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motherbaby

milk

welcome to 

lactation consultant

holistic private practice 
Orange County, CA
Telehealth in all states



(in-network with major insurance plans)

Johnna Kunkle, BS, RN, IBCLC

holistic lactation consultant
functional health nurse

562-882-7260

motherbaby

milk

Hello

My name is Johnna Kunkle

owner and founder of motherbaby holistic nursing, inc.

I am a private practice holistic IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) with 25 years previous experience working as a registered nurse with postpartum mamas and newborn babies in a local Southern California hospital. I am here to support you on your breastfeeding journey. My availability includes office appointments in Newport Beach, CA, Telehealth in all states, and home visits within my travel radius. I offer lactation consultations with a functional holistic nursing approach, holistic sleep support for little ones, and infant CFT to support breastfeeding.

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"A mother is the embodiment of life and love."      

motherbaby

About

About

motherbaby

milk

Hello mamas! My name is Johnna Kunkle. I am a private practice holistic IBCLC lactation consultant and functional women's health nurse with twenty-five years experience in maternal/child health as a hospital RN, where I began in 1996. In addition to my years caring for new mamas and babies in the hospital setting and teaching/supporting breastfeeding in the hospital and in private practice, I breastfed my own children. My children are no longer babies, and oh how I miss those precious years!

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We homeschooled and the years flew by. My daughter and son are now young adults and they are and always have been the joy and loves of my life! We have the cutest chocolate labradoodle who brings so much love to our family. When I'm not supporting mamas, I might be found on a hike, surfing baby waves or just near the ocean. Soaking in nature and the salty sea is a soothing balm to my soul.

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I am passionate about learning and look forward to getting my hands on the next course or book on holistic lactation or functional nursing. Supporting breastfeeding mothers has been a love of mine since 1996 and what a blessing it has been walking along side the motherbaby dyad on their beautiful journey. 

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motherbaby

milk

The goal of motherbaby is to gently support you on your breastfeeding journey. My hope is to support you in the weeks before your baby is born until your last drop of milk. Those first days after birth would be an ideal time for an initial lactation visit. Assessing the breastfeeding mama baby dyad for potential problems in those early days is important. Breastfeeding is a journey and there is so much that can come up along the way. It would be an honor to walk with you Mama.

motherbaby can support you with:

breastfeeding, latching, nipple pain, milk supply concerns, prenatal lactation education, assessing for effective suckling/swallow, feeding positions, recognizing hunger cues, weighted feeds to assess for milk transfer at the breast, weight gain concerns, flange fittings, breast pumps and pumping, hand expressing, gentle breast massage, milk storage and milk preparation, bottle feeding, feedings by syringe, cup, finger, & supplemental nursing system (SNS), sore and/or damaged nipples, milk blebs, nipple blisters, breast pain, engorgement, plugged ducts/inflammation, mastitis, breast health/biome, oral assessments, assessing for suspected tongue-tie and other tethered oral tissues, oral and body tension, oral exercises, low milk supply, over supply, overactive let-down, minimal let-downs, weaning and weaning concerns, breast refusal, back to work pumping and feeding plans, introducing solids, infant comfort concerns/excessive gas or spitting up, rash/eczema, stooling concerns, questions about medications and breast milk, nutrition, healthy eating/foods to support healing, gut health, milk supply and biome, root cause, relactation, relactation & adoption, education on functional labs and milk supply, functional health, non-toxic lifestyle, emotional well-being, trauma informed care, postpartum anxiety and/or depression, infant massage, rhythmic movements, Gillespie (CFT) Craniosacral Fascial Therapy for infants, holistic sleep support for infants and toddlers, sleep concerns, and more...

 

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Services

Lactation Support

Breastfeeding provides life giving milk that nourishes the body and soul of both the mother and the baby, but sometimes in lactation there are unexpected challenges. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I can help. Since 1996, I have supported thousands of mamas & babies on their lactation journey. Helping mamas feed their babies has been one of my greatest joys and troubleshooting difficulties at any stage of the breastfeeding journey and working through them is what I am passionate about. Mama, I would love to support you and your little one! Office appointments are available in Newport Beach, CA. Telehealth lactation consultations are available in all states. I also offer home visits for families within my travel radius (please inquire).

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  • initial lactation appointments 60 minutes, follow up lactation appointments 45 minutes 

  • office, telehealth, and home lactation consultation appointments available

  • prenatal lactation education appointments available

 

*contact for pricing/insurance accepted 

​IN-NETWORK with:

Anthem Blue Cross, BCBS, United Healthcare, Cigna, Health Net, Aetna, Centivo

Postpartum doula support also covered by insurance: Kaiser, L.A. Care, Health Net (commercial and Medi-Cal)

CFT Craniosacral Fascial Therapy
Gillespie Approach

"Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie. It is based on his theory that the Craniosacral and Fascial systems are not separate but one interconnected system. CFT blends the two established modalities of Dr. William Sutherland's Cranial Sacral Therapy and John Barnes' Myofascial Release, along with dental techniques developed from Dr. Gillespie’s experience as a periodontist."

 

"What is fascia?

Basically, fascia is the body’s connective tissue, providing a framework that helps support and protect muscles, organs, and the entire body as a unit. It is an all-encompassing web found throughout the body that protects the entire body as a whole. It envelopes organs, muscles, nerves and even blood, for protection from outside trauma. It supports the musculoskeletal system and allows us to perform functional activities like walking, jumping, running, or simply changing position."

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"The intricate craniosacral fascial system originates in the body's core around the brain and spinal cord, and extends through the fascial web. A healthy system allows for the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, down the spine, to the sacrum, and into the fascia."  

