Meet the FFEC IBCLC Training Team
Education for health professionals, created by health professionals who educate.
Because how you learn matters just as much as what you learn.
Being good at something ≠
being good at teaching it.
And let’s be honest — most health education resources aren’t much better than a bland listing of facts, or a lecture that could have been a paper, and that's just not our vibe.
At Feeding Families Education & Consulting, we combine clinical expertise with real teaching experience to deliver IBCLC training that’s actually useful, refreshingly clear, and (dare we say?) enjoyable.
True learning needs a safe environment with a facilitator that provides encouragement and opportunities to get it right, no matter how many times it takes. We're here to provide that safe space, by breaking down concepts in a way you can understand and giving you actual opportunities to apply what you've learned - so you can confidently provide the best care possible.
True learning isn't measured by your ability to guess multiple choice answers.
The education system is failing us - and you deserve much, much better.
We’ve oversold the value of sitting in a classroom for the goal of earning a piece of paper. While a degree can be helpful and is sometimes required,
Hi! I'm Dr. Hope Lima, PhD, RDN, IBCLC
Founder of Feeding Families Education & Consulting
I’m a nutrition and lactation educator, clinician, and full-time professor who’s passionate about raising the bar in maternal and child health — and making sure the people doing this work feel supported, prepared, and confident.
In addition to running Feeding Families Education & Consulting and Hope Feeds Families, I teach at Winthrop University as an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition. I also run a research lab where we focus on improving access to human milk, supporting parents in reaching their feeding goals, and studying the nutritional content of human milk (yes, that’s a thing — and yes, it’s incredibly cool).
Whether I’m teaching students, mentoring new providers, or presenting at a conference, my goal is always the same: make evidence-based education feel clear, relevant, and human.
Browse my CV
[she/her]
Co-host of The Decaf & Debunk Podcast
Hope's Extracurriculars
Corralling 3 step-kids, 3 dogs, and 1 cat (that she accidentally inherited)
Alternating between hyperfocus & procrastination
Mentally designing her next research study (not joking)
Co-founder of Grove Nutrition Collective
Founder of Hope Feeds Families
Hey there! I’m Sydney Estes, MSW, IBCLC
Director of Education and Engagement
I’m a licensed social worker, educator, and mental health advocate who believes the best care starts with connection — and that applies to both families and future IBCLCs.
I came into this work through the world of counseling and community care, and now I help guide students through the IFC® Course with real-time feedback, live implementation calls, and one-on-one support. I know how overwhelming becoming an IBCLC can feel (they don’t exactly make it easy or intuitive, do they?), and I’m here to make sure you’re not just learning — you’re growing into a provider who can think critically, communicate clearly, and show up with compassion in every scenario.
[she/her]
IBCLC at Hope Feeds Families Lactation
Answering IFC® student questions with a snack in hand
Balancing Hope's "don't-think-just-do" mentality with measured, thoughtful encouragement
Sydney's Extracurriculars
The origin story, as told by hope
It all started with a bird.
Specifically, a parakeet - that my 10-year-old self absolutely begged for.
And that “yes” to one parakeet turned into…ten (yep, 1-0) parakeets in my very own aviary by the time I was 16, and no regrets.
Flash forward to college, where my parakeet obsession was not only going strong, but led to a job offer working on a study about parakeet mating - the job that started it all.
It led to more animal reproduction research. Then human milk research. A pile of credentials (IBCLC, PhD, RD). A faculty position, a lactation and nutrition private practice, several speaking events later, and Feeding Families Education was born in 2023.
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that students love free stuff.
First-time students, career pivoters, lifelong learners – literally all students, and we don't blame you.
Our freebie library is packed with our best quick, easy resources to help you stay organized, track IBCLC requirements, and feel a little more on top of it all. It’s not *quite* as delicious as handing out free pizza on the quad, but we couldn’t fit that through the screen.
The Infant Feeding Counselor® Course
IBCLC Student Mentorship
The CERP Library
Alllll Of The Steps To Becoming An IBCLC
How To Go From Dietitian to Lactation Consultant
We're basically an open book - especially on the blog.
Everything You Need To Know About The WHO Code
Going beyond the basics is kind of our thing.
From the IFC® Course and IBCLC training to our continuing education library – every workshop, training, and touchpoint is built with intention and an unshakeable set of values.
Evidence with Empathy
We teach science-backed content without losing the human side. You’ll learn how to interpret research, understand clinical guidelines, and apply them in a way that honors each family’s lived experience, identity, and goals.
Practice-Ready Prep
Because passing a test isn’t the finish line — actually supporting real families is. We focus on clinical application, critical thinking, and communication skills, so you walk away feeling prepared for the conversations and challenges that happen in real life, not just on exams.
Equity-Minded Education
Feeding support is never one-size-fits-all. Our content is inclusive, trauma-informed, and designed to reflect the families you actually work with — not just made-up case studies. You’ll learn to provide care that respects autonomy, cultural context, and access.
