Frequently Asked Questions

Great question! Lactation Consultants are feeding specialists with extensive knowledge and training about breastfeeding, infant nutrition, breast health, and much more. 

 

In England, many birthing individuals rely on the NHS for healthcare, which means they may not have encountered or heard of a lactation consultant. 

 

Most people receive the majority of their birthing and postnatal care from midwives. Midwives are typically experts in antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care for women and can address general feeding concerns. However, they usually lack specialized training to handle complex feeding challenges.

 

Lactation consultants come from diverse professional backgrounds, such as nutritionist/dieticians, nursing, midwifery, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, medicine, or dentistry. To achieve specialization, lactation consultants complete at least 95 hours of lactation-specific education, gain 500+ supervised clinical hours with a mentor, and pass a rigorous exam to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). All IBCLCs will have an active credential number which you can identify here. 

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Mine is L-130210. 

Lactation consultants are feeding specialists who provide expert support when challenges arise with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or other newborn feeding issues. Think of them as specialists, much like you might consult an endocrinologist or oncologist for specific health concerns.

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They address a wide variety of feeding difficulties, such as slow weight gain, nipple or breast pain, suspected tongue-tie, low milk supply, inverted nipples, latching issues, breast or nipple infections, reflux, colic, oversupply, feeding multiples (e.g., twins or triplets), pumping or transitioning back to work, weaning (to solids or off breastmilk), allergies or intolerances to formula or breastmilk, breastfeeding babies with teeth, and selecting appropriate pumps, bottles, teats, or nipple shields.

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Some parents consult a lactation consultant after previous breastfeeding difficulties to plan for a smoother experience in the future. Others seek guidance if they’ve had breast surgery (e.g., reductions or implants) or other chest complications, aiming to prepare for potential challenges and gain reassurance for their feeding journey.

Absolutely! 

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However, in my experience, this doesn't always work best. The best time to learn and absorb information is while you're still pregnant, not when you're exhausted after having given birth and are navigating caring for a newborn. 

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The most successful families are the ones who attend classes, understand the most common challenges, and are able to prepare for breastfeeding both mentally and physically. (Sometimes this includes antenatal colostrum harvesting!)

Yes please!

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Like any major life event, the best way to prepare is to have the most knowledge from the experts. Even if you think your question is silly, trust me, we've heard sillier!

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I encourage pregnant parents to attend classes or my free feeding drop-in support sessions. The feeding drop-in sessions are a great opportunity to (politely) observe people breastfeeding or chestfeeding their babies, ask some questions, or just to meet friendly folks who are experiencing the same things you will be very shortly!

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I offer home visiting services to Milton Keynes, Bedford, Buckingham, Cranfield, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury, Towcester, Northampton, Astwood, Stevenage, Luton & Dunstable, Flitwick, Ampthill, Olney, Hitchin, and almost all of North Bucks. If you live further out and need support you can pay an additional travel fee, come to my clinic in MK15, or book a virtual consultation. 

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I also work at the hospital in Watford and could possibly swing by for a visit after a shift. 

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Just reach out and I'm sure we can make something work!

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(At this time, I cannot support parents who are located outside of the UK.)

(Seriously, I get this question on a daily basis!)

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I grew up in Northern California and then spent 14 years in Austin, Texas. I moved to England in 2020 for studies and work. Now I say silly things like y'all, nappy, and pram in the same sentence.

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Yes and no. 

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I worked at King's Hospital tongue time clinic in London for some time and am confident in my abilities to assess and identify feeding difficulties, assess for oral restrictions, and can even refer you to a provider. 

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Unfortunately, I cannot perform a tongue tie procedure (frenulotomy) at this time. 

Yes to both.

 

I believe all birthing people should have access to comprehensive feeding specialist support. I have payment plans, steeply discounted rates, and even free services for those in need. Please ask!

Everyone.

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I work with all genders, sexual orientations, religions, cultures, backgrounds, etc. Single parents, teen parents, transgender parents, non binary folks, queer and LGBTQIA+ parents. 

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I have taken training to support survivors and offer trauma-informed care to the best of my ability.

 

I have undertaken a course to help reduce implicit bias and racism as a caregiver. 

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I am an NHS mental health first aider and can signpost parents who are having mental health crises.

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I am also neurodivergent and can adapt my practice to support those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.