07951699994
IBCLC Speciailised Infant Feeding Support
About Me
Shops are filled with books on pregnancy, but once you have had your baby you can feel very much alone. Feeding advice and support can feel very conflicting and confusing at times.
As a mother of two boys, I can remember that period well, the feeling of confusion but also the feeling of regained confidence, when I found the support I needed.
I also work as a Baby Friendly Co-ordinator and neonatal specialist nurse in one of London's leading neonatal intensive care units, and see first hand the importance of early and consistent evidence based feeding support.
That background inspired me to train and become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
You can verify me here: https://iblce.org/public-registry/
I am a member of the Lactation Consultants of Great Britian (LCGB)
Goals look different to everyone, I am here to help you, whatever your feeding goal may be.
How can I help you?
According to the 2010 UK-wide Infant Feeding Survey, 24% of babies were being exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks, which then dropped to 17% by 3 months. Showing that there is a lack of support and knowledge in the early days. In many parts of the world a lactation consultant is a regular part of your perinatal team, unfortunately in England this is not the case.
Possible scenarios may be:
* Stress/Anxiety related to feeding
* Latch difficulties
* Pain, Sore nipples
* Difficulty gaining weight
* Low birth weight
* Real or perceived low milk supply
* Antenatal preparation & support
* Expressing support
* Ex premature or hospitalised baby
* Oversupply
* Safely combination feeding
* Weaning from breastfeeding
Every family's feeding goal is different. Maybe your concern doesn't fit any of these scenarios, that's okay...
I am still here to help you.
I travel to areas up to 30 minutes from my home in Chessington, Surrey. If you are a little further than that, send me and email. Travel and resources (if needed) included.
Antenatal Packages
Please get in touch for a chat, to work out which is right for you.
Antenatal Feeding Introduction - £50
Relaxed discussion regarding your feeding goals, and what to expect in the early days & months. This may be exclusive or combination feeding. Partners strongly encouraged.
Duration 60 minutes
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Postnatal visit offered at a discounted rate of £120 if booked within 2 weeks of birth.
Antenatal/newborn package - £250
This is a package designed to help you get your breastfeeding journey off the the best start.
3 visits (60-90 minutes each), 1x antenatally, 2 x postnatally (ideally as soon as possible after birth and 1-2 weeks later). All postnatal appointments to be used within a month after birth.
Maybe this is your first baby, or maybe not, and you are hoping to avoid troubles from previous feeding experiences.
This includes messaging support from your antenatal session until 2 weeks after your last post natal session.
'Pick my brain' phone call - £40
You don't feel you need face to face support or a feeding assessment, however you want to talk things over.
You might choose do to do this before your baby is born, but don't wish to do the antenatal feeding preparation session, or after birth.
This is for you to pick my brain on what's important to you.
Duration up to 1 hour
Post Natal
Please get in touch for a chat, to work out which is right for you.
Mini Home Visit - £120
VIP
This type of consultation may be useful for you if you just want to check everything is going as it should. You may have small questions but no problems. I will ask you to fill in my form in advance of the session, to decide if this type of consultation is suitable in your circumstances.
Duration 60 minutes.
After this time, extra block of 15 minute charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you would like to continue.
HELP!!
Home Visit - £150
Help needed NOW!
At any point during your feeding journey, you might feel that you need a bit of extra support. To discuss your situation and what type of support suits you and your family, we start by having an obligation free chat over the phone. If you choose to progress with the appointment. During the consultant we look at your concerns and make a plan to address them.
After the consultation we stay in touch by phone/messages for 2 weeks, adapting the plan we made together as needed. Generally, this is all that is required. However there is the option for further visits if you feel that is what you would prefer.
Duration 90 minutes.
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
'Pick my brain' phone call - £40
Premium
You don't feel you need face to face support or a feeding assessment, however you want to talk things over.
You might choose do to do this before your baby is born, but don't wish to do the antenatal feeding preparation session, or after birth.
This is for you to pick my brain on what's important to you.
Duration up to 1 hour £40
Cheer Leader in your pocket
1 Week - £50
2 Weeks - £90
1 month - £150
Phone a friend package
This package is designed for those families who have quick questions or simple concerns. This isn't suitable if you have problems that need supporting.
This is a virtual support package - We will start with a phone conversation, to discuss your concerns. If this package is right for your situation, I will ask you to complete a booking form. After that point all support is via messages.
If at any point your situation requires a home visit, we can arrange that at a discounted rate of £100.
Please contact me via message/email to arrange this.
Duration 1-2 weeks - your choice
8am-8pm 7 days a week
Add on
Follow up visit -
£70 face to face or virtual
Add on service for previous clients
This service is for those clients who have previously had a home visit, and feel they would like further face to face support. This can include a weight if needed.
