FAQ's
What is an IBCLC
An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who is an experienced member of the health care team, and has acquired specialist skills and expertise in breastfeeding and lactation. IBCLC’s have passed an exam at Masters’ degree level of difficulty.
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 to remain registered.
What is a PHN?
The Public Health Nurse (PHN) is most often the first health professional that an Irish mother and her partner will meet when she comes home from hospital with their baby. The role of the PHN is to visit homes following birth notifications and to monitor child, maternal and family health, and to particularly focus on the benefits of breast-feeding.
I’m pregnant and considering breastfeeding. How can you help me?
I provide Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Classes in-person and online. These classes are one to one so that you get a tailored experience for your particular situation. I love to work with families before they have their babies, so that they get the right information and feel empowered and excited to embark on their parenting journey. We will focus on the practical skills and knowledge required before baby arrives and discuss the importance of partner support and how both parents play a vital role in those early days and weeks.
If breastfeeding doesn’t work out quite as I had planned and we use formula, can you still help me?
Absolutely. I am a Lactation Consultant and Public Health Nurse, therefore I assess and advise on feeding issues, no matter what method of feeding. If your baby is having sucking issues or is unsettled after feeding, I can assess your baby and overall feeding and make a plan with you to ensure your baby grows optimally and is happy and healthy.
Should I book an in-person or online consultation?
That very much depends on the type of consultation you need. If you are having difficulty latching your baby, pain on breastfeeding, and this is your 1st baby, then it would be preferable to have an in-person consultation. This enables me to better see and experience what issues you are having, and work with you and your partner on positioning and latching, using your own equipment and in the comfort of your own home.
If however, latching and feeding are going generally well but you have a list of things you are unsure about, then an online consultation may suit you and your partner better.
If you have a few questions about breastfeeding but don’t need a full consultation then you can book my 30 minute breastfeeding chatn online or via telephone call.
Do you link in with my GP/PHN also?
Yes, but only with your consent. If you are happy for me to liaise with your PHN and GP I will send them a report following our consultation, and am always happy to discuss your plan of care with them.
Can my partner or support person join me for our consultation?
Absolutely. Partners are so essential in providing support. The more knowledgeable and supportive the partner, the more successful the mother is in achieving her feeding goals.
Can I claim for this consultation from my Health Insurer?
Yes you can, and I will issue you a receipt within 48 hours of our consultation. However the extent of your reimbursement will depend on your insurer, so you should contact them directly to find out how much of the consult you can claim for.
If there is no appointment time available that suits me, what can I do?
Please contact me via telephone or email and I will arrange a time and date that works for both of us.