Keynote Speaker

Dr. Newman, MD, FRCPC, IBCLC

Dr. Jack Newman, a distinguished physician, graduated from the University of Toronto in 1970. He completed pediatric training in Quebec City and Toronto, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in 1981. Fueled by a fervent commitment to breastfeeding support, Dr. Newman established Canada's first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in 1984. Shifting from emergency services, he now dedicates his full focus to aiding mothers and infants with breastfeeding challenges. His influential role in shaping Health Canada's 2012 breastfeeding recommendations earned him the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2013. A sought-after speaker, he has shared his expertise at conferences worldwide. In July 2022, Dr. Newman continued his impactful work by co-authoring "What Doctors Don't Know about Breastfeeding." This latest publication further exemplifies his unwavering dedication to advancing breastfeeding knowledge and support.

Additional Speaker

Yuliana Avila, LMFT

Yuliana Avila is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and holds her Perinatal Mental Health Certification. She obtained her Masters in Counseling Psychology from CSU Bakersfield. She holds her private practice in Bakersfield, CA, and also treats clients all over California virtually. Her work specializes in the perinatal (pregnancy/postpartum) population and has been working with them for the last 2 years. The perinatal population holds a dear place in Yuliana’s heart due to her own struggles in prenatal/postpartum and passion to help the perinatal community thrive. Yuliana has been in the mental health field for more than 8 years, working with children, couples, adults, families, and therapy groups. Yuliana also currently runs a postpartum support group for mothers struggling during postpartum.