . . . let’s build this village!
When I’m not helping to support families, here’s what’s likely occupying my time:
Chasing my kids in our veggie garden
Cooking one of my mom’s Mexican recipes, in my mandil while listening to Cumbias
Watching soapy TV shows, (after all I grew up on Telenovelas)
Life brought me to my calling, but the following training & experience give me the knowledge to help parents & families.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences and Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, California State University of Northridge
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Family Sleep Institute
Certified Lactation Counselor, Healthy Children’s Project, Inc.
Conscious Disciple Certified, Early Learning Ventures
Postpartum Doula Course, Birthing Advocacy Doula Training
Holistic Sleep Coaching Course, Lindsey Hookway
Experience
Best Sleep Consultants in the USA Tucks
Provider for Maven Clinic
Provider for I Help Moms
Member of Central Florida Birth Network
Member of International Association of Child Sleep Consultants
Ready for the more nights filled with dulces suenos?
Schedule your complimentary call now to decide whether Step by Step is a good fit for your family!