What is a lactation consultation? A lactation consultation is a one-to-one appointment with an IBCLC certified lactation consultant to assess and support your breastfeeding journey. Whether you are preparing to breastfeed, experiencing difficulties with latch, supply or pain, or looking for support with combination feeding or weaning, a consultation provides personalised, evidence-based guidance tailored to you and your baby.

What is an IBCLC? An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - the gold standard qualification in breastfeeding support. IBCLCs complete extensive clinical training and sit a rigorous international exam. As both a Registered Midwife and IBCLC, I bring a clinical understanding of birth and the postnatal period to every consultation.

When should I book a lactation consultation? You can book at any stage. Many families come in the early days with concerns about latch, pain or weight gain. Others book during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding, or later on with questions about supply, returning to work or introducing a bottle. It is never too early or too late to seek support.

What happens during a consultation? We will take time to discuss your experience and your goals, observe a feed where relevant, and work through any concerns together. You will leave with a clear, practical feeding plan, written follow up notes, include a follow up phone call and email support. Appointments are unhurried and led entirely by your needs.

Do you offer antenatal breastfeeding classes? Yes. I offer one-to-one and group antenatal breastfeeding classes to help you feel informed and prepared before your baby arrives. Classes cover everything you need to know about breastfeeding: how breastfeeding works, getting started in the early days, navigating common challenges, pumping, combination feeding and knowing where to get help. You will also receive my 60+page booklet on all things breastfeeding.

Can I book if I am not sure I want to breastfeed? Absolutely. Antenatal classes and consultations are a great way to explore your options and get the information you need to make the decision that is right for you, without any pressure.

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 breastfeeding assessment with an IBCLC lactation consultant 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 your 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 of blocked ducts and mastitis.

Do you help with breastfeeding after a c-section? Yes. I specialise in post-caesarean breastfeeding support. This includes comfortable positioning after abdominal surgery, 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.

What is caesarean scar therapy? Caesarean scar therapy is a specialist hands-on treatment that works with the layers of tissue that have healed following a c-section. A caesarean involves seven layers of tissue including skin, fascia, muscle and uterus. Scar therapy aims to improve mobility, reduce tightness or discomfort, and support your overall postnatal recovery.

Is caesarean scar therapy the same as c-section scar massage? Many people search for c-section scar massage and it is a good starting point. Caesarean scar therapy goes further than massage alone — it is a clinically informed treatment that works with the whole scar and the surrounding tissue, rather than just the surface. I am trained with Restore Scar Therapy and bring my background as a midwife with extensive experience in caesarean theatre and postnatal care to every session.

When can I start caesarean scar therapy? Most people begin scar therapy from around eight weeks post caesarean, once the wound has fully closed. However every recovery is different and we will always work at your pace and comfort level. If you are unsure whether you are ready, get in touch and we can discuss it.

What are the benefits of c-section scar therapy? Scar therapy can help reduce tightness, numbness or hypersensitivity around the scar, improve mobility and posture, support pelvic floor recovery, and address the emotional aspects of caesarean recovery. Many women find it helps them feel more connected to and comfortable in their body after surgery.

Do I need to have had a recent caesarean to benefit? No. Scar therapy can be beneficial at any stage, whether your caesarean was recent or years ago. Older scars can still respond well to treatment.

Where do you offer caesarean scar therapy? Scar therapy appointments are available at Rose Clinic in Bray, Co. Wicklow and through home visits across Wicklow and South Dublin.

Can I prepare for breastfeeding before my baby is born? Yes. You can start preparing even before your baby arrives. Antenatal preparation helps you understand newborn feeding, recognise hunger cues, learn comfortable positioning, and feel confident about starting breastfeeding from day one. Early preparation can help prevent common challenges such as latch difficulties, low milk supply and pain, and helps you feel calm and ready however your baby arrives.

Should I book an antenatal breastfeeding consultation or a class — what is the difference?

Both options will prepare you well for breastfeeding and the right choice depends on what you are looking for.

