WHAT IS AN IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) is a skilled healthcare professional focused specifically on initiating, managing and supporting breastfeeding.

This certification is recognised as the highest level of knowledge and commitment - globally recognized as a top credential in lactation care.

In order for me to to gain IBCLC certification, I completed over 90 hours of formal lactation training and more than 1,000 hours of hands-on support.

With over 15 years’ of experience supporting local families (and further afield) with infant feeding, I have experience with a wide range of complex feeding issues (either for the parent or infant).

I’m dedicated to ensure I offer a safe and non-judgemental environment to ensure inclusivety and you feel supported with your needs and those of your children.

My experience combined specialist infant feeding, midwifery and NHS clinical practice.

I work with families experiencing everything from straightforward newborn feeding questions to more complex feeding difficulties.

My NHS work also includes specialist infant feeding support, staff education and alignment with the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

My role in the NHS is working with midwifery and medical teams to provide evidence-based guidelines and teachings to support their care of families who recieve our maternity care.

I run a specialist service within the NHS, teach staff feeding skills to ensure the basics (and more) are shared with midwives and support workers and ultimately, families - aligned with UNICEF Baby Friendly Accreditation.

One of my passions within the NHS is to ensure healthcare professionals giving up-to-date information to families to ensure they are able to make informed choices.

I ensure staff within the NHS are supported in continuing their feeding journey beyond their maternity leave making their return to work more manageable, supportive and less daunting.

How can an NHS service provide good care to families, if we don’t support our colleagues going through it too?