About me

Hanna Cotlar, CLC

Hello! I’m Hanna Cotlar, and I help families in Houston navigate birth and breastfeeding as a certified Lactation Counselor and Birth Doula in training under CBI.

I’m a mom of two, with one on the way, and a proud wife. My journey to Houston started in 2020, when I left my home in Australia to be with my soulmate. I’ve been serving the Houston community since 2024, and added doula work a year later, helping families navigate the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of parenthood. 

When I’m not supporting families, I’m exploring my artistic side, experimenting in the kitchen, hosting dinner parties, or savoring plain, hot black tea paired with a decadent dessert. 

I actually married into a family where birth is a family business. My mother-in-law is a Doula, as was her own mother, who has over 50 years of experience supporting families. Placentas, dilation, and due dates are common dinner table topics in our home! I’m incredibly close with my in-laws and feel so lucky to have their guidance and wisdom. My mother-in-law even attends all of my own births — you can check her out here.

I first picked up lactation counseling on a whim, inspired by my own struggles and by noticing a lack of support in my community. Since then, I’ve grown to love what I do, and I’m continually inspired by the privilege of supporting families through one of life’s most transformative journeys.

The name ‘BINA’ comes from Kabbalah, meaning ‘understanding’ or ‘insight,’ reflecting my mission to support families with wisdom, clarity, and compassionate guidance. 

I like to describe my approach as “holistic but realistic.” I believe in looking at the whole picture — body, mind, and spirit — while staying grounded and meeting people exactly where they are. I support families in whatever “right” looks like for them: epidural or unmedicated, hospital or home birth, formula or breastfeeding. My goal is simple: to help you feel confident, informed, comfortable, and truly happy throughout your journey.

My Credentials