An antenatal breastfeeding consultation is a focused, personalised one-to-one session. It is best suited to parents who have a specific concern or circumstance they want to plan around, such as a previous difficult feeding experience, expecting twins, planning a caesarean, a complex medical history, or any situation where personalised guidance is the priority. We work through your specific questions and put a plan in place that is tailored to you.

A private antenatal breastfeeding class is a longer, more in-depth session and is ideal for first time parents who want to understand how breastfeeding works before their baby arrives. It covers how milk production works, newborn feeding behaviour and cues, positions and latch, troubleshooting common challenges, and how partners can help. It gives you the full picture so you feel informed, confident and ready.

A colostrum harvesting session can be added on to either option, where I will guide you hands-on with expressing, collecting and storing colostrum before your baby arrives.

If you are not sure which is right for you, get in touch and I will help you figure it out.

What does an antenatal breastfeeding session cover? Sessions cover recognising newborn hunger cues, comfortable and effective feeding positions, skin-to-skin contact and early bonding, how milk production works, expressing and pumping, combination feeding, and practical strategies for partners to support breastfeeding. Consultations and classes can be tailored to your specific circumstances and needs.

Can I get specialised support antenatally? Yes. Antenatal consultations can be personalised for families with specific needs including previous breastfeeding difficulties, induced lactation for adoption, surrogacy or relactation, feeding multiples, and feeding with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or fibromyalgia.

What is colostrum harvesting and should I do it? Colostrum harvesting involves hand expressing and collecting small amounts of your first milk from around 36 weeks of pregnancy. It is often recommended before a planned caesarean or for families with specific medical circumstances. I offer a dedicated hands-on colostrum harvesting session where I will guide you through expressing, collecting and storing colostrum so you feel confident doing it yourself.

When should I book? Anytime during pregnancy is a good time to book. Many parents find booking between 28 and 36 weeks works well, giving enough time to prepare without it feeling too far ahead. However you are welcome to book earlier if you would like, and a colostrum harvesting session is best booked from around 36 weeks.

Do you offer classes for partners? Yes. Partners are very welcome at all antenatal sessions. Having a support person who understands breastfeeding makes a real difference in the early days and I can cover practical ways partners can help from day one.

Where are sessions held? Sessions are available at Rose Clinic in Bray, through home visits across Wicklow and South Dublin, and in small group settings. Online antenatal consultations are also available.

Is my consultation or class covered by health insurance? Some health insurance providers in Ireland offer partial or full cover for lactation consultations with an IBCLC, and some plans also provide cover towards antenatal classes run by a midwife. Cover varies depending on your plan and provider. I would recommend contacting your insurer directly to check your entitlements before booking. I am happy to provide receipts for all appointments and classes for insurance or tax purposes.

Can I prepare for breastfeeding if I am having a caesarean? Yes, and it is especially valuable. A caesarean birth brings its own unique considerations for feeding in the early hours and days. Antenatal preparation can help you understand what to expect after a c-section, how to get skin-to-skin contact in theatre where possible, comfortable feeding positions after abdominal surgery, and how to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start.

What does a caesarean preparation consultation cover? A caesarean preparation consultation covers what to expect in the immediate hours after a c-section, skin-to-skin contact in theatre and recovery, feeding positions that are comfortable after abdominal surgery, how milk supply is established after a caesarean, expressing and colostrum harvesting in preparation, and practical planning for the early postnatal days.

What is colostrum harvesting and should I do it before a caesarean? Colostrum harvesting involves hand expressing and collecting small amounts of colostrum, your first milk, from around 36 weeks of pregnancy. It is often recommended for parents planning a caesarean as it means you have a supply of colostrum ready if needed in the early hours. I can guide you through how to do this safely and what to expect.

Does having a caesarean affect milk supply? A caesarean can affect the hormonal trigger for milk coming in, which sometimes means milk takes a little longer to arrive compared to a vaginal birth. This does not mean you cannot breastfeed. With the right preparation and support, most people who have had a caesarean can breastfeed successfully. Early skin-to-skin, frequent feeding and good support in the early days all make a significant difference.