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"How is fascia damaged?

All of us have experienced trauma --- difficult birth, surgery, auto accidents, falls, concussions, dental work/orthodontics, vaccinations, and emotional trauma, to name a few. Starting from birth, traumas accumulate and can create strain and toxicity in the craniosacral fascial system, restricting critical brain motion. Damage to the craniosacral fascial system can cause poor blood flow, diminish nerve impulses, hinder brain function, limit range of motion, and cause a host of other ailments."

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"How does CFT help? 

Our brains must expand and contract. Any restrictions or damage to this motion can greatly effect our health and wellbeing.  

CFT techniques are designed to gently unwind and release accumulated fascial strain. This allows optimal mobility and better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial System is loose and open there is free flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish and cleanse toxins."

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CFT in infants can help with:

  • Birth trauma

  • Tongue tie-lip tie

  • Torticollis

  • Reflux

  • Colic

  • Inability to latch

  • Difficulty sucking

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Constipation

  • Indigestion

  • Asymmetrical head shape

  • Earache

  • Autism

  • TMJ

  • Strabismus

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-Gillespie Approach

gillespieapproach.com

 

*Now offering infant CFT to support your little one with breastfeeding

*contact for pricing

holistic infant & toddler sleep

Certified Baby-Led Sleep and Well-Being Specialist 

Offering 1:1 holistic infant and toddler sleep consultations. No sleep training. Reach out to set up an appointment with me.

"How do you spell 'Love'?" 
-Piglet

"You don't spell it, you feel it."
-Pooh

contact
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Please send me a message and I will respond promptly to discuss how I can best support you. I look forward to connecting with you mama! 

Warmly, Johnna

Thank you!

 

qualifications

education

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN 1996)

Bachelor of Science Health Science CSULB (BS 2002)

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license

Registered Nurse - licensed in CA since 1996

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certifications

IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 2022

CBS - Certified Breastfeeding Specialist 2022

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor 2022

Certified Baby-Led Sleep and Well-Being Specialist 2024

BLS Provider (CPR) current

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trainings

  • Gillespie Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) Foundation Training 2023

  • Gillespie Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) Infant Training 2023

  • A Master Class for IBCLCs: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad - 2023

  • Functional Medicine for Nurses: A Root Cause Approach to Health & Healing - INCA 2024

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7 month memberships 2025

  • IFN Institute for Functional Nursing - The Functional Nursing Membership - Brigitte Sager 

  • The IBCLC MasterClass: Fine-Tuning the Process - Intuitive Parenting Network - Jennifer Tow

  • Gut-Brain: A Deeper Dive - Intuitive Parenting Network - Jennifer Tow

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courses

  • Birth Doula Workshop - DONA 2021

  • Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas - DONA 2021

  • Postpartum Doula Workshop - DONA 2022

  • Lactation Consultant Training Program Enriched - LER 2022

  • Tongue-Tie Online Symposium - GOLD Learning 2022

  • A Professional's Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant -TTE 2023

  • Oral Functional Assessment - Intuitive Parenting Network 2023

  • Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding | Baby Massage Course - Lactation OT 2023

  • Helping Our Littles Breathe, Thrive & Grow: Integrative Team Approach to Assessing and Addressing Dysfunction - Aviara 2023

  • Rhythmic Movement to Improve Latching - Avery Young 2023

  • Rethinking Flange Fitting - BreastfeedLA 2023

  • Reflex-Based Oral Function - Avery Young 2023

  • Gut-Brain for IBCLCs - Intuitive Parenting Network 2023

  • Plugged Ducts & Mastitis: A Holistic Approach to Care - Intuitive Parenting Network 2023

  • Baby-Led Sleep and Well-Being Specialist | Isla-Grace | holistic infant sleep 2023

  • Gentle Manual Therapeutic Techniques in Lactation - Maya Bolman 2023

  • Advanced Clinical Concepts and Lactation Therapy for the IBCLC - Lisa Lahey 2023

  • Supporting Sucking Skills Book Group - LactaLearning 2024

  • Low Milk Supply Specialization Course for Healthcare Professionals - LactationHub 2024

  • Nutrition for Breastfeeding: Effects of Maternal Intake on the Nutrient Content of Breast Milk - Lily Nichols 2024

  • Making More Milk Book Group - LactaLearning 2025

  • Postpartum Recovery & Nutrient Repletion - Lily Nichols 2025

  • The Institute for Functional Medicine AIC Conference San Diego, CA 2025 

Testimonials

Three weeks after having my first child I was struggling with uncertainty and the inevitable anxiety around whether I was producing enough milk and whether my baby was receiving enough during feedings. There were times I felt we were in a good rhythm and times I questioned if I was doing it right at all. When looking into lactation support, Johnna was highly recommended to me by a trusted source as being a great resource in the community who’s been “doing this work forever.” Once I messaged her, she responded right away and made herself available for a home visit the very next day. Johnna’s gentle and calming energy put me at ease from the start. She was knowledgeable and patient in answering all of my questions, and she brought her scale to definitively confirm the amount of milk intake after a nursing session. Hearing that all is going well with breastfeeding and that my son is thriving has been so reassuring - especially since it’s so hard to know how much milk your baby is getting when exclusively breastfeeding! Johnna welcomes follow-up communication as needed, and I feel so much more comfortable knowing that her expertise and kind support are just a text away. I highly recommend Johnna for any breastfeeding mother seeking support throughout this new, sacred, and often anxiety producing journey of breastfeeding!

Natalie

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