60 mins duration (Including 2 weeks further virtual support)
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Add on
Virtual Support -
2 weeks - £50
1 month - £90
Whatsapp, email, phone
This is an add on service for current clients who feel they could benefit from an extended period of virtual support after the initial 2 weeks has ended.
Please contact me via message/email to arrange this
Add on
Weight Monitoring - £30/visit
For clients who have first received a home visit
This is for current clients who are receiving support for weight related concerns. This includes weighing of baby and short discussion regarding the adjusting of feeding plan. If you think you would benefit from further practical support, please choose 'Follow up visit' which can include a weight check and practical support.
This weight check can be purchased as a one off after initial consultation or as a 4 weekly package (£100).
Duration 30 minutes
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Expressing Support - £70/face to face or £50/virtual
Hand expressing and electric pump support/education
This session can be used in isolation, for mothers who are wishing to start expressing and haven't yet commenced, or who have started and would like a little guidance. This is not appropriate for mothers currently expressing and having concerns - please book mini home visit.
Covered in this session:
* Short history
* How milk is made
* Hand expressing
* Use of electric pump
* Electric pump shield fitting
* Hormonal response
* Safe storage and preparation for use
* Increasing/decreasing supply
* Expressing log to document milk yield
This session can be virtual or face to face
Duration 60 mins
Premature/Sick baby
Please get in touch for a chat, to work out which is right for you.
Premature/sick baby Package 1 - £100
In hospital package
This is designed to complement the feeding care you and your baby are being given in hospital. We keep in touch over the days/weeks that your baby in the hospital, working together on increasing/decreasing milk supply, positive feeding practices, nurturing and bonding, preparing for transitioning to suck feeding, and preparing for bringing your baby home.
Having a baby in hospital is all encompassing, therefore, this can be done via phone, virtual or face to face, what ever works for you. In the initial conversation I will take a detailed history and we will discuss goals and challenges.
Duration 60 minutes
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Premature/sick baby package 2 - £180
At home package
This package is designed to support you once your baby has come home from the neonatal unit. I will aim to visit your home within 2 days of baby being discharged, or at a time that is convenient to you.
It can be added to package 1, at a discounted rate of £100 or used in isolation.
We will stay in contact via phone/message as guided by you for 2 weeks.
Duration up to 120 minutes
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Add on
Follow up visit -
£70 face to face/virtual
Add on service for previous clients
This service is for those clients who have previously had a home visit, and feel they would like further support.
60 mins duration
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Expressing Support -
£70/face to face or £50/virtual
Hand expressing and electric pump Support/education
This session can be used in isolation, for mothers who are wishing to start expressing and haven't yet commenced, or who have started and would like a little guidance. This is not appropriate for mothers currently expressing and having concerns - please book mini home visit.
Covered in this session:
* Short history
* How milk is made
* Hand expressing
* Use of electric pump
* Electric pump shield fitting
* Hormonal response
* Safe storage and preparation for use
* Increasing/decreasing supply
* Expressing log to document milk yield
This session can be virtual or face to face.
Duration 60 minutes.
Add on:
Weight Monitoring - £30/visit
For clients who have received a home visit
This is for current clients who are receiving support for weight related concerns. This includes weighing of baby and short discussion regarding the adjusting of feeding plan. If you think you would benefit from further practical support, please choose 'Follow up visit' which can include a weight check and practical support.
This weight check can be purchased as a one off after initial consultation or as a 4 weekly package (£100).
Duration 30 minutes
After this times, extra blocks of 15 minutes charged at £15 - don't worry, I will tell you, so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Bespoke
Have something else in mind, please contact me and we can work out the price according to the services/support you require.
Testimonials
The support, advice and kindness that Helen gave us on our breastfeeding journey has been unbelievable. It's made all the difference in success with both of our kids. Neither I or my babies took to breastfeeding easily and there were so many challenges to overcome and daily reasons to give up. Helen helped us to meet each challenge with evidence based guidance and gentle encouragement. We are so grateful!
Emma - November 2023
Thank you for your support both prior to and following the birth of our daughter. I came across your website via the LCBG website and felt the range of packages that you offer is very comprehensive and it helped to have clarity on the support I would be receiving. I found the antenatal appointment we had very reassuring and I was confident I would have the support I needed after having a difficult time trying to breastfeed my first child. You were available for appointments within the first few days after the birth and the support on the phone and via what’s app in between was extremely helpful. Whilst I haven’t been able to exclusively breastfeed, up until this point I have been able to combi feed which I was unable to do last time and I feel this is down to the comprehensive one-to-one support I have received. You really helped me improve the latch and explore other options like the supplemental nursing system and helped me find a way to make it work for me and our family so thank you!
