CHARLINE OGBENI, MSEd, IBCLC

Charline Ogbeni, MSEd, IBCLC, Full Spectrum Doula, and PAIL Advocate, is dedicated to educating and empowering birthing families. A proud NICU mom and owner of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, Charline blends her personal experience with over 15 years of professional expertise in community-centered care to address the needs of birthing families in Queens, NY, and beyond.

Charline received her bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in psychology and a master’s degree in education school counseling from St. John’s University. She has spent more than a decade educating parents and providing social-emotional support to scholars across New York City. As a certified doula and lactation consultant, Charline supports families during the prenatal period, labor, birth, and postpartum.

Charline has led many innovative initiatives to support families and improve maternal health outcomes in her community, including establishing National Breastfeeding Awareness Day in New York, organizing “Breastfeeding @ The Ballgame,” and founding a Breastmilk Depot. She is currently working toward creating the first Black-owned HMBANA Milk Bank and Birth Center in Queens, NY, providing essential resources for local families. Charline aims to one day start a nonprofit to combat health disparities in communities of color.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Charline shared, “I love supporting families in achieving their goals and seeing subsequent babies grow in environments of confidence and optimism. Working with diverse families across the country inspires me to think critically and innovate to meet their unique needs.”

CHEER is inspired by Charline Ogbeni’s efforts and dedication to improving maternal and child health. We are thrilled to recognize her as our CHAMPion of the Week!

To learn more about Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, or get in touch with Charline, please visit www.somiclients.com.