Meet SDBFC's Newest IBCLC - Ruth Hale
May 11, 2026 • Author: Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC
We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Ruth joined us on May 11, 2026 and is available for lactation appointments, as well as doula benefit appointments! Here is our interview with Ruth. We can't wait for you all to meet her!
ABOUT SDBFC
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center was established in 2009 by Robin Kaplan, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Functional Nutritionist, and parent. Her vision was to create a judgment-free, inclusive support system for families navigating infant feeding challenges. SDBFC offers a wide range of one-on-one breastfeeding, infant feeding, and nutrition consultations - as well as classes, support groups, online articles, and social media - making it your one-stop-shop for all things infant feeding!
Ruth, tell us about yourself!
I’m a second-generation Mexican-American, my mom is from Chihuahua, Mexico, and my dad was born and raised here in San Diego. I originally studied child development and spent years working with children. When my daughter was a baby, I even owned and ran a child development home, which gave me such a strong foundation in supporting families.
I met my husband 13 years ago, and after we got married, we lived in Japan for a few years. That’s where I had my daughter, and she spent the first year of her life there.
After moving back to San Diego, I started my journey toward becoming an IBCLC. During that time, I also became a doula and had my son. Being a Doula has really shaped my practice as an IBCLC for the past 4, almost 5, years. Now that both of my kids are in grade school, I’m soaking up this season, watching them grow, develop their own interests, and become their own people.
What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
Having my daughter is really what sparked everything. When I was in Japan, I didn’t have access to support or community outside of the hospital. I found myself trying to figure things out on my own and spent a lot of time learning through resources like KellyMom.
Before we moved back, I realized this could actually be a profession, and when I saw that the program was right here in San Diego, it just felt like everything aligned.
That experience of not having support stayed with me. It’s a big part of why I do this work now. I want parents to feel supported, informed, and not alone.
What are you most excited about working for SDBFC?
I’m really excited to be part of a team. Lactation is so in-depth, and there are so many areas to grow and specialize in. Being able to collaborate, learn from each other, and support families together is something I really value.
I’m also incredibly excited to be part of the vision that Robin has created. The San Diego Breastfeeding Center was actually the first lactation practice I learned about when I came back to San Diego, and I’ve admired it ever since. From the Breastfeeding In Public Task Force to the non-profit foundation work, it’s inspiring to see the impact that’s been made in this community. I’m grateful to now be a part of that and to support whatever comes next.
What are your 3 top tips for a brand new chest/breastfeeding parent?
Ask for help - we’re not meant to do this alone. Villages require interdependence, and that starts with sharing your needs. Whether it’s feeding support, emotional support, or just someone to sit with you, it matters.
Find your community - look for spaces where you can talk openly about feeding and babies. So many things that feel overwhelming are actually very normal, but still hard, and knowing you're not alone helps. Hearing from others who’ve been there can make a huge difference.
Find professionals you trust - people who will listen to your goals, help guide you, and hold space for you as things evolve. You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to change your plans. The right support will meet you wherever you are.
Ruth is available for lactation appointments, as well as infant-feeding focused prenatal/postpartum doula appointments.
SDBFC is committed to providing high-quality lactation and functional nutrition consultations to parents in San Diego and beyond. Explore our postpartum, prenatal, and functional nutrition consultations, take a breastfeeding class or attend a workshop.
About the Author
Robin Kaplan has been an IBCLC since 2009, the same year that she opened up the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Robin was the founding host of the Boob Group podcast and published her first book, Latch: a Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage in 2018. Melding her passions for supporting lactating parents and holistic health, Robin finished her Functional Nutrition Certification in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her two teenage boys, hiking, traveling, weaving, cooking, and searching for the best chai latte.
