Lactation Services
Why should I see a lactation consultant?
Concerns around breastfeeding or lactation can occur at any time throughout your journey.
Whether it be painful feeding in the early days after birth, doubts around milk supply, learning to use a pump correctly or transitioning to bottles to return to work, a consultation with an IBCLC Lactation Consultant can help formulate a realistic manageable plan to address your concerns.
Reasons to seek lactation support for yourself
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Being prepared for breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do while your pregnant.
Midwife Alex can help you learn about breastfeeding and expressing in an education session.
During this session you will learn about:
How breastfeeding works.
How to position your baby to feed.
What to expect from your milk supply in the first few weeks
How to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
How to get a comfortable latch.
What alternatives there are if you can’t breastfeed.
You will also be sized for flanges if your are over 36 weeks pregnant so you know what your size may be.
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Pain in your breasts or nipples is common but that doesn’t mean it’s normal.
Midwife Alex can provide a comprehensive assessment to look at reasons for the pain and put a plan in place to reduce or eliminate the pain.
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Whether it be low supply or over supply concerns, having a proper assessment can give you the peace of mind and a tailored plan to help you build or reduce your supply as needed.
Midwife Alex offers a range of options to address supply issues from management plans to lactation tools to build your supply.
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Inflammation of the breast tissue can cause significant pain, redness and swelling. It can be one breast or both.
On occasions it may need antibiotic treatment, however, there is more to it than that.
Midwife Alex offers Therapeutic Ultrasound for mastitis, engorgement and clogged ducts in conjunction with breast mobilisation techniques and investigation to find the cause.
First aid management while waiting for an appointment:
Take anti-inflammatories if you can.
Apply ice packs or a cool cloth.
Feed as normal- avoid expressing and overstimulating your supply, it can cause further issues.
Avoid firm massage. Instead try light touch massage towards your armpit.
Book an urgent appointment for management and investigation.
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Using a breast pump isn’t meant to be painful.
Being fitted for the correct size flange can make a HUGE difference to your expressing journey. It can help increase your milk supply, reduce pain and damage.
Learning how to use your pump can save you time and get the most out of it so it works for you efficiently.
Midwife Alex can help create a realistic pumping plan that is manageable.
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Making the decision to wean or suppress lactation is a choice that can be made at any time.
It’s not usually made easily, which is why it’s important to find supportive help from a lactation consultant.
Midwife Alex can provide guidance and a plan for weaning and suppression that can help avoid complications like mastitis which is common when reducing feeds or pumping.
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Tandem feeding can sometimes be tricky to navigate.
It doesn’t always have to be twin, it can be with siblings as well.
Midwife Alex can help you navigate through things like sibling acceptance, positioning and nutritional nourishment.
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There are some medical conditions and procedures that can impact on lactation.
Some of these include:
Breast surgeries- implants or reduction
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Thyroid issues
Fertility issues
Hormonal disorders
Certain medications
Cancer treatments
Many more..
Midwife Alex can compile a comprehensive assessment and help you prepare or navigate your lactation journey with a clear plan.
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Lactation isn’t often considered or talked about after pregnancy or infant loss.
The human body has the capacity to lactate from 14-16 weeks, this can be confronting and yet another thing to deal with while grieving.
Some people decide to suppress lactation, some choose to express milk and donate it and some people are undecided as the decision is to much at the time.
Midwife Alex can talk you through your options and help map out a plan.
Reasons to seek lactation support for your child
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Slow or reduced weight gain in infants can be a caused by a range of things. It is important to get onto things early before they start having other impacts.
Midwife Alex can perform a comprehensive assessment to look at what may be causing slower gains and help create a manageable plan to get your little on back on track.
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Tongue tie and oral restrictions can impact greatly on your feeding journey.
Tongue tie and oral restrictions can result in poor milk transfer, slow weight gain and painful feeding.
Midwife Alex can conduct a comprehensive oral assessment to identify or rule out the presence of a tongue tie or oral restrictions.
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Reflux or Colic are usually symptoms of other underlying issues.
Midwife Alex can conduct a thorough assessment to find the cause of the issue.
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Having a comfortable latch is really important, breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful and there should be no spillage with bottle feeding.
Midwife Alex can guide you through positioning and latching techniques while also completing an oral assessment to rule other issues out.
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It’s not uncommon to give top ups or use lactation tools such a nipple shields, supply lines or cup/syringe feeds.
Although, they don’t need to be used forever.
Midwife Alex can guide you through a plan to wean off the top ups and/or lactation tools.
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Breast or Bottle refusal can happen at anytime.
For many breastfed babies transitioning to a bottle can be challenging.
For bottle fed babies to transition to the breast it can be a confusing time.
Midwife Alex can help create a realistic plan that is manageable with loads of tips and tricks to get your little one to feed.
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Commencing solids can be exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time.Midwife Alex can provide guidance to help you navigate transitioning to solids.
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Allergies and sensitivities can come from a range of sources.
Whether it be breastmilk or formula, Midwife Alex can help you navigate through the process of identifying and eliminating allergens.
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For little ones that enter the world a little earlier than expected, their feeding journey can look a little different.
Depending on their gestation at birth, they may find feeding a little more difficult or have had alternative feeding methods.
Midwife Alex can compile a comprehensive assessment and help you prepare or navigate your lactation journey with a clear plan.
These appointments can take place while your baby is still in hospital.
Lactation Appointments
Book a 1:1 consultation with IBCLC Alex.
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This appointment includes:
A full history of both yourself and your baby
An oral assessment of your little one (if required)
A breast assessment (if required)
Observe a feed (breast or bottle)
A detailed report and a plan following the session
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During your appointment you will learn:
The anatomy of the breast and how milk is made
How to hand express
Expectations of breastfeeding in the early days
How to troubleshoot if things don’t go to plan
Bring along your partner to be involved - they will be your biggest help in the early days!
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Midwife Alex can provide support and education to help treat and elevate your symptoms of mastitis and engorgement.
Session include:
Education on mastitis and engorgement
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Gently massage techniques
Breast mobilisation exercises
Thorough assessment of the cause of inflammation
Plan to help relieve symptoms and prevent further issues
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These follow up appointments are to assess the plan that was put into place at your initial appointment and ensure you are meeting your goals. This appointment allows time to change the plan and adapt if things have changed. It could look like reducing top-ups, weaning medication, transitioning to a bottle or even removing nipple shields.
Appointments available in clinic, at your home and online.
