Melanin Milk SD
by Chardá Bell, IBCLC, CBE, CD
(pronounced shar-day)
Melanin Milk SD was birthed in 2018 by Chardá Bell, a Black lactation consultant, doula & mom who wants every birthing person to have a fully supported and empowering pregnancy, birth & postpartum experience. Marrying her love of birth with lactation, her clinical interest is in the influence of labor and delivery factors, including fetal positioning as well as social determinants of health that may impact initiation and duration of breastfeeding success.
Families and birthing come in all types, sizes and colors. Chest/Breastfeeding is not just a "mom" thing and not all pregnant folks identify as a cisgender, heterosexual and female. The language used in our birth work and on this site will remain as inclusive as possible at all times. Birth is also a dad, partner, and family experience. Our approach is whole person family centered care, and often times our clients say we become like family! Get the relationship based support you deserve. We have a 24/7 text support line free for all of our clients.
Who We Are
Chardá Bell, IBCLC, CBE, CD
is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Doula, Spinning Babies Certified Parent Educator in private practice (Melanin Milk SD) serving families in San Diego, CA and also serves as the Executive Director for the non-profit, SD Lactation Equity Alliance. During her maternity leave she founded the Melanin Milk SD Collective in June 2024 to support doulas and lactation consultants and connect them to opportunities and community.
When she is not immersed in all things lactation, she volunteers her time to causes related to human milk, Black maternal child health & reproductive justice and aims to increase diversity in the lactation field through mentorship. Chardá & her partner Dr. Tré Watkins are both natives of (Southeast) San Diego & share a blended family of 6 children, ages newborn to 18.
Mom Powered. Family Approved.
This video has over 2.5 million views!
Hey Friend! I'm Chardá Bell (pronounced Shar-day), I'm a mom powered business. Families love working with me, including grandparents! I'm an auntie to many forever families and "sister clients". I love my job, dancing, and eating good food. I'm an open book to my clients and I provide support free of shame, guilt and judgment.
My Credentials:
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Lactation Consultant - IBCLC L#-309574
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Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator
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Doula Trainer & Curriculum Consultant @ Jennie Joseph Commonsense Childbirth Institute
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Certified Doula, JJ Way CCI
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Childbirth Educator - BAI, Birth Arts International
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Certified Lactation Counselor and Educator (UCSD)
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Friend to many Mamas, Papas & Babies!
As Featured On
In Clinic Visits
3737Camino Del Rio S.
San Diego, CA 92108
Suite 109
(inside of Radiant Family Chiropractic)
Telehealth & Home Visits
Pregnant? Newly postpartum? Out of state or overseas? Short on time & don't require in person support? Now offering virtual visits anywhere in the world and offering home visits for babies/postpartum 6 weeks and under, any age multiples or recent NICU release, medically fragile. Must be in San Diego county, travel fees may apply if out of radius notified at booking. Please click here to book a home visit and include your address. You can also text 619-841-1160
Lactation support is a human right not a privilege.
Book A Consult For:
Personalized Family Centered Support
Judgment free, Inclusive & Real support to help you meet your individual baby feeding goals. Planning, goal setting & solutions that are realistic & attainable. I do what works best for you & your family! Black/Brown, disabled, immigrants, LGBTQAI+ all safe with me.
Pregnancy
Prenatal Consults / Feeding Birth Plans
Postpartum
Chest/Breastfeeding, Latch, Milk Supply, Challenges
Bottle Feeding
Transitioning, Cups, Combo, Refusal
Starting Solids
6+ months only
Pumping
Back to Work/School, Occasional, Exclusive
Weaning
Gentle Strategies for All Timelines
Relactation
For those who wish to lactate again after any period of time. Yes, this is possible!
Induced Lactation
Surrogacy, Adoption, Non-Birth Givers (LGBTQAI+ ally)
Lactation Consultations
We are funded to offer reduced cost visits starting at $30 if you are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian or Person of Color.
Want to use insurance? Verify your coverage here before booking.
Rates vary by appt type, visit booking tab or text to book 619-841-1160 for rate info.
Package Offerings
Milk Doula
Long Term Lactation Support
A doula approach to your chest/breastfeeding journey. Options, in your home, in clinic and Telehealth.
Includes assessment, weight check, milk transfer check and ongoing plan of care; all visits are 60 mins; First visit is 90 mins. This package is up to 4 visits per month total (2 in home, 2 in clinic or Telehealth)
Also includes, ongoing 24/7 text support, leave a text with your question or concern and I’ll respond within 24 hours. (1) 10 mins call per week; unlimited email/text support for 4 weeks. I will assist you with your feeding goals and help you evaluate them over time. I'm like your favorite auntie or sister who has breastfed1,000 babies! Investment starting at $400/month, Inquire Here
Birth Plan, Class & Prenatal Lactation Consult
For Chest/Breastfeeding Success
This package includes a Prenatal lactation consult, like a private breastfeeding class and prep. A private birth class. A virtual consult for personalized birth plan provided via digital download within 7-14 days. I'm a Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator. If you are concerned about how breastfeeding will go, I can help you create a birth plan that will make your breastfeeding journey get off to a good start. Birth experiences and outcomes are directly tied to lactation success.Investment starts at $500 - Inquire Here
Mothering the Mother Postpartum Ceremony
Birth Processing + Healing Ritual
I offer birth story listening for those who have had traumatic births or just wish to honor their transition to motherhood through story sharing, in a safe sacred space. This is an in home service; up to 3 hours. This can include: chakra aligning foot soak with fresh flowers, healing crystals, salt & herb, write & burn candle session, affirmations/guided meditation, singing bowls session, baby first bath ceremony with breastmilk, artisan tea sourced locally, or a warm meal. Referrals to trusted list of mental health providers, including a list of local Black & BIPOC therapists. Click Here to inquire about investment starting at $500.
"Pick My Brain" Sessions & Mentoring
Lighting Your Path to Birth Work
I offer private sessions to new and experienced birth workers. Want to "pick my brain"? $175 for 60 mins non-BIPOC birth professionals, $75 for 60 mins BIPOC birth professionals Let's Connect.
Curriculum & Program Development
Professional Birth Workers
I create curriculum, content and program development for institutions and organizations that are seeking guidance from an experienced birth worker and entrepreneur. I develop curriculum, teach it, and consult with you on your program goals. If you have something else in mind, I'm open to discussing! Nonprofits, clinics, universities, doula training programs are some examples of businesses I work with currently and in the past. Let's Talk!
We make pregnancy, birthing & chest/breastfeeding a relaxing and fun experience!
Born & Raised in San Diego, CA
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