I’m Janice A. Clarke (pronounced Ja-niece), and I’m the founder of JC Lactation Counseling, a private practice based in the Bronx, New York City. I’m an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Lactation Counselor, a public health advocate, and—most importantly—a parent who has lived through the very challenges I now help others overcome. My journey into lactation work began in February 2019, with the birth of my son. Like so many new mothers and lactating parents, I faced painful, isolating struggles in those early days. I experienced intense nipple pain and postpartum anxiety, and I didn’t enjoy breastfeeding the way I thought I would. I felt lost, guilty, and deeply unsupported by my healthcare team. Though they meant well, no one on my care team had lactation training. I was encouraged to supplement with formula—even though my milk supply was fine and my goal was to breastfeed. It left me feeling like my milk wasn’t enough. Like I wasn’t enough.

The turning point came when a peer counselor at my local WIC office helped me correct my son’s latch. It was a small adjustment with a big impact. I finally found relief—and clarity. That moment stayed with me.

I knew that if I had received timely support from a trained lactation professional, much of my suffering could have been prevented. That experience ignited a calling. With a background in health science and public health, I completed formal training through the Healthy Children Project’s Center for Breastfeeding and became a Certified Lactation Counselor in September 2019.

I started by helping friends, family, and people reaching out to me online. In July 2020, fueled by the racial reckoning of that time and the urgent need for representation in lactation care, I launched JC Lactation Counseling. My goal is to reduce breastfeeding/chestfeeding disparities, provide culturally competent care, and show up for families in ways I wish someone had shown up for me.

In addition to running my practice, I work with Public Health Solutions NYC Breastfeeding Warmline, and I’ve presented on the Unique Challenges of Black Breastfeeding at local and national breastfeeding coalitions and advocacy events.

Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival or struggling to meet your feeding goals postpartum, I’m here to provide nonjudgmental, evidence-based support that honors your goals, your culture, and your lived experience.