Breastfeeding support

baby twins076 _DSC8446 _DSC8671 _DSC8699 04Breastfeeding is one of the most natural processes in life, although even though this natural process is instinctive for babies, it doesn’t always come naturally to us all, especially in modern societies.

However, this is a skill that can be taught and with time, trust, care and support I hope to offer a service that will ensure a happy and successful breastfeeding experience for the whole family.

What is an IBCLC?

The IBCLC is the professional level of qualification in breastfeeding assistance, it is the highest credential awarded in lactation, equivalent to a Master’s degree in breastfeeding and the only one to be recognised worldwide.
I am registered and regulated by the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners and committed to providing the best possible clinical care and delivering information that is evidence-based, current and backed by research.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) have successfully completed a 6 hour written examination at degree level and a substantial amount of breastfeeding counseling work over many years.

The exam includes all aspects of breastfeeding:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Immunology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Drugs in breast milk
  • Allergies and breastfeeding
  • Research
  • Ethics

Unfortunately, there are lots of people who call themselves “Breastfeeding Experts/Specialists” without holding any valid credentials. Breastfeeding counsellors have substantial breastfeeding training and must belong to an accredited organisation. However, IBCLC have the most extensive, evidence-based, and up-to–date knowledge. Always look for the IBCLC mark of excellence! For more information, read the following article: Who’s helping you, by ‘Milk Matters’.

About me as an LC

As well as being a Doula, I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specialising in breastfeeding support for mums and babes.

Having done my initial breastfeeding training with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and La Leche League, I then undertook my
training to become a Lactation Consultant and I am now a member of Lactation Consultants of Great Britain.

The way I work is based on building a relationship with you, listening to your concerns, gaining your trust and providing accurate evidence-based information.

The most important part of supporting a mother and baby with breastfeeding is to understand what the mother’s objectives are and how I can work with her to achieve those.

I am passionate about breastfeeding, but more importantly I am passionate about mother’s choice and having a happy family, so if you want to breastfeed and welcome me into your home, I will be guided by you and do whatever I can to make your breastfeeding experience a positive one!

If it becomes evident that a tongue tie may be impacting on breastfeeding, I can diagnose this and refer to your local NHS tongue tie clinic or to one of the private tongue tie Specialists that I work with.

Please also visit my other site:  Breastfeeding London