Need help with your breastfeeding journey?

What is a Lactation Consultant?

A lactation consultant is a trained health professional who supports mothers and babies with breastfeeding from pregnancy through to weaning. Lactation care focuses not only on feeding, but also on comfort, confidence, bonding, and ensuring that both mother and baby are thriving.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it is not always easy. Each mother–baby pair is unique, and challenges are common. Lactation support provides guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions during every stage of the breastfeeding journey.

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How a Lactation Consultant Can Help

Lactation consultations are personalised to your needs and may include one or more of the following services:

 

Advice and Guidance

Support is provided for common breastfeeding concerns such as:

• Managing milk supply (low supply, oversupply, or fluctuations)

• Sore, cracked, or painful nipples

• Engorgement and blocked ducts

• Feeding frequency and duration

You will receive clear, practical advice tailored to your baby, your body, and your circumstances.

 

Assessment

A lactation consultation includes careful assessment of:

• Baby’s latch and positioning

• Milk transfer (how effectively baby is feeding)

• Feeding behaviour and cues

• Baby’s growth and signs of adequate nutrition

Mothers are also taught how to recognise signs that their baby is feeding well and getting enough milk, helping to build confidence between visits.

 

Education

Education is a key part of lactation support and may include:

• How to position and latch your baby comfortably

• Understanding feeding cues and normal newborn behaviour

• How to choose, use, and clean a breast pump correctly

• Guidance on expressing, storing, and handling breastmilk

Education is provided in a calm, supportive way, without pressure or judgement.

 

Counselling and Planning

Lactation consultants also provide guidance beyond the early newborn stage, including:

• Prenatal counselling to prepare for breastfeeding before baby arrives

• Support with returning to work while breastfeeding

• Creating a pumping or feeding plan that suits your lifestyle

• Support during weaning, whether gradual or baby-led

 

Troubleshooting

Support is available for both common and more complex breastfeeding challenges, including:

• Painful or difficult feeds

• Poor latch or unsettled feeding

• Low milk supply or concerns about supply

• Pumping difficulties

• Feeding challenges as baby grows and changes

 

Tongue-Tie Assessments

A tongue-tie assessment looks at how your baby’s tongue moves and functions during feeding. Restricted tongue movement can sometimes affect latch, milk transfer, and comfort during breastfeeding.

During a tongue-tie assessment:

• Your baby’s mouth, tongue movement, and feeding behaviour are gently assessed

• A full feeding observation is performed

• The impact of tongue function on breastfeeding is discussed

If a tongue-tie is suspected, you will be guided on next steps and referred appropriately as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Education and support are provided regardless of whether further treatment is required.

 

When to See a Lactation Consultant

You can benefit from lactation support at any stage of your breastfeeding journey:

 

During Pregnancy

Seeing a lactation consultant during pregnancy helps you:

• Understand what to expect in the early days

• Learn basic positioning and latch principles

• Prepare for common challenges

• Start breastfeeding with confidence

 

Shortly After Birth

Early support can:

• Assess and optimise latch

• Address pain or discomfort early

• Support milk supply establishment

• Help prevent ongoing feeding difficulties

 

Ongoing Support

As your baby grows, feeding patterns change. Lactation support can be helpful:

• Several weeks or months into breastfeeding

• During growth spurts or developmental changes

• When introducing pumping or bottle feeds

• When returning to work

 

When a Specific Concern Arises

You do not need to struggle before seeking help. Lactation support is recommended if you experience:

• Sore or painful nipples

• Concerns about milk supply

• Pumping difficulties

• Feeding stress or uncertainty

 

What to Expect During a Lactation Consultation

Initial Consultation

Your consultation will include:

• A detailed history of pregnancy, birth, and feeding

• Discussion of your concerns and goals

• Observation of a feed (where appropriate)

• Gentle assessment of baby’s oral function and latch

 

Support and Plan

You will receive:

• Hands-on guidance with positioning and latch

• Clear explanations and education

• Practical strategies you can use at home

• A personalised plan tailored to you and your baby

 

Follow-Up

Some mothers benefit from a single session, while others prefer follow-up support as feeding evolves. Ongoing care is always guided by your needs and comfort.

 

Common Questions

Is breastfeeding support only for newborns?
No. Lactation support is helpful at any stage, from pregnancy through to weaning.

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Do I need to be struggling to book a consultation?
Not at all. Many mothers seek support simply for reassurance, education, or confidence.

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Will I be pressured to breastfeed?
No. Lactation care is supportive and non-judgemental. The goal is to support you and your baby in a way that feels right for you.

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If you would like support or have questions about breastfeeding, you are welcome to book a consultation. You do not need a referral.