Melanin Milk SD

by Chardá Bell, IBCLC, CBE, CD

(pronounced shar-day)

Melanin Milk SD was born in 2018 by Chardá Bell—a Black lactation consultant, doula, and mom—on a mission to make sure every birthing person feels fully supported through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

We recognize that families come in all forms, and that breastfeeding and infant feeding aren’t just “mom” things. Not all pregnant folks identify as cisgender, heterosexual, or female—and birth is a deeply personal experience that often includes partners, dads, and extended family too.

Our care is relationship-based and rooted in whole-person, family-centered support. Many of our clients say we feel like family—and that’s exactly how we want it to be. We don’t just aim for competency—we prioritize culturally congruent care. That means your lactation consultant or doula understands your lived experiences, reflects your community, and creates a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

All clients receive free 24/7 text support, because you deserve care that shows up when you need it most. Click here to find a Melanin Milk SD Collective lactation consultant or postpartum doula that gets your vibe!

Find Your Person

Text anytime 24/7 to Book 619-841-1160

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.

Learn More

Mom Powered. Family Approved.

This video has over 2.5 million views!

Hey Friend! I'm Chardá (pronounced Shar-day) a mom powered small business. Families love working with me, including grandparents! I'm an auntie to many forever families and "sister clients". I love dancing, vacations, cooking, spending time with family and eating good food. I'm an open book to my clients and I provide support free of shame, guilt and judgment.

My Credentials:

Lactation Consultant - IBCLC L#-309574
Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator
Doula Trainer & Curriculum Consultant @ Jennie Joseph Commonsense Childbirth Institute
Certified Doula, JJ Way CCI
Childbirth Educator - BAI, Birth Arts International
Certified Lactation Counselor and Educator (UCSD)
Friend to many Mamas, Papas & Babies!

As Featured On

In Clinic Visits

3737 Camino Del Rio S.

San Diego, CA 92108

Suite 109

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 us.

Book Here!

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)

Need A Time/Date Not Listed?

Lactation Consultations

We are funded to offer reduced cost visits starting at $25 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.

Book Here

Package Offerings

Milk Doula

Long Term Lactation Support

A doula-informed approach to your chest/breastfeeding journey—centered on care, connection, and consistency. Support is available in your home, in clinic, or via Telehealth—whatever works best for you.

What’s included:

- Initial 90-minute visit (home, clinic, or virtual)

- Follow-up visits (60 minutes each) – up to 3 per month

- Full lactation assessment, infant weight check, milk transfer check, and a personalized plan of care

Plus ongoing support:

- 24/7 text support with responses within 24 hours

- (1) 30-minute phone call per week

- Unlimited email support for 4 weeks

- Gentle, nonjudgmental guidance to help you meet and reassess your feeding goals

It’s like having a favorite auntie or sister who’s supported over 1,000 babies on their feeding journey.

Investment: $150/week (that’s less than your hair appointment!)

Let’s nourish you so you can nourish your baby.

Inquire Here

Birth Plan, Class & Prenatal Lactation Consult

For Chest/Breastfeeding Success

This package is designed to support you before baby arrives with personalized education and planning. It includes:

- A Prenatal Lactation Consult – think of it as a private breastfeeding prep session tailored to your needs

- A Private Virtual Birth Class

- A Custom Birth Plan Consultation – delivered as a digital download within 7–14 days of your session

As a Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator, I bring a body-aware approach to preparing for birth and breastfeeding. If you're feeling unsure about how breastfeeding will go, I’ll help you build a birth plan that supports a strong start to your lactation journey. After all, birth experiences and outcomes are deeply connected to breastfeeding success.

Investment $325 - Inquire Here

Mothering the Mother Postpartum Ceremony

Birth Processing + Healing Ritual

We offer Birth Story Listening for those who’ve experienced a traumatic birth—or simply wish to honor their journey into motherhood through intentional storytelling. Held in the comfort of your home, this 3-hour session creates a safe, sacred space for reflection and healing.

Each experience is personalized and may include:

- A soothing foot soak with salts, herbs, and flowers

- Healing crystals and singing bowls

- A guided meditation and affirmations

- A "write & burn" release ritual

- Baby’s first bath ceremony (when appropriate)

- Locally sourced artisan tea or a nourishing warm meal

You'll also receive referrals to a trusted network of mental health providers, including a curated list of local BIPOC therapists.

Investment starts at $600. Click here to inquire and begin your healing journey.

"Pick My Brain" Sessions & Mentoring

Lighting Your Path to Birth Work

I offer private mentorship sessions for both new and experienced birth workers. Whether you're navigating a tough case, refining your practice, or just want to “pick my brain,” I’m here for it.

💼 $175 for 60 minutes – Non-Bipoc birth professionals

🤎 $75 for 60 minutes – Bipoc birth professionals

Let’s connect, build, and grow together.

Curriculum & Program Development

Professional Birth Workers

I specialize in curriculum design, content creation, and program development for organizations looking for guidance from an experienced birth worker. Whether you need a custom curriculum, a skilled facilitator, or support aligning your program with community-centered goals—I’m here to help. I’ve partnered with nonprofits, clinics, universities, and doula training programs, and I’m always open to new ideas. Let’s connect and see how we can work together!

Book A Consult