Breastfeeding Consultation

Where & when?

Consultations are available in person and online by video call.

For home visits I primarily cover the ‘Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown’ area of Dublin (Glenageary, Sallynoggin, Dun Laoighaire, Glastule, Sandycove, Dalkey, Killiney, Ballybrack, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Stillorgan, Blackrock, Monkstown.)

If you live outside the  ‘Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown’ area, appointments can still be arranged, in my home in Glenageary, in the Wellness Centre in Dun Laoghaire, or in your home (depending on your location) or further locations by video call.

What is covered in a consultation?

An antenatal consultation prepares you for breastfeeding, whether you are pregnant on your first baby, or you are keen to have a different breastfeeding experience to one with a previous child. It focuses on what to expect in the first hours and days after the baby’s birth, explains how breastfeeding works and answers any queries that you may have, including exploring your relevant medical history and previous breastfeeding experience (where applicable). Antenatal appointments are generally 1:1 with the expectant parents, but small group classes / workshops are available on request if you have a group of friends or colleagues interested.

A postnatal consultation takes place after your baby is born and is the consultation that most families choose. We explore your relevant medical history, review the pregnancy, the birth of your baby and what the current breastfeeding situation is. This includes assessing a breastfeed and where applicable, the baby’s tongue function. We then look together at the options for moving forward positively and devise a plan that you feel will work for you.

It’s often said in the world of breastfeeding support, ‘for every breastfeeding problem, there is a breastfeeding solution!’. In fact, there are many options, approaches, tips and tweaks which can make a big difference to the situations people find themselves in with their new (and not so new) baby.

There is a lot of information on breastfeeding widely available - books, HSE / hospital literature, websites, blogs & online groups, the personal experience of family & friends etc. However, finding the right information for you and your baby to help with what you are experiencing, can be difficult. A really good way to do this is to have a Lactation Consultant spend time with you, review all aspects of the situation and work with you to devise a plan that will work for you and your baby, to move forward positively.

A consultation usually takes 1½-2 hours and many people find that one appointment is all they need, with some follow up by text or phone. Sometimes a follow-up appointment is helpful, whether it is a short check in (up to an hour) or a second longer appointment.

I discovered the world of breastfeeding in 2001, when the first of my three wonderful sons was born. Although I was living in Dublin (my hometown) and surrounded by family, friends and work colleagues, I was the first in my circle to have a baby… forging my way forward into the new world of parenting and breastfeeding.

I joined my local branch of Cuidiú (a volunteer-run parenting support charity) and started going to the local activities, including breastfeeding support mornings. Here I made great friends, learned lots about breastfeeding, got reassurance and support when I needed it, picked up evidenced-based information and tips, enjoyed great company and of course, it was always wonderful to be handed a tea/coffee and some cake! Cuidiú became my parenting family! After a year, I started training to become a voluntary Breastfeeding Counsellor (BFC) with Cuidiú, being inspired to give back some of the support and encouragement that I received. Since 2003, I have loved being a BFC, a role I still have in my local branch.

In 2011, I qualified as an ‘International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)’ and subsequently, a Breastfeeding Tutor in Cuidiú - now providing training to the wonderful women becoming voluntary BFCs all around the Country. I’m very proud of this role, it feels like coming full circle - from being the mum attending the breastfeeding mornings, wondering what it was all about, to supporting the trained volunteers in providing a welcoming, encouraging environment for breastfeeding parents to meet each other, pick up some tips and enjoy the cake along the way!

What is an IBCLC

The credential ‘International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant’ (IBCLC) identifies an experienced member of the health care team who has acquired specialist skill, made an in-depth study of breastfeeding and lactation, and passed an exam at Masters’ degree level of difficulty. IBLCE stands for International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, the organisation that administers the international certification programme.

IBLCE’s primary purpose is to certify individuals who provide quality care to babies and mothers worldwide. IBCLCs adhere to a Code of Ethics and work within professional Standards of Practice. They are required to keep their knowledge and skills current and must recertify every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination to remain registered.

Now that you know about me, give me a call so I can learn more about your family and how I can help. For more information about consultations give me a call on 086 878 4783 or email me at mcgovern.liz@gmail.com.