What does a lactation consultant (IBCLC) do?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specialising in breastfeeding and infant feeding support. IBCLCs provide evidence-based assessment and care for feeding difficulties such as latch problems, low milk supply, nipple pain, tongue-tie concerns, pumping support, and infant weight gain issues.

When should I see a lactation consultant?

You can seek support at any stage of your feeding journey. Many families book in the early days after birth, but IBCLCs also help with ongoing challenges such as pain, supply concerns, feeding strikes, slow weight gain, mastitis, and weaning.

You can also prepare antenatally with consultations or breastfeeding classes. These sessions help you understand newborn feeding, recognise hunger cues, learn positioning techniques, and feel confident about starting your feeding journey. Early preparation often makes the first days after birth smoother and supports a positive breastfeeding experience.

Do I need a referral to see a lactation consultant in Ireland?

No referral is required. You can book directly for private lactation consultations.

Do you support bottle feeding, pumping, and combination feeding?

Yes. Feeding support is inclusive and individualised. I support exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusive pumping, and formula-fed families who wish to protect milk supply or improve feeding techniques.

Where is your clinic located?

My consultation room is based at Rose Clinic, Bray, County Wicklow. The clinic provides a private and comfortable environment for feeding assessments and postnatal support.

Do you offer home visits?

Yes. I provide home visits across Wicklow and South Dublin, as well as clinic-based appointments in Bray.

How long is a lactation consultation?

Initial consultations typically last around 90 minutes to 2hours. This allows time for history taking, feeding observation, hands-on support if required, and personalised care planning. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter.

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments can be booked directly through the website booking system or by contacting me via email.

You can also prepare antenatally with consultations or breastfeeding classes. These sessions help you understand newborn feeding, recognise hunger cues, learn positioning techniques, and feel confident about starting your feeding journey. Early preparation often makes the first days after birth smoother and supports a positive breastfeeding experience.

Can I prepare for breastfeeding before my baby is born?

Yes! You can start preparing for breastfeeding even before your baby arrives. Antenatal preparation helps you understand newborn feeding, recognise hunger cues, learn comfortable positioning, and feel confident about starting breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Early preparation can also help prevent common challenges such as latch difficulties, low milk supply, or pain. Preparing antenatally empowers you to have a smoother, more positive feeding experience from day one.

What antenatal consultations or classes do you offer?

I offer private one-to-one consultations and group classes for parents and their partners. These sessions cover:

• Recognising newborn hunger cues

• Comfortable and effective feeding positions

• Skin-to-skin contact and early bonding

• Planning for feeding after a C-section

• Tips for expressing, pumping, or combination feeding

• Practical strategies for partners to support breastfeeding

Group classes provide a supportive environment to learn alongside other parents, share experiences, and ask questions. Sessions can be tailored to your needs and preferences, whether you prefer a home visit, a private session at Rose Clinic, Bray, or a small interactive group class.

Preparing before your baby arrives boosts confidence, reduces stress, and helps set up a positive start to feeding.

What specialised support can I get in antenatal consultations?

Antenatal consultations can be personalised for families with specific feeding needs or challenges, including:

• Previous breastfeeding difficulties – review past experiences and create strategies for a smoother feeding journey.

• Induced lactation – support for parents planning to induce milk supply, whether for adoption, surrogacy, or relactation.

• Feeding multiples – guidance for parents expecting twins or more, including positioning, scheduling, and efficient feeding techniques.

• Feeding with chronic health conditions – advice for parents managing conditions such as fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other chronic illnesses.

These consultations help you plan practical strategies, feel confident, and prepare emotionally and physically for feeding your baby, even in complex or high-need situations.

Where and how are antenatal sessions delivered?

Antenatal consultations and classes are available:

• At home for personalised one-to-one support

• At Rose Clinic, Bray, in a calm and private setting

• In small group classes for a supportive learning environment

Sessions are tailored to your needs, whether you prefer a private, partner-inclusive, or group experience.

Can you help if breastfeeding is painful?

Yes. Persistent pain is not normal and often indicates issues such as latch difficulties, positioning problems, nipple trauma, oral restrictions, or infection. A full feeding assessment can help identify and address the cause.

Can you help with low milk supply?

Yes. Low milk supply can be influenced by feeding patterns, early feeding challenges, hormonal factors, and infant feeding effectiveness. I provide personalised plans to support milk production and feeding goals.

Can you help with blocked ducts and mastitis?

Yes. Early assessment and management can prevent complications. Support includes feeding adjustments, breast care strategies, and evidence-based management advice.

Do you help with breastfeeding after a C-section?

Yes. I specialise in post-caesarean feeding support. This includes comfortable positioning, early feeding strategies, milk supply establishment, and recovery-aware feeding plans.

Can you help with tongue-tie and oral function issues?

Yes. Feeding assessments include evaluation of latch, sucking patterns, and oral function. If a tongue-tie is suspected, appropriate referrals can be made while continuing feeding support.

Can you help me prepare for a planned C-section?

Yes. As a midwife with extensive theatre experience supporting elective and emergency caesarean births, I offer personalised C-section preparation sessions.

This session includes:

• What to expect on the day of surgery

• Understanding the theatre environment

• Partner roles and advocacy

• Skin-to-skin and early feeding after surgery

• Breastfeeding after C-section

• Pain management and early recovery planning

• Emotional preparation and birth preferences

Preparation can improve confidence, support bonding, and make recovery smoother.

I am currently training to become a Caesarean Scar Specialist and will be offering treatments soon.

Do you provide trauma-informed care?

Yes. All care is provided using a trauma-informed, respectful, and inclusive approach. Your experiences, boundaries, and preferences are always prioritised.

Do you offer birth reflection sessions?

Birth reflection support is coming soon. These sessions allow parents to process their birth experience, ask questions, and receive emotional support in a safe and supportive environment.

Do you offer C-section scar therapy?

C-section scar therapy services are launching soon. This will include scar massage and recovery-focused support aimed at improving comfort, mobility, and healing.

Is lactation support covered by Irish health insurance?

Some Irish health insurance plans offer partial reimbursement under maternity or wellbeing benefits. Coverage varies by provider and policy. It is recommended to check directly with your insurer.

What areas do you serve?

My clinic is based in Bray, County Wicklow and support families across Wicklow, South Dublin, North Wexford and surrounding areas through clinic appointments and home visits. I also offer virtual consultations.

Are your services evidence-based?

Yes. All care and guidance is based on current evidence, clinical guidelines, and best practice standards within maternity and lactation care.

Are you a registered midwife and IBCLC?

Yes. I am a registered midwife with the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I am also a member of ALCI (Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland) and ELACTA (European Lactation Consultant Association). All care is professional, evidence-based, and guided by current best practice standards.