Sophie- August 2023
Helen was such an important part of my breastfeeding journey. I really struggled with latch and very sore nipples . After some virtual help on day 5 we had a face to face appointment. Helen was so kind and non judgemental giving practical skills to improve latch and positioning. She was also great in suggesting ways my partner could help which he really appreciated. Helen was very responsive and encouraging. empowering me to make the decisions that I wanted. I can say for sure without her support I would have given up but 10months on I’m still breastfeeding!
Anna - January 2023
Dear Helen Thank you so much for all your help during what I would consider my lowest point in my breastfeeding journey. You were so helpful from the moment I sent you that very first email. All your advice helped me enormously and I am still happily breastfeeding. Thank you for being so caring and responding to all my messages at crazy times.
Katya June 2022
Helen was easy to get hold of and responded promptly. She took the time to learn about the birth of my baby and our feeding journey. Her visit in person was really helpful, she took the time to observe feeding. The plan which she suggested took into account our needs as a family and our wish to combination feed, without judgment. After her visit Helen checked in and was responsive with my queries. I’m grateful to Helen for her help.
Louise June 2022
I contacted Helen after my second bout of mastitis in as many months . She listened carefully to the problems I was having and the session I had with her was invaluable in helping to correct some issues we were having and come up with a plan for the future. Since seeing Helen, my breastfeeding experience has become much more calm and positive - and no more mastitis!
Bethan May 2022
Thankyou Helen, you have absolutely made our breastfeeding journey easier and I really appreciate all of your help over the last few weeks, you have been fantastic. You have made me feel so much more confident with breastfeeding and have been a great source of knowledge and support during the tough times. Our face to face meeting was great and then I really appreciate you supporting us through the following weeks via WhatsApp it was so helpful. Thankyou
Sophie - April 2022
I contacted Helen after my second bout of mastitis in as many months . She listened carefully to the problems I was having and the session I had with her was invaluable in helping to correct some issues we were having and come up with a plan for the future. Since seeing Helen, my breastfeeding experience has become much more calm and positive - and no more mastitis!
Bethan - April 2022
Helen was easy to get hold of and responded promptly. She took the time to learn about the birth of my baby and our feeding journey. Her visit in person was really helpful, she took the time to observe feeding. The plan which she suggested took into account our needs as a family and our wish to combination feed, without judgment. After her visit Helen checked in and was responsive with my queries. I’m grateful to Helen for her help
Louise - April 2022
A friend recommended that I call Helen. I was reassured by her clinical neonatal nursing background and she listened to me and was so kind that I felt relief straight away. She went through the issues I was having systematically and suggested things for me to try. She diagnosed that there were a couple of things going on. My son struggled to stay latched for any length of time. The milk flow was perhaps not as strong as it could be and it seemed he had to work quite hard for a let down also. Latch, flow, slow let down and a baby who was finding bottles a lovely easy solution. Over the next weeks and months, she supported me through the rocky terrain of positions, pumps, tubes, cracked nipples, shields, vasoconstriction and minimising top ups. My son is now 9 months old and he is still breastfed at every feed. Without the support of Helen, I am absolutely certain I would not have made it through those early months. There was just so much I did not know. She gave me the skill and confidence to get through the bumpy patch
Emma - 2021
I contacted Helen a couple of days after the birth of my son. My first never latched- I ended up expressing for a year. I really wanted to breastfeeding (directly) this time. Helen was so supportive, caring and empathetic. She was just a text away, helping me with the latch giving advice about positions. I can’t thank her enough, she is one of the main reason why we successfully breastfed for 13 months!
Lwin - 2021
Firstly I wanted to thank you for you support in our breastfeeding journey. Having your guidance and reassurance has allowed me to continue feeding **** in those early days, especially when he was having weight issues. I felt that you really listened to our goal of having a less stressful and traumatic feeding experience than we’d had with our first.
One of the best things you did for us was to offer the words that you were there to support us whatever path our feeding journey took. This was amazing as I never felt pushed or pressured into EBF, just supported. Had you not been so open of a combi feeding discussion I think I would have given up BF entirely at that point.
The other thing which was I wanted to specifically highlight was your communication, you were responsive and proactive - thank you.
Catherine - Nov 2021
What is an IBCLC?
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification is recognised around the world, and is the highest-regarded professional qualification in breastfeeding knowledge and support. Before being able to sit the exam, the individual must have taken advanced lactation specific training in addition to completing health sciences, and have at least a 1000 hours of clinical experience with breastfeeding mothers and babies.
IBCLCs are regulated by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and work within a code of professional conduct and are subject to disciplinary procedure.
