About Farnaz Elist
Farnaz Elist is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Dietician, and Public Health Nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in pediatric, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition counseling and lactation consulting. She has been an IBCLC for 3 years, enabling her to work with mothers and babies with additional needs and high-risk scenarios. She is a current member of the American Dietetic Association, the US Lactation Consultant Association, and the International Lactation Consultant Association and US Breastfeed LA.
Farnaz’s unique combination of expertise has enabled her to incorporate her knowledge as a Registered Dietician into her sessions with new and expecting mothers:
“Ensuring mothers have the nourishment they need ensures the baby gets the nourishment they deserve. Providing lactation support for breastfeeding individuals and structure for anyone striving to create healthy nutritional habits have been my passions for almost two decades.”
My goal is to support health and wellness, whether it’s through optimizing nutrition or promoting the precious time of bonding between mother and child.
Farnaz understands the struggles of women who feel insecure with their body image. Taking a nutrition class in college inspired her to want to learn more so she could help herself and other people who struggle with body dysmorphia and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Early in her career, Farnaz incorporated her knowledge as a Registered Dietician into her sessions with new and expecting mothers. Working with children, prenatal women and postpartum moms as a dietician showed her that mothers’ needs are often overlooked or downplayed, and the in-hospital lactation support lacked follow through. This inspired her to add lactation consulting to her knowledge base in 2002.
“There are huge gaps in knowledge and support for new and expectant mothers. The Elist Method closes these gaps through education, planning, and support. I employ a holistic approach that combines customized nutritional planning, training in latching and production techniques, and 1-1 accompaniment to help prepare and support women who plan to become mothers, are expecting mothers or have recently delivered and are struggling in their postpartum stage.”
Farnaz isn’t just available to nursing mothers – she begins the nutritional journey with her clients before they are even pregnant. Her background as a Registered Dietician and IBCLC certification gives her a deeper understanding of breastfeeding moms’ needs and how to serve them.
The Elist Method recognizes that every body is different, and offers plans totally customized to each clients’ needs and backgrounds.
As soon as Summer 2024, Farnaz will be able to offer even deeper insight into her clients’ health journeys when she receives her certification in functional nutrition, which will enable her to:
- Find the root causes of medical issues and address them holistically through detox, supplements, nutritional adjustments
- Help people who want to take natural approaches to accelerate their fertility journeys
Farnaz is a Southern California resident, and serves the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego Areas. She also works with patients across the US and internationally via HIPPA-compliant video and phone sessions.
Certifications
Certified Lactation Consultant, 2001
I started my career by completing my Certified Lactation Consultant certificate program, which gave me the knowledge to work with breastfeeding parents and understanding problems of clinical management.
Registered Dietician, 2008
As a registered dietitian (RD), I have had extensive training in nutrition science, clinical nutrition, and dietary counseling, allowing me to provide evidence-based, individualized nutrition guidance, and medical nutrition therapy for various health conditions.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, 2021
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I possess in-depth knowledge, skills, and clinical experience, enabling me to assess and manage complex breastfeeding issues, develop personalized care plans, and support families with evidence-based strategies.
Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training, 2022
I received my TOTS Certification from Chrysalis Orofacial, where I learned the E3 Model of Care for oral tether issues. With my TOTS Training, I am able to easily identify and address newborn feeding issues associated with tethered oral tissues.
Functional Nutrition, 2024
In the Summer of 2024, I will receive my certification in functional nutrition, which will enable me to find the root causes of medical issues and address them holistically through detox, supplements, and nutritional adjustments. I’m very excited to help people who want to take natural approaches to accelerate their wellness and/or fertility journeys.