In this episode, Katie Oshita and Montika Collins discuss the importance of representation in health care, and what it means to be an activist.  Montika Collins is passionate about not only supporting women of color, but also training women of color in order to increase the support for families in Tulsa.  Montika also discusses food deserts, the importance of good nutrition and how using herbs can be healing.  Montika's goal is to become a midwife, but for now she is the only black IBCLC in Oklahoma, opening a birth center for women of color and works hard to create the world she wishes to see. 

Podcast Guest: Montika Collins, MA, BS, BSN, RN, CLC, IBCLCMontika serves as an Advanced Holistic Lactation Consultant at Innovations Lactation and Breastfeeding, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a Holistic Integrative nurse, Health and Wellness Coach, Body Worker, Medical Herbalist, and nursing faculty at Oral Roberts University. 

As an activist, she served Oklahoma’s breastfeeding coalition, COBA (Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates) as chair & board member.  Her passion for the health and well-being of minority women and children led her to co-found the 501(c)3, nonprofit organization, Innovations Family Wellness INC.  She serves her community as the Co-President & CEO of Innovations Family Wellness INC.  

Montika graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health with a Master of Arts (MA) in Health and Wellness Coaching and a concentration in Medical Herbalism. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology and Chemistry from Northeastern State University.  Montika graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing.  She has over 300 hours in continuing education courses specific to the care of the mother/baby dyad. 

In addition to teaching nursing students, she also trains healthcare professionals on how to utilize and integrate alternative healthcare practices into their medical practices. She also holds group training and seminars for various perinatal providers. Montika serves local women, breastfeeding mothers, and their infants providing them with health & wellness coaching, herbal support, bodywork, and advanced holistic lactation & breastfeeding support.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com