FAQs

What sort of things can an IBCLC help me with?

A wide range of Infant feeding challenges, from being prepared before your baby is born, to initial hurdles with milk supply or latching issues. IBCLC’s provide person centred support with feeding for the whole feeding journey.

  • Sore nipples

  • Weight gain challenges

  • Navigating expressing milk

  • Responsive feeding

  • The fourth trimester

  • Feeding out and about

  • Introducing solid foods

  • Mixed feeding

  • Going back to work

  • Stopping breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding through pregnancy

Why should I contact a Lactation Consultant?

The IBCLC qualification is the international gold standard in infant feeding and breastfeeding support. Ongoing professional development and updating knowledge is part of the requirement to remain an IBCLC.

What are your credentials?

I have been supporting infant feeding for 20 years, first as a volunteer peer supporter, then I trained with the NCT as a Breastfeeding Counsellor, (Dip HE) After many years of providing NCT breastfeeding antenatal classes, I defected to the ABM and joined their breastfeeding counsellor training team. I’ve trained and organised community breastfeeding support services, run infant feeding clinics, trained health care professionals and I’m part of the NHS infant feeding team in South Glos. I qualified as an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in 2023. I’m a member or LCGB (Lactation Consultants of Great Britain).

Do you work out of your area?

Yes, I work primarily in South Glos, North Bristol, East Bristol, Keynsham. If you out of my area, we can video call, or I can work out a price for travel.

Do Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) do home visits?

Yes, I can visit you at home, help you breastfeed your baby in your own environment, with your own furniture. I am a massive fan of breastfeeding support groups, but sometimes you just need help at home.

Can I meet an IBCLC at a cafe to practise feeding out and about?

Yes, I can be with you as you venture out into the world, and give support and top tips for feeding out and about. Let’s meet at a cafe, or go for a walk.

Do lactation consultants (IBCLC’s) support mixed feeding or combi feeding families?

Yes, absolutely. There is a bit of an image problem with IBCLC’s being the boob police in some areas. In reality, there is no breastfeeding support without mixed feeding support. IBCLC’s work without judgement or preconception to help you get to your feeding goal. For some women or birthing people that goal might be exclusive breastmilk feeding or for others breastfeeding to a certain week or month of age. Many families look for support when they find themselves going down a route that they had not planned for.

Is breastfeeding using a nipple shield still breastfeeding?

Yes, absolutely, shields have their place, and can be a useful tool. They are particularly useful for encouraging a baby back to the breast after being bottle fed. Sometimes, a baby will need the extra stimulation provided by a shield to be able to feed effectively. It’s worth asking for support around using a shield, as some small changes might help you ditch them.

There is a worry that using a shield may decrease your milk supply, so, again, getting support around optimal latch is useful.

Do lactation consultants have experience in introducing solid foods?

Yes, IBCLC’s work antenatally, postnatally and during weaning - either weaning on to solid foods or weaning off the breast at the end of breastfeeding.

Do you offer text based support?

Yes, after our initial home visit or video consultation, you can WhatsApp me or text me to follow up.

Do you offer antenatal education?

Yes, I offer stand alone antenatal video calls, or a package that covers support before and after your baby is born.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, If your baby is under 7 days old, I offer a £10 reduction for either video or home visit consultation.

If you can organise a small group for antenatal support we can create a bespoke class that will be cheaper than individual rates.

If you are in South Glos, I can meet you at a Baby Hub, or add you to my NHS list.

How often to newborn babies breastfeed in 24 hours?

The normal range is around 8-12 times in 24 hours. It may be many more times than this, but fewer feeds may indicate they are too sleepy to feed effectively.

Is it normal for breastfed babies to poo less often?

Babies under 6 weeks are expected to poo at least 2, £2 coin sized poos a day. A lot more is great! It is worth investigating any baby that is not pooing every day.