Frequently Asked Questions
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An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the highest internationally recognised qualification in lactation and breastfeeding care. We support families with all aspects of infant feeding, from preparing to breastfeed during pregnancy to overcoming feeding challenges after your baby is born.
As an IBCLC, I can help with concerns such as painful feeding, difficulties with latching, low milk supply, recurring mastitis, slow weight gain, expressing and pumping, combination feeding, bottle refusal, weaning from breastfeeding, and much more.
Every consultation is tailored to you, your baby and your family's goals, with evidence-based recommendations that protect your feeding relationship and your confidence as a parent.
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You don't need to wait until things feel overwhelming.
Many families book an appointment because something doesn't feel quite right, even if they can't put their finger on exactly what it is. Trust your instincts. If feeding is painful, stressful, confusing or you're simply looking for reassurance, it's always worth reaching out.
Some parents choose to see me during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding, while others book support in the first few days after birth. I also regularly support families with older babies who are navigating changes in feeding, returning to work, combination feeding or breastfeeding beyond infancy.
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Absolutely. Antenatal breastfeeding preparation can make a huge difference to how confident you feel when your baby arrives.
Rather than focusing on rigid rules, we'll explore how breastfeeding works, what to expect during the early days, how to recognise effective feeding, and how to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. We'll also discuss your individual circumstances, answer any questions you have and make a plan that feels right for you.
Many parents tell me they wish they'd had this information before their baby was born.
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Every consultation is different because every family is different.
Before your consultation, you'll complete a comprehensive history covering your pregnancy, birth, your baby's health, feeding journey and any concerns you'd like to discuss. Taking the time to understand your story beforehand means we can focus our appointment on assessing feeding, answering your questions and creating a personalised plan that's right for you and your baby.
If your baby is ready to feed during the appointment, I'll observe a breastfeed (or bottle feed where appropriate) and carry out a full feeding assessment. Depending on your situation, this may include looking at positioning and attachment, milk transfer, your baby's oral function and weight gain, alongside anything else that's relevant to your feeding journey.
There'll be plenty of time to ask questions, and together we'll create a personalised plan that's realistic, evidence-based and tailored to your family's goals. My aim is that you leave feeling informed, supported and more confident than when you arrived.
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If you're concerned that your baby may have a tongue tie, during your consultation, I'll assess your baby's oral anatomy and function. If I identify signs that a tongue restriction may be contributing to your feeding challenges, I'll explain what I've found and discuss whether a referral for further assessment would be appropriate.
It's important to remember that not every tongue tie causes feeding difficulties, and not every feeding difficulty is caused by a tongue tie. That's why it's so important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing on the tongue alone.
If your baby does go on to have a tongue tie assessment or frenulotomy, I can also support you before and after the procedure, helping you optimise feeding, improve positioning and attachment, and work towards your feeding goals.
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Initial consultations usually last around 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to understand what's happening, observe a feed if appropriate and discuss a personalised plan.
Follow-up appointments are typically shorter and focus on reviewing progress, answering new questions and making any adjustments needed as your baby grows.
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Yes, absolutely.
I actively encourage partners or another supportive family member to attend if they'd like to. Feeding isn't something you have to navigate alone, and having someone else there can help them understand what's happening, ask questions and feel confident supporting you afterwards.
Whether you come on your own or with someone else, you'll always be welcomed into a safe, supportive and judgement-free space.
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I know that feeding concerns often can't wait, especially in the early days with a new baby.
I always do my best to offer appointments as quickly as possible, and where I can, I'll prioritise families who need urgent feeding support. You can view my current availability and book online, or get in touch if you're unsure which appointment is right for you or would like to try see me sooner.
If I'm unable to see you as quickly as you'd like, I'll always try to suggest the most appropriate next steps so you can access support when you need it.
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My goal isn’t just to support you during your appointment – it’s to help you feel confident in the days that follow too.
After your consultation, you’ll receive a personalised summary of our discussion, along with any recommendations and resources we've talked about. Your appointment also includes one week of follow-up support via text message or email, so if questions come up or you need reassurance as you put your plan into practice, you won’t be navigating things on your own.
If we've arranged a follow-up appointment, we’ll review how things are progressing and make any adjustments needed as your baby grows.
Feeding journeys are rarely linear, and it's completely normal for new questions to arise. Whether you need a little reassurance or ongoing support, I’m here to help you feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.