Frequently asked questions.

Which areas of London do you offer in person home visits?

Generally central, west, south-west, and a bit of north-west London. I live in Fulham and try and keep travelling time to 45 mins or less. However I am open to travelling further for an extra charge so please get in touch to discuss options.
Can I visit you at a clinic?

Not yet – but I hope to be offering some clinic-based consultations in Fulham and Wandsworth in early 2025.
Do I still have to have antenatal/ postnatal care with the NHS?

Yes. I provide non-clinical care and support alongside either your NHS or private maternity care. I don’t provide individual medical advice, and you should contact your own midwife or obstetrician if you have a specific concern for either you or your baby.
Are you available 24/7?

I am available on WhatsApp for those who have booked a package of care or lactation consult between 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (non-urgent queries only). I work two days a week for the NHS and so replies on these days are around my working hours. For anything urgent you should contact the maternity care provider that you are booked or receiving postnatal care with.
Do you provide support/care in labour?

No, unfortunately due to my contracted job with the NHS I am not able to be on-call and therefore aren’t able to provide this level of support. I can signpost you to birth support services if this is something that you are looking for.
What topics do you cover in your antenatal and birth preparation sessions?

Sessions are tailored to your needs, but examples of some common topics are: - Physiology and stages of labour, and how best to prepare for both - Pain relief options and waterbirth - Induction of labour and what to expect if things don’t go according to plan - Caesarean birth - emergency and scheduled - Birth preference planning - Role of birthing partner - Your hospital stay - Breastfeeding - physiology and how to prepare/ what to expect - Going home and early postnatal period for you and baby - Newborn care and physiology - what’s normal and what to expect - Emotional recovery - Expressing (pumping) breastmilk - when, how and why you might do this - What (and what not) to buy, and what to pack for hospital
Can you arrange bespoke in-person antenatal classes for groups of friends?

Absolutely - this is usually delivered over the course of one full day and the content is entirely tailored to your needs. Each couple has a virtual 1:1 consultation with me before the group session to provide a confidential space, and to ensure I cover everything that is required.
What is a lactation consultant, or IBCLC?

A lactation consultant has achieved the highest professional level of training and accreditation in the field of lactation and support at a global level. They have acquired a minimum of 90 hours of breastfeeding-related training, 1000 hours of clinical practice providing infant feeding support and passed a four-hour exam. They are required to recertify every five years to ensure their knowledge and practice is maintained to the highest standard.
Can you help me even if I am not breastfeeding?

Yes – I am committed to supporting you and your feeding choices, whatever they are. I can help you prepare for using bottles and giving formula safely, and help you feel confident with feeding your baby.
Is there a limit to the WhatsApp support I can have?

The WhatsApp support I provide is to help keep you on track after a consultation. The support lasts for two weeks after your last consultation, and should be related to the content and plan made during our consultation. For full plan reviews and revisions, a follow up consultation is required.
Have you been vaccinated against Covid-19?

Yes, I have received all covid vaccines and boosters. I take up all vaccination opportunities for healthcare professionals.