Meet Our Team
Ania Mroczek, BS, RN, IBCLC
Founder of Mohawk Valley Lactation
Many new parents come in to work with me during the most vulnerable time of their lives as they welcome their first baby. As a mother of four children, ranging from 3 to 19 years and over 15 years of experienced in Maternal Child Health and Lactation, I understand the intense feelings and complexities that make the postpartum period both confusing and challenging.
I’m beyond humbled and honored to be able to turn my passion into my dream career in supporting new families during this exciting time in their lives. My services are designed with you and your experiences in mind because I believe every parent deserves unbiased, compassionate expert support to navigate their feeding journey and find the plan that works best for their individual needs.
Education
Registered Nurse
IBCLC
Bachelor of Science
Experience
5 Years Maternity/L@D/Nursery4 Years Lactation Consultant in Upstate Family Birth Center
3 Year Lactation Program Coordination MVHS
10 years Lactation Private Practice
Volunteer services
Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network -Vice president
Breastfeeding Cafe Leader
Professional Speaking
Utica, NY
Syracuse, NY
Kraków, Poland
Brittney Watkins
CLC, Birth Doula
Erica Ciccone, CBD, CLC
Certified Lactation Counselor | Certified Birth Doula through DNT Network
Serving Utica, Rome, Oneida, Cooperstown & Syracuse
From Teacher to Birth Worker
Before birth work, I was a teacher. But everything shifted after having my own 4 beautiful children. They opened my eyes to how deeply mothers need support — the kind I wish I’d had.
My Birth Story → My Passion
My first birth was nothing like I wanted. It ended in an “emergency” c-section that, looking back, wasn’t truly an emergency. I kept thinking: if I had known more, or had someone like a doula by my side, maybe it would have been different.
That traumatic first experience became my turning point. It led me to 3 beautiful, natural VBACs. Those births healed me and ignited a passion: helping women come to birth with excitement and empowerment instead of fear.
Why I Do This Work
I absolutely love watching clients experience that same joy — holding their baby for the first time with that “Wow, I did this. I am so strong” moment.
Every birth is unique. Whether you want an unmedicated birth, epidural, VBAC, or scheduled cesarean — you deserve to feel supported, informed, and respected. My job is to help you make informed decisions, provide resources when the unknown pops up, and protect your space.
My Philosophy
I want every client to feel like they have their very best friend in the room. We laugh, we connect, we get close. I’m not just there for your birth day. I truly love building lifelong friendships and doing motherhood alongside you.
I’d be honored to support you — because you deserve to have a positive, empowering, and beautiful birth experience!
Heidi Chrisman
Birth Doula
Anastasiia Starukhina
Birth Doula
What our clients say about care they received
Ania is the most supportive, caring and genuine lady out there. I truly believe without her my breastfeeding journey wouldnt have happened. Through every struggle (tounge and lip tie, NICU, jaundice, low blood sugars, nipple pain) my son and I had Ania was there for us to answer questions, provide support. Anytime I needed help she was there for us even after leaving the hospital. We have been breastfeeding almost 6 months now and I love every minute of it. I am so glad I had the honor of working with such an amazing lactation consultant.
Ania was beyond professional and knowledgeable. She went above and beyond to provide suggestions both prior and after our initial meeting. It was super convenient to have her come to my own home and see me in my environment. I felt that the initial evaluation was very complete and all of my questions/concerns were answered. I highly recommend Anna for anyone that is even remotely struggling with BF. For something so natural, it is not always easy and it is such a comfort to have such a great support.
I have sought breastfeeding help from Ania with 3 of my children. Each time the care has been compassionate, professional and supportive. She has helped me with my babies having tongue and lip restrictions, dairy intolerances and tandem nursing. She is a treasure for the nursing mothers of the mohawk valley area
I don’t think I would have been able to breastfeed if it wasn’t for Ania. I am still going strong 8 months later. Anna was VERY helpful and knowledgeable when we were in the hospital! She encouraged me to never give up, never pushed me and always offered to come back and give me time if needed. I was in the hospital for 10 days… longer than most new moms and she was there everyday she worked and helped me. She could have stopped after a few days since normal people are discharged home but she spent endless hours with me!
Ania is the most supportive, caring and genuine lady out there. I truly believe without her my breastfeeding journey wouldnt have happened. Through every struggle (tounge and lip tie, NICU, jaundice, low blood sugars, nipple pain) my son and I had Ania was there for us to answer questions, provide support. Anytime I needed help she was there for us even after leaving the hospital. We have been breastfeeding almost 6 months now and I love every minute of it. I am so glad I had the honor of working with such an amazing lactation consultant.
I had so many issues when it came to breastfeeding! My son had a bad latch to start with and I wasn’t able to get a lot of time with the lactation consultant in the hospital. He was extremely frustrated and refusing the breast. So he became jaundice. Then he got thrush. I met with Anna and she helped me so much! She listened to our concerns and gave us ideas and suggestions to try. She thought my son was tongue tied and after seeing a doctor she recommended, he had revisions done to the upper lip and tongue. All of which the pediatricians missed. Now he’s getting better at nursing and we are on way to exclusively breastfeeding. Anna has been so helpful and quick to respond to any questions. I wouldn’t be breastfeeding today without the support of Anna!
She helped keep me calm and focused throughout the entire process, always knowing exactly what I needed in the moment. Her presence brought so much comfort and reassurance to both me and my family.
Even after the birth, she continued to check in on me and offered guidance with breastfeeding, which meant so much during those first overwhelming days. Her care didn’t stop once the baby arrived, and that really shows how dedicated she is to the families she supports.
I am so grateful to have had her by my side. She is truly amazing at what she does, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive doula
Its not looked upon much but if you are going to have a child and need help on understanding things and or ways to make things more comfortable for yourself, Mohawk Valley Lactation is where youll find your help, between Erica, Brittany, Ania, They are all awesome, and wonderful ladies who are so encouraged with seeing you all succeed!!! Don't feel awkard and or freaked out by the discussion its so real, and these topics are normal, we are woman who deal with it all....
From finding the right doctor, to making sure you are prepared to being ready and feeling ready to having all the divided support and advocating for what you want, it all matters and its worth it for your little one
She was in the failure to thrive zone for weight when I first came in at 4 1/2 weeks. We bought formula to have on hand because her inability to transfer milk had tanked my supply. I wa so scared and sad for her. She was sooooo scrawny. (But still bright eyed and hopeful) Some nights we were down to the last bag of pumped milk in the freezer and it felt like my breasts were soft and empty… but the plan Ania suggested for me worked and I started to wake up mornings with breasts full of milk for my little one. We never did open the formula. Then we addressed the continued issues with her breast feeding until she was nursing normally finally at 10 1/2 weeks. Now she is 15th percentile and nursing is a joy for us both.
She is my third, and I never had issues with my first two so I was not expecting to struggle. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Ania.
P.s even if you’ve had children before (breastfeeding experience), never be afraid to reach out for support/advice/help from a lactation consultant.