Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a consultation?
I build up a picture of the breastfeeding situation by asking appropriate questions. I assess mother and baby individually and then observe mother and baby feeding. I’m likely to need to touch mothers’ breasts for which I ask permission. In discussion with parents, we will develop a strategy so that mother can move forward with her infant feeding in ways which are appropriate and sustainable.
I finish the consultation with an optional 15 minutes of shiatsu work for general well-being for you, my way of saying “it matters that you’re looked after as well!”
How much does a visit cost?
Face-to-face visits in your home cost a fixed rate of £75 for up to 3 hours consultation. E-mail and telephone follow-up is available for up to seven days following your consultation at no added fee. On the margins of the Bristol area or beyond, there will be a modest travel fee. Alternatively, you can come to my house in central Bristol and the charge would be £55-60 for 2-3 hours.
Please call to discuss rates if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
SKYPE CONSULTATIONS are available! I offer these at any time but they are particularly valuable as Britain and the rest of the world move into the pandemic. There is no reason why you shouldn’t continue to receive the breastfeeding support you need. Skype consultations cost £35 for an antenatal session of up to 2 hours or £35-50 for a postnatal session of 1-2 hours. Please call or e-mail to arrange a time.
Why use an experienced breastfeeding consultant?
It’s important to have your questions and concerns about breastfeeding addressed before your baby arrives. It also matters that you know you’ll have the support you need after giving birth. An experienced breastfeeding consultant can be key to easing the start of your breastfeeding journey. If I think you require more assistance than I am able to provide, I can put you in touch with someone with relevant expertise.
Read more about my training and experience.
What kinds of issues do you address?
I offer a range of antenatal and postnatal services to parents as well as training for helpers. Some of my work involves helping women who are expecting twins, exploring induced lactation, preparing to breastfeed after breast surgery, facing weight gain issues, dealing with low milk production and seeking to remedy breast pain and sore nipples. These are only a few of the reasons you might get in touch with me. See my services for full details.
Why should I prepare for breastfeeding?
So many of us don’t see babies breastfed before we have our own. Our culture, combined with heavy marketing, has created an atmosphere in which breastfeeding does not always get off to the start that it should. Many women lack confidence when it comes to breastfeeding and feel uncertain about how well their bodies work. The right preparation can make a significant difference.
Why am I struggling with breastfeeding?
Every baby is different and your breastfeeding experience is individual to you and your baby. Hardly any mother-baby pair fits the textbook model of breastfeeding. Basic principles are universal but what they look like in practice will vary. Understanding and resolving any difficulties is best done in a one-to-one consultation.
What geographical areas do you cover?
I cover Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Visits take place at your home or at my home in Bristol. We’ll discuss travel costs when you get in touch.
A Skype consultation is without geographical limits and only requires that you have adequate Internet connectivity.