FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO I NEED TO PREPARE ANYTHING FOR A CONSULTATION?
Before a consultation I will ask you to complete some paperwork and we will arrange a day and time for the consultation that suits us both. If there are any particular feeding behaviours you want me to see, then you may want to video them in case they don't occur during the consultation. In terms of you and your home - please do absolutely nothing - if you have a baby I expect to see dirty plates, piles of washing and you in your PJs. I'm also more than happy with cats and dogs (and any other pets for that matter) being present too!
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULTATION?
Generally consultations start by talking over your breastfeeding journey so far and the concerns that you have. Then I'll likely observe a feed and we may make some changes or tweaks together. After, we will work together to create a plan for going forward. Having said that babies are unpredictable things and when a baby needs feeding a baby needs feeding so it may be that we just jump straight in with a feed! Consultations are relaxed, informal and most importantly led by you and your baby.
DO I HAVE TO BE EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFEEDING TO GET YOUR SUPPORT?
Definitely not! Many parents that IBCLCs work with are feeding their babies with at least a little formula milk. Some, as they have found themselves needing to when breastfeeding has been challenging and others, who have chosen to combi-feed. I am not at all against formula and in fact will recommend its use in some situations. I'm also happy to support parents with inducing lactation or with relactation and so you may not actually be breastfeeding at all when you reach out to me.
DO YOU SUPPORT CHESTFEEDING PARENTS?
Yes of course! Although I may often use the words 'mother' and 'breastfeeding', I support anyone who wishes to have support to feed their baby. Whether that is a heterosexual couple, a single mum, a transgender parent, a lesbian couple or adoptive parents.  Basically if you have a baby (or are due to have a baby) and would like some feeding support then I am here for you.
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
I ask for payment to be made prior to a consultation. My charges are fixed prices so you know exactly how much it'll be upfront. Prices for home consultations include travel within 15 miles of Dawlish. For locations further than 15 miles, I charge 90p per mile (45p per mile there and back) for additional miles. Payment is by bank transfer, although other options may be available by request.
WHAT IF I NEED FURTHER SUPPORT AFTER MY CONSULTATION?
My postnatal consultations include two weeks of follow-up support. If you need or would like a follow-up consultation, then I offer those at a reduced rate of £45 (video call) or £70 (home visit).
I NEED SUPPORT, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE FEE. ARE THERE ANY OPTIONS FOR ME?
Firstly, I'm sorry - I'd love to be able to offer my services for free but as I'm sure you'll understand that I can't. However, if you really are struggling please contact me and we may be able to agree a payment plan or a discounted rate. Also have a look at my 'Free Support' page for information about free support that you may be able to access.
I'D LIKE TO BUY SOME SUPPORT FOR MY FRIEND AS A GIFT. CAN I DO THIS?
What a wonderful idea! I'm sure your friend will appreciate this. Please contact me and we can arrange a 'Gift Voucher' for you to give to her which she will be able to use to book a consultation with me.