Lactation Support.
As a certified lactation consultant, I provide you with compassionate and practical guidance to support you through your breastfeeding journey. Whether you're a first time mother or not, breastfeeding can bring unexpected challenges that may feel overwhelming or put your goals at risk.
​
Because each mother-baby relationship is unique, my approach is highly personalised, evidence-based and tailored to your specific needs, goals and preferences.
Conflicting information remains one of the greatest barriers to successful breastfeeding.
Many new mothers receive inconsistent and out-dated advice from different healthcare professionals, family members, or social networks, casting confusion and doubt about the best way forward.
Working with me gives you access to consistent information and tools to help boost your confidence in making the right decisions for you and your baby.
Together we will work to ensure that feeding your baby is a comfortable, sustainable and most importantly, an enjoyable experience.​​​
My service is entirely bespoke and is designed to give you realistic advice based on your circumstances and choice. Contact me so we can talk through the option that works best for you.
How I can help you and your baby.
Preparing for breastfeeding
Preparing to breastfeed before your baby is born is one of the best things you can do. Understanding how milk production and your baby works is vital to ensuring you’re able to manage the first few days and weeks and give yourself the best opportunity of reaching your feeding goals. See 'Antenatal Breastfeeding Education' under Prices for more detailed information.
Latching difficulties
Latching difficulties can lead to pain and frustration. I will guide and adjust you and your baby to find more comfortable and effective feeding positions, improving your baby’s latch and ultimately help make breastfeeding feel more sustainable.
Painful breastfeeding
Pain in your breasts and/ or nipples is common but isn’t normal. I will work to identify the root cause of the pain (such as latch or positioning issues) and work on a plan with you to reduce the pain and improve your breastfeeding experience.
Pumps/ nipple shields/ nursing aids
Whether you plan to or not, many of you will use one of these at some point in your breastfeeding journey. It is important to use the right tool, at the right time, and in the right way. I will help you select and correctly use these and ensure that you have a manageable plan with a clear exit strategy when the time is right.
Your medical history
Some conditions and procedures can have an impact on breastfeeding. Examples of these include: - Breast surgery (augmentation/ reduction/ biopsies/ lump removal) - Polycystic ovary syndrome - Thyroid disorders - Endocrine (hormonal) disorders - Treatment for cancer - Certain medications (the truth is that very few are truly contraindicated with breastfeeding) - Fertility issues If you are concerned about these or anything else, then contact me and we can talk through and develop a supportive preparation and feeding plan to support and address any factors that could influence your breastfeeding experience.
Tandem feeding
For those of you feeding twins or nursing a new baby alongside an older sibling, I can guide and help you balance the needs of each child, alongside your own to manage feeding sessions effectively and comfortably.
Choosing to stop breastfeeding or returning to work
Deciding when to stop breastfeeding is incredibly personal. I will support you to do this gently and safely and reduce the chance of commonly associated issues such as mastitis.
Reassurance and confidence boost
Sometimes all you need is someone to listen, validate and reassure you that you’ve got this. Breastfeeding is full of unexpected challenges, but I am here to give you the support and confidence to stay motivated throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Milk supply concerns
Whether you’re experiencing too little or too much milk, I can help work through the issues and discuss strategies to manage production. We will develop a manageable and realistic plan tailored to both yours and your baby’s needs.
Growth concerns for baby
Slow growth or weight issues for your baby can be extremely concerning. I will look at the whole picture for you both (from your pregnancy to now) to help identify the factors likely contributing to the issues and develop a manageable plan with practical tips for you both to get back on track.
Engorgement and mastitis
Breast engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis is caused by inflammation and can be extremely painful and disruptive to breastfeeding. It is important to get timely and skilled support. I can work through the spectrum of inflammatory breast issues, and work on a personalised plan to relieve the pain, promote more comfortable and effective breastfeeding and minimise further complications for you.
Tongue-tie or oral restriction concerns
Issues like tongue-tie and oral restrictions can have a huge impact on breastfeeding success. I am an accredited tongue-tie assessor (The Infant Feeding Academy) and have the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake oral examinations. I will discuss the findings with you and any potential referral options, and work on a plan to help you continue to feed until treatment can be sought. It is important to note that the majority of midwives have not undertaken relevant training in tongue-tie assessment, so if someone has commented that there is/ isn’t a tongue tie, then please do ask if they are a qualified assessor.
Premature baby
Babies born earlier than expected may find feeding more challenging and it’s likely you will both need gentle but structured and skilled support to manage the early weeks. If you already know that your baby is going to be born early, then we can work on a plan before birth to optimally support you and your baby and give you confidence in starting your breastfeeding journey.
Reflux, colic and allergies
Reflux and colic are usually symptoms of something else. I will work with you to identify and address the likely contributing factors. If food sensitivity or food allergies are suspected, I can work through how to identify and eliminate these and ensure you have appropriate input from skilled professionals such a paediatric dietician.
Lactation after pregnancy or baby loss
If you find yourself in this devastating position, I’m so sorry for your pain and grief. Having to think about dealing with milk production may seem impossible at such a time. Options include suppressing lactation, or expressing and donating your milk. If you’re undecided, then I will support you to find the right solution for you. **This service is free for anyone needing this kind of support.**
Prices.
Antenatal Breastfeeding Education
These sessions will help prepare you for the first few hours, days and weeks after your baby is born.
​
Sessions typically cover (but are not limited to):
​
-
Benefits of breastfeeding for you and baby
-
Role of skin to skin
-
How breastmilk supply works
-
How to hold your baby for feeding (positioning and attachment)
-
Breastfeeding in the early days
-
How to maintain a good supply
-
Hand expressing and antenatal colostrum harvesting
-
How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk
-
Normal newborn behaviour – what to expect
-
Common breastfeeding hurdles and how to manage them
-
Electronic resources covering the above material
-
An opportunity to ask all your questions
Virtual: 1.5hrs - £150
At home: 1.5 hrs - £250
​
Local discount offered to those in SW6 for home visits.