I discovered infant feeding support through my struggles with feeding my firstborn. A visit from an IBCLC accredited Lactation Consultant turned things around for our feeding journey and lit a spark in me; I discovered that I wanted to support other parents and caregivers in difficulty.

I trained as a Peer Supporter, then a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, and started to work on the National Breastfeeding Helpline whilst pursuing my goal of becoming qualified as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As part of my training I completed one thousand hours of clinical experience as a volunteer on the Postnatal Ward at Lewisham University Hospital in London. At the hospital I was privileged to work alongside families from an extremely diverse range of backgrounds and I also supported older infants and toddlers at breastfeeding groups in the London Borough of Lewisham. I continue to support and volunteer in Hastings as part of East Sussex Early Days and Breast Mates.

I discovered infant feeding support through my struggles with feeding my firstborn. A visit from an IBCLC accredited Lactation Consultant turned things around for our feeding journey and lit a spark in me; I discovered that I wanted to support other parents and caregivers in difficulty.

I trained as a Peer Supporter, then a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, and started to work on the National Breastfeeding Helpline whilst pursuing my goal of becoming qualified as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As part of my training I completed one thousand hours of clinical experience as a volunteer on the Postnatal Ward at Lewisham University Hospital in London. At the hospital I was privileged to work alongside families from an extremely diverse range of backgrounds and I also supported older infants and toddlers at breastfeeding groups in the London Borough of Lewisham. I continue to support and volunteer in Hastings as part of East Sussex Early Days and Breast Mates.

QUALIFICATIONS

IBCLC Accreditation

Diploma in Sociology, Child Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology

Member: Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

Member: Lactation Consultants of Great Britain

MA – Opera Performance (Guildhall)

BMus (Hons) – Classical Singing (Royal Academy of Music)

WHAT IS AN IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the highest level of accreditation for breastfeeding support and requires rigorous training. IBCLCs either come from a healthcare background or have to sit fourteen Health Science related subjects before applying for the board exam. Trainees need to complete 95 hours of lactation-specific training and must have 1000 hours of clinical practice (specifically in supporting breastfeeding) before being allowed to apply for the exam. Once they pass the exam, IBCLCs must recertify every 5 years with 75 hours of upkeep training to ensure their work follows current research and best practices. 

IBCLCs can support you with complicated issues such as faltering growth, assessments of tongue function, breast/chestfeeding problems, reflux, a non latching baby, and supply issues – as well as more straightforward breastfeeding support.

IBCLCs are also obliged to work according to the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct and must carry full professional insurance. Most U.K. based IBCLCs are members of The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain.

The role of a lactation consultant is to support you, however you choose to feed your child.

How we feed our babies can have a huge impact on how we feel as parents. Whether we choose to feed our babies milk from our bodies or otherwise, the experience of bonding and connection during feeds can be integral to our relationship with our child. Often, through circumstance, or as a result of a lack of funding or support, we aren’t given the information we need to allow us to follow the feeding journey we would like to take.

Feeding, or simply being present for our baby, can be intensely emotional at times. I believe that my job is to stand by you, to support you, and to enable you to find your own way through any challenges that may arise.