For more information about IBCLC please see: https://lcgb.org/why-ibclc/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare anything before the consultation?
Absolutely nothing and please don't got to any extra trouble for my arrival. Pyjamas and unbrushed hair is expected.
What can I expect during the consultation?
I will arrive at your house, and I will ask to wash my hands on arrival.
You will have already completed a 'jotform' (or spoken on the phone), and so I have a detailed history and an idea of your concerns. However, I may want to clarify points, and you may feel you have more to add.
When your baby is ready, I will ask to look in your babies mouth or assess their suck, if this is significant for you consultation. I will then ask to see your baby feed. We will work together to optimise the positioning and attachment at the breast.
While we can tweak their positioning and attachment on the spot, many other issues aren't fixed by one visit, I give you the skills and reassurance to continue what we have discussed and practiced. Too much intervention and baby will get very cross at me. So we try and find the balance.
Before I leave, we make a manageable plan together, this may be altered as needed.
What if I need further support after my consultation?
After your initial consultation, I follow you up frequently via messages/whatsapp for 2 weeks. I also encourage you to contact me, if you have any concerns or queries. I answer calls and messages between 8-8 7 days a week. You are very welcome to send me a message at anytime of the day or night, I keep my phone on silent out of hours.
You may feel more confident with a follow-up face to face visit or a weigh appointment, these can be purchased as you need them.
Do you offer remote consultations?
I offer the antenatal conversation both virtually or face to face and a 'Lactation consultant in your pocket' which is all messaging support. I much prefer to be face to face but will consider a virtual assessment if you are outside my travel area, depending on your situation. Please get in touch and we can discuss it.
What COVID-19 precautions can I expect?
I currently work within the NHS, I continue to follow this guidance within the consultations. Standard hand washing gloves and apron when handling your baby. I leave the choice with you regarding your own precautions. I do expect you to tell me ASAP if you or any of your family are unwell, or your or any of your family has had contact with a COVID positive person.
Do I need to be exclusively breastfeeding to request support?
Definitely not. I am here to support you what ever your feeding situation or goal.
How does payment work?
I ask you to make the payment prior to my visit. You will find the payment details on the Jotform. If you think payment might be a problem, please let me know prior to your consultation.
I would like feeding support but I can't afford the payment?
Thank you for reaching out, I have a few packages that vary in affordability. If this remains out of your reach, there are organisations within the community that offer free breastfeeding support. Please see 'Free infant feeding support' page.
Do you offer breastfeeding support gift cards?
Absolutely, I can offer any of my packages as gift vouchers. Please contact me to discuss options.
How far do you travel?
I travel 30 minutes from my home in Chessington. If paid parking is required, that is to be paid by client.
The cost of your support is quite high?
I do appreciate that the cost may a barrier to accessing my support. Please see the section on this website for free support locally. Before attending your consultation, I have read and analysed your booking form, researched and prepared for your visit, and then travelled for up to an hour to support you. After your visit I spend approximatey 1 hour writing notes and emailing your report, and if needed, contacting your health care practitioners in order to ensure we are offering you the best support as a team. If you are to calculate my hourly amount from this, I think you would agree it is quite low.
Free Feeding Support
Please see the free feeding support available locally
Phone Helplines
National Breastfeeding Helpline, 9.30am-9.30pm every day: 0300 100 0212
NCT Breastfeeding Helpline 8am-midnight every day: 0300 330 0700
Breastfeeding Network Supporterline, 9.30am-9.30pm every day: 0300 100 0210
Supporterline in Bengali/ Sylheti, 9.30am-9.30pm every day: 0300 456 2421
La Leche League Helpline: 0845 120 2918
NHS Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline: 0844 412 4665
Kingston area feeding drop in
Breastfeeding Drop-ins & Clinics in Royal Borough of Kingston(No appointment needed)
You do not need a breastfeeding “problem” to attend: many groups offer a relaxed chance to chat with other mums.
MONDAY
9.30am - 11.30am
The Hub, 38 Surbiton Road, Kingston KT1 2HX (not open on bank holidays)
TUESDAY
1pm - 3pm
Chessington Children’s Centre, Buckland Road, KT9 1JE; 020 8397 2006
WEDNESDAY
10.30am - 12pm
New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road, KT3 4LR; 020 8336 1561
Kingston Town Children’s Centre, Villiers Road, KT1 3AR; 020 8481 0640
FRIDAY
9.30am - 11.30am
Tolworth Children’s Centre, School Lane, Kingston, KT6 7SA; 020 8339 9848
Bliss Charity
(Babies born too soon)
Videocall or email support for parents of sick or premature babies
Get in Touch
Please book a free chat today, or alternatively email me on the above address