I am having a planned caesarean. When should I book? Ideally between 28 and 34 weeks to give you time to prepare, including colostrum harvesting if appropriate. However it is never too late to seek support and you are welcome to get in touch at any stage.

I had an emergency caesarean and am struggling with feeding. Can you help? Yes. An unplanned or emergency caesarean can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, and feeding challenges in the aftermath are very common. I offer postnatal lactation consultations and birth reflections sessions which can support both your feeding journey and your wider experience of how your birth unfolded.

What postnatal support do you offer? I offer a range of postnatal support including lactation consultations, caesarean scar therapy, and general postnatal wellbeing appointments. I also hold a micro-credential in Perinatal Mental Health and Childbirth-Related Trauma, which informs a trauma aware approach across all of my work.

Can I access support if my baby is no longer a newborn? Yes. Postnatal support is available at any stage in the first year and beyond. Whether you have feeding questions, are navigating the emotional side of early parenthood, or are looking for scar therapy months after your caesarean, you are welcome to get in touch.

What is a birth reflections session? A birth reflections session is a dedicated, unhurried space to talk through your birth experience. Whether your birth went differently to how you had hoped, you are left with unanswered questions, or you simply want to process what happened, these sessions offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to make sense of your experience.

Who is a birth reflections session for? Birth reflections sessions are for anyone who feels they would benefit from talking through their birth, regardless of how long ago it was or what type of birth they had. You do not need to have had a traumatic experience to benefit — many people simply want space to reflect and be heard.

How is this different from counselling or therapy? Birth reflections is not counselling or psychotherapy. It is a supported conversation led by a trauma informed clinician with a midwifery background. If during our work together it becomes clear that you would benefit from additional psychological support, I will help signpost you to the right resources.

Is my consultation or class covered by health insurance? Some health insurance providers in Ireland offer partial or full cover for lactation consultations with an IBCLC, and some plans also provide cover towards antenatal classes run by a midwife. Cover varies depending on your plan and provider. I would recommend contacting your insurer directly to check your entitlements before booking. I am happy to provide receipts for all appointments and classes for insurance or tax purposes.

How do I book an appointment? You can book directly through the website at any stage. If you are unsure which service or appointment type is right for you, you are very welcome to get in touch and I will help point you in the right direction.

Do I need a referral? No referral is needed for any of my services. You can self-refer and book directly at any stage of pregnancy or postnatally.

Where are appointments held? Appointments are available at Rose Clinic in Bray, Co. Wicklow, through home visits across Wicklow, South Dublin and North Wexford, and online. The best format depends on your needs and I am happy to discuss what would suit you best.

What are your appointment times? Clinic appointments at Rose Clinic in Bray are currently available on Fridays. Home visits across Wicklow, South Dublin and North Wexford are available on a flexible basis including evenings and weekends. Online appointments are also available with flexible scheduling to suit you.

What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations made more than 24 hours before an appointment will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee. I understand that plans can change unexpectedly and I will always do my best to offer a new time that works for you.

Is my appointment covered by health insurance? Some health insurance providers in Ireland offer partial or full cover for lactation consultations with an IBCLC, and some plans also provide cover towards antenatal classes run by a midwife. Cover varies depending on your plan and provider. I would recommend contacting your insurer directly to check your entitlements before booking. I am happy to provide receipts for all appointments for insurance or tax purposes.

Are your services evidence-based? Yes. All care and guidance is based on current evidence, clinical guidelines, and best practice standards within maternity, lactation, and scar therapy care. As a Registered Midwife and IBCLC lactation consultant with specialist training in caesarean scar therapy, I bring both clinical experience and ongoing professional development to every appointment.

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 a member of ALCI (Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland) and ELACTA (European Lactation Consultant Association). I am also a trained Caesarean Scar Specialist with Restore Scar Therapy and hold a micro-credential in Perinatal Mental Health and Childbirth-Related Trauma from Trinity College Dublin. All care is professional, evidence-based, and guided by current best practice standards.