Meet SDBFC's Newest IBCLC - Golnar Fakhrai
We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Golnar joined us on April 21, 2025 and (after a rigorous training period) will start seeing her own clients on June 2, 2025
Here is our interview with Golnar. We can't wait for you all to meet her!
Golnar, tell us about yourself!
Although I was born and raised in San Diego, I spent most of my adult life in Los Angeles, where I studied film, and earned my MFA from the American Film Institute. In the years that followed, I filmed narrative as well as documentary pieces, which allowed me to have life experiences I never would have imagined, like spending months immersed in the world of a southern shrimping community, and spending days out at sea documenting the fishermen at work. In Sept 2020, my husband and I moved down to San Diego to be closer to family, prior to welcoming our daughter in 2021. We have lived here since, and I love watching her grow up in this vast city, that has so much for us to explore.
What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
I was lucky enough to have a handful of friends who had kids around the same time I did. Distance kept us apart physically, but during those middle of the night feeds, it gave me solace that I knew I wasn’t the only one awake, trying to feed my baby. Those first few weeks were such a struggle for me, trying to learn how to latch, not knowing if I was doing it right or if my baby was getting enough, and feeling so much pain each time my daughter would nurse. Every single friend I spoke with was having difficulties of some kind when it came to breastfeeding, which was a surprise because it’s not something commonly talked about in social settings. I thought it was easy for everyone, and was blaming myself for having such a hard time with it. One of my friends went to see an LC, and I could hear in her voice how much it helped her. So, I saw one myself, and after several visits I was so grateful I did. In the months that followed, being able to provide that support for others became a passion of mine, and from the moment I decided to pursue this new career there was no looking back.
What are you most excited about working for the SDBFC?
Everyone needs a village, and every village will look different. From the moment I walked into SDBFC in the fall of 2023, I knew it was a special place. I was able to learn from women who are not only incredibly knowledgeable in this field, but who have deep compassion, and provide quality care to everyone who walks through the door. I’m excited to be a part of this incredibly supportive team, to have the opportunity to help parents navigate a vulnerable time in a welcoming space, and to be part of the village of every client I get to support during their journey.
What are your top 3 tips for a brand new chest/breastfeeding parent?
Remember to breathe. So much is happening so fast right now, and your brain probably feels like it has a million tabs open. Pause. Take a deep breath, and slowly exhale. Just one minute can help regulate your system.
As often as you can, have skin to skin contact with your baby. A lot of us have heard to do this right after the baby is born, but the benefits don’t end once you get home. Spend those first few weeks with your shirts off, cuddled up with your beautiful baby under a blanket.
Don’t forget to hydrate! Breastmilk is mostly made of water, so your body needs to be hydrated to maintain your supply. This can come from a combination of drinking fluids, and eating foods that contain a lot of water, like watermelon, strawberries, and citrus fruits.