07951699994
IBCLC & Specialist Neonatal Nurse RN
Who needs a lactation consultant?
Absolutely anyone who is feeding a baby. Think of me more as a infant feeding consultant.
Do you assess tongue ties?
I am not a tongue tie practitioner, however I am an accredited tongue tie assessor. This means that I can assess your baby's oral function and support you with the next steps if needed.
Do I need to be exclusively breastfeeding to have your support?
Definitely not. You might be wanting to start breastfeeding, wanting to stop breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding, combination feeding, bottle feeding, exclusively pumping or any combination of these.
Do I need to prepare anything before the consultation?
Absolutely nothing and please don't go to any trouble for my arrival. You need to have your baby with you, and I welcome partners at our sessions. Please make sure you have your RED book available too. Pyjamas and unbrushed hair is expected.
What can I expect during the consultation?
I will arrive at your home on time, I will be carrying ID, in case you wish to see it. Before I do anything, I will want to wash my hands.
If I have come for a feeding consultation, ideally we will sit down and discuss areas from your booking form before we attend to the practical components and feeding. However, we will follow your baby's lead, if they wish to feed straight away we will rearrange the order of the visit. I will observe at least one feed during my session, during this feed we will make a few tweaks to positioning, in order to improve attachment at the breast or the concerns that you have contacted me for. Every visit will vary, depending on your reason for contacting me. I may ask to look at your breasts and ask you questions regarding to their changes during pregnancy. I may ask to assess your baby's oral function, I will recommend next steps, if think that is needed.
We will make a plan together, I will leave that with you (hand written), within 24 hours I will email you the report of my visit and the plan again and any recourses that you might find helpful. I will follow you up via WhatsApp - the length of follow-up WhatsApp support is stated in your session information.
How does the WhatsApp support work?
The length of WhatsApp support included will be written in your session information. I aim to reply to all messages within a couple of hours, but definitely within the day they are sent. I answer messages between the hours of 8am-8pm, 7 days a week (unless it is Christmas Day). I welcome videos, pictures and questions from you, and I will do the same if needed. This support is WhatsApp only, it does not include phone calls or virtual sessions.
Do you offer remote sessions?
I find there is a limit to how much I can assess on a feeding consultation, virtually. I am happy to offer follow-up sessions virtually.
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.
How does payment work?
You will be asked to pay upon booking. If there is a reason as to why this might not be possible for you, please contact me directly prior to booking. You are able to cancel you booking if needed, please see my terms and conditions.
What if I need to cancel?
I completely understand that things might change and you might need to cancel your appointment. I ask you to give me as much notice as possible, so I can offer this appointment to another family in need. You will receive back 100% of your original payment. However, if you cancel within 24 hours of your session, there will be a charge of 50% of the appointment cost.
I would like feeding support but I can't afford the payment?
I would like to offer my support to everyone. If you feel that you would benefit from my help but can't manage the payment, please contact me, there maybe some way I can help you. Please also see the 'Free feeding support' section of this website.
How far do you travel?
I travel 30 minutes from my home in Chessington. However, I might stretch a little further if needed, please book a call to discuss this. In this case I charge £15 for every 15 minute block over 30 minutes. If you have paid parking around your house, or difficult parking, please notify me ASAP. If parking is to be paid, I will invoice you for this after the session.
What if our session is going longer than the allocated time slot, or I need you to stay longer?
I find that in most cases, the allocated time is enough to cover most of what is needed, without exhausting you and your baby. If I don't have an appointment immediately after your session, I may be able to stay longer if needed. These will be charged at £15 for each 15 minute block, I will alert you to this at the time, you can decide if you would like to continue.