Mother of Four, Gold Standard Lactation Consultant and Been-There Done-That Breastfeeding Pro!
Breastfeeding is a lifestyle choice. And I believe that the right support can help you find a happy and healthy balance.
For many breastfeeding mothers, the journey begins long before your sweet baby is born. No two pregnancies or mother and baby bonds are the same. Your circumstances and individual strengths and experiences influence your own approach to breastfeeding your baby.
How do I know?
As a Lactation Consultant in London, helping and supporting breastfeeding mothers and families has given me the privilege of supporting a rich diversity of needs and goals. Each experience is different.
I started my professional journey as a graduate from Washington University in St Louis. Armed with Bachelor of Science degree, I went on to gain clinical experience and work with hundreds of families at clinics in Chicago and San Diego, whilst also co-founding and leading the Boob Group- a weekly breastfeeding support group, before moving to London.
I’m a fully qualified Lactation Consultant, based in Fulham, registered with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, with over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience, required to sit for the IBCLC exam. I’m a Board of Trustee member of the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain and Treasurer of LCGB.
I regularly attend industry conferences & training courses to develop my knowledge. Currently, I’m a third year (final year) student at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, studying Naturopathic Nutrition, with a focus on antenatal and postnatal nutrition and infant and toddler nutrition.
Recently I have attended:
- IBCLC Master Class: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad
- Chrysalis Orofacial TOTS Training ®
- A Moveable Feast: Reflexes and the role of movement in birth & breastfeeding
- Lactation Consultants of Great Britain annual conference for delegates
- Mothers and Depression Study Day held by Lactation Consultants of Great Britain
- First Steps Nutrition Trust Conference
Personally, I have lived it! As a fully-fledged breastfeeding mother of four, I navigated a new and different learning curve with each of my children. This culminated in a mother-baby partnership as unique as their little personalities.
I had my own challenges to face along the way (just like many other nursing mums).
As with any other aspect of parenting, there is no one-size fits all approach to breastfeeding.
My first child happily nursed for hours without actually taking milk. My younger three were very different experiences (painful mastitis, plugged ducts and over-supply caused by over expressing to the opposite end of the spectrum, low milk supply). That’s not to mention my first-hand realisation that lopsided breasts are more than just a tricky fashion issue!
The experience of nursing my first child and the difficult beginning we had inspired me to want to work with other mums. Women, who like myself needed a bit of help and encouragement to find their way.
“Breastfeeding is a learning curve. It is a journey which involves not only you and your baby, but quite often your partner, your family, your friends, and your working life.”
Many years later, the most enjoyable part of my day to day job is seeing a smile on the faces of my clients and their babies. However we get there.
I provide my clients in London with information, guidance, a friendly, non-judgmental ear, and a toolkit of knowledge and techniques to draw upon. Further, my aim is much simpler and greater than that…
It is to empower you in moving forward together. Find your solutions, and arm you with the confidence and coping strategies you need.
Are you looking to work with a Lactation Consultant in the Fulham area of London or Greater London? For more information please visit my Consultations Page or go to contact me to find out about my available hours and get on touch via my Contact Page.
