Meet Dominique
Dominique Bellegarde is a dedicated advocate, author of Mom, I want Milk!, a community leader known for her passion in supporting families along their motherhood journey.
With a strong commitment to education, empowerment, and shared resources, Dominique's mission is to instill confidence in families as they embrace their unique path to parenthood. Armed with a BA degree in Human Services with a range of certifications including CLC, CLE, Doula, Birth Assistant,Consultant and Lactation Specialist. Dominique stands as a beacon of knowledge and support.
As the founder of D.Legacy PaceSetter, established in 2018, she empowers women and families by assisting them in forming birth teams that prioritize maternal and infant health. With a steadfast belief in individual journeys, Dominique reminds families that they set the pace, while she guides and supports them along the way.
Beyond her work with D.Legacy PaceSetter, Dominique's community involvement is extensive and diverse. Engaging with organizations like CAN, Vital Village, BACE, BHSI, Back to Basics, Family Nurturing Center and the Breastfeeding Coalition, she is an influential member of various initiatives that champion maternal and infant well-being.
Dominique's active participation extends to facilitating community-led baby cafes, supporting MANA and SMC, and even contributing to midwifery alliances. As a mother of four wonderful children, Dominique's personal experiences inform her exceptional dedication to maternal care.
With a background spanning 16 years in lactation support and 3 years of midwifery apprenticing, Dominique's expertise shines through her private practice and various conferences, classes, and support groups. Her ultimate vision is to leave a lasting legacy by reminding families that their journey is unique, and to "Love Up On You and your baby" throughout their transformative experience.
She enjoys exercising, taking walks in the local forests in my community, swimming, running and water aerobics while spending time with her loved ones participating and hosting in Family Paints night events.
It’s your Journey, let’s set the pace.
Credentials & Experience
Bachelors of Arts in Human Services from University of Massachusetts, Boston
over 10years as a Certified Lactation Counselor (C.L.C.) conducted by Academy of Lactation Policy & Practice, actively worked with over 1000 families for 22+ years
Licensed Community Health Worker, case manager, breastfeeding peer counselor& community involvement.
over 5years as a Certified Lactation Educator (C.L.E),conducted by CAPPA, providing breastfeeding classes to prenatal and post-partnum folks, as well as in-home breastfeeding education and virtual learning tools.
provisional DOULA- SMC Full Spectrum Birth and Post-partnum Doula
Certified CPR/AED for Professionals conducted be the American Red Cross
Certified responding to Emergencies First Aid conducted by the American Red Cross
Certified BLS (Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Program from American Heart Association
Certified NRP (Neonatal Resuscitator Program Provider) conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Associations
Certificate of completion Birth Assistant - conducted by Black Sisters Birth Academy
Co-facilitator in the Dorchester community for breastfeeding support groups for over 4 years in a Baby Cafe and the Mother Healing Center with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (I.B.C.L.C.).