Lactation, Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding
Breastfeeding is a learned skill. In fact, most mothers experience lactation issues and require breastfeeding support.
I can help take the stress and pressure out of feeding time and give you the lactation support you deserve.
Everyone should get expert prenatal breastfeeding education, not just the 30 min slot at the hospital.
Some parents get so focused on birth preparation that they never learn about feeding until they are already struggling. Breastfeeding is a learned skill! The good news is it's never too late. I can help you relactate or to move to formula, expressing, donor milk or weaning. I can even help you to lactate without birthing.
What is an IBCLC?
You may have never heard of an expert lactation consultant IBCLC. It’s not too late to improve your baby’s health, though. IBCLC means the highest possible lactation medicine qualification, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, very different from a hospital LC, GP or midwife. Whether it is your fifth or first child, every baby and feeding experience is unique.
Our credential requires 1000 supervised hours, university studies, and medical and counselling credentials. How your baby feeds, shapes their face, future gut and breathing, depression/anxiety risk for LIFE.
I assess bottle skills also. An Advanced IBCLC is very different from just the term 'Lactation Consultant', requiring expert skill level and regular international exams. An Advanced IBCLC with Orofacial Myology qualifications means a much higher skill level and more rigourous training to get baby's sleep, eating & breathing skills on track for life, beyond breastfeeding also.
Breastfeeding Problems
I specialise in working with complex breastfeeding cases as well as babies with colic and high needs. I have significant experience solving literally every variety of breastfeeding challenges.
Latch assessment and positioning
Supply
Mastitis
Ties - lip/cheek/tongue tie oral restriction
Sleep disruption
Induced lactation, respectfully inclusive of LGBTQI+, adoption and surrogacy families, breastfeeding/chestfeeding without birthing
Re-lactation
Weaning – night or fast-tracked
Return to work planning
Emergencies and urgent support
Tandem feeding
Twins and multiples
Thrush
Natural term duration breastfeeding
Expressing breast milk (EBM)
Pump flange fitting
Insufficient glandular tissue IGT, chronic low supply
Mammary hypoplasia
Oversupply, overactive letdown
Lactation Support & Training
I match supplements based on evidence and your whole life picture. I only stock the most reputable products that I have thoroughly analysed, tried and tested myself. I do not take kickbacks from companies, keeping my focus on ensuring I recommend and stock only the highest quality products.
I offer in-depth Lactation Consultant training based in Lactation Medicine. This includes:
Anatomy and physiology
Pharmacology and toxicology
Endocrinology (hormones)
Psychology and Sociology
Anthropology
Child and infant development
Counselling
Nutrition
Training and techniques
Pathology
Clinical skills
Education
Research
Public health advocacy
I also support my clients who need assistance with:
Nipple shield fitting/ceasing
Dummy fitting/ceasing
Top-ups and stopping supplements
Infections and pain
Implants and reduction of breast tissue
Deep breast pain
Support navigating diagnosed conditions
Mammary Constriction Syndrome
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
Neurodivergence (ADHD, autistic spectrum, etc)
Syndromes and genetic differences
MTHFR and methylation
Bottle Feeding Support
Finding the right bottle teat size and flow for your baby’s mouth shape, tongue, jaw, and skeletal type requires skill. Let me help take the stress out of finding what works for you and your baby.
Bottle-fed children need special support to make sure their jaws still grow properly if they use a bottle more than a couple of times per week.
There are many variables to consider to ensure optimal bottle feeding:
Bottle selection
Paced feeding
Formula selection
Getting baby to take a bottle
Air swallowing
Cup feeding
Straw drinking
Returning to work
Responsive feeding
Mixed feeding
Top-ups
Supplement feeding
Safe milk transport, storage, sterilising
Expressing breast milk (EBM) and weaning
Did you know I am qualified to assist you with bottle feeding as well? Bottle feeding is also a learned skill! It’s a science and an art. Whether the decision to bottle feed your baby is due to your health, it’s your choice, or you were failed by your health team, Thrive is a no-judgement zone.
The Thrive Health Approach
I offer personalised plans and evidence-based education for families. My solutions focus on the root of the problem, instead of simply offering a band-aid solution to suppress symptoms. A plan with Thrive starts with a thorough holistic assessment of the mother or birth parent and baby.
If you’re ready to start learning about baby feeding, lactation or accessing customised breastfeeding support, reach out to me today to start the journey.
Infant and child wellbeing and comfort and care are at the core of my work, all while offering support centred upon current research in dental and airway health to achieve the best foundations for healthy facial and teeth development, speech, brain oxygenation, gut bacteria microbiome, hormones, and mental health. I am passionate about embedding the latest research and evidence-based practice into my daily work with families.
