Zeny C. Feliciano

Spa Consultant

Postpartum Doula / Breastfeeding Coach

Lactation Counselor - Therapist

* A Business Management graduate who worked at the Makati Medical Center as a unit secretary for 10 years and well-versed on hospital

routines.

* Has opened and managed 5 spas locally and abroad, including the First Prenatal Clinic - Spa in the Philippines. Familiar with spa standards abroad having been worked as an assistant spa manager at the First Day Spa in Macau.

* Specializes in massage during Pregnancy and Postpartum Lactation Management/Treatment since 2005 and has worked with hundreds of expectant couples and lactating moms.

*Conducts Free Breastfeeding Class & Infant Massage Class and Therapeutic massage for wellness/Lactation points.

When I set up the very first prenatal clinic - spa in the Philippines I got a chance to see, first hand, the difficulties, discomforts or anxieties of expectant/lactating mothers.

 Simple cases include:

1.      engorged breasts;

2.      blocked ducts;

3.      mastitis (breast inflammation);

4.      sore nipples (from unsuccessful latching of babies);

5.      re-lactation or re-establishing the milk supply after introducing their babies to formula;

6.      moms who think they do not have milk after attempting to breastfeed for jus a few days;

7.      moms who use a pump immediately after delivery; and

8.      moms who allow their babies to be given supplements like glucose water or formula

 Women who do not know any better—those who are not receiving any breastfeeding support/information—will end up giving formula or glucose water to their babies!

 So, it is highly recommended that an expectant mother attend a breastfeeding class, be part of a support group or have a breastfeeding coach/lactation therapist as early as eight hours after giving birth! Those who did end up successfully breastfeeding their precious babies!

 Aside from hurdling difficulties, this prenatal spa is also known for a really effective full body massage. It relaxes, enhances blood circulation and mobilization. It will surely help get mom ready for breastfeeding, whether birth was via normal or c-section. 

After some struggle, some frustrations and even some pain I find it rewarding to see the mommy, baby (and even daddy) thrilled at the sight of the colostrums.

 The first session of lactation management/treatment normally takes three to four hours depending on the situation or condition of the mother. It includes counseling as well as an overview of expectations, difficulties, good nutrition and treatments.

I find the session also often leading to a discussion of how to treat engorgement, soreness of nipples/breast. Succeeding sessions takes no more than two hours.

 I’ve had many skeptical patients. I welcome them as well, because in the end I know I will become their friend. In fact, most of my present patients are referrals of previous patients. They call me breast doctor, lactation specialist or consultant!

 I get a great sense of fulfillment in watching my patients experience motherhood through breastfeeding.