Alicia Cole

IBCLC Lactation Consultant & Independent Health Visitor offering specialist breastfeeding, infant feeding and early parenting support in East Sussex & surrounding areas

Babies don’t come with a manual, and I’m not here to give you one. Every baby is different, and there is no such thing as 'one size fits all' in parenting.


You know your baby best!

I'm here to offer evidence-based information, practical tips, and a listening ear - so you can feel confident making informed decisions that work for you and your family.

Hello, I’m Alicia.

I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Health Visitor, and Registered Paediatric Nurse. I bring over a decade of experience working with babies and supporting parents through some of the most vulnerable and important moments of their lives, I am honored to be a trusted partner on your unique parenting journey.

I offer specialist in-person support to families in East Sussex and the surrounding areas, as well as virtual consultations for those further afield.

As a mother of two young children, I understand firsthand the challenges that can arise in the early weeks and months, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. I offer not only extensive professional, evidence-based knowledge, but also personal understanding and empathy. My approach is grounded in individualised and inclusive care, ensuring that every family feels heard, supported, and empowered to meet their feeding and parenting goals.

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How can I help you?

  • A woman in medical scrubs smiling and holding a gift, sitting across from a young girl at a dining table.

    Antenatal Education

    At your home, by video call, or over coffee in town - this appointment is designed to support expectant parents in feeling informed, confident, and empowered as they prepare for their feeding journey. We’ll talk through your individual feeding goals, expectations, and any previous experiences. We’ll cover the basics, including newborn care, discuss what’s normal in the early days, and explore how to set realistic expectations.

  • A healthcare professional in blue scrubs talking to a woman with long blonde hair, sitting on a sofa with patterned pillows.

    Breastfeeding Support

    Whether it’s day 2 or day 2000, breastfeeding can come with questions, challenges, and changing goals. As an IBCLC, I offer expert breastfeeding support that’s grounded in up-to-date, evidence-based practice and shaped around your unique experiences. From sore nipples and latch issues to supply concerns and nursing strikes, we’ll work together to find solutions that feel right for you.

  • A woman in a navy medical scrubs holds a baby who is drinking from a bottle at a dining table in a living room.

    Bottle & Combi Feeding Support

    Whether you have chosen to bottle feed from the start or have found yourself needing to combine breast and bottle at any stage, your feeding journey deserves support and clarity. I offer non-judgemental, evidence-based guidance to help you feel confident with paced and responsive feeding, choosing the right equipment, maintaining milk supply (if relevant), making and storing feeds, and meeting your baby’s changing needs.

  • A woman in blue scrubs kneeling on the floor, smiling, as she helps a baby girl standing on a scale. The room has a window with a vase of flowers and a doll outside.

    General Health Visiting Support

    As a Specialist Public Health Nurse I am experienced in supporting you in whatever way you need in your early parenting journey. Whether you've opted out of the NHS Healthy Child Programme or felt it didn’t fully meet your needs, I offer flexible, tailored care that fits your family.

    This can be a one-off visit or the beginning of a personalised support plan. I can provide growth monitoring, developmental assessments, emotional wellbeing support, and evidence-based guidance on a wide range of child health topics - all with a compassionate, non-judgemental approach.

  • A baby sitting in a high chair reaching for a piece of broccoli being offered by an adult at a table.

    Introducing Solid Foods

    Around 6 months of age, many parents feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting solids - especially when faced with conflicting advice and pressure from others. Whether you're preparing to begin or have already started and it’s not going as expected, I'm here to support you through this important milestone.

    Together, we can explore different approaches to introducing foods, troubleshoot any concerns, and create a personalised, evidence-based plan that suits your baby and your family.

  • A woman in medical scrubs wearing a headset working on a laptop at a table.

    Virtual Support

    No matter where you are in the world or what feeding or parenting challenges you're facing, I’m here to help. Virtual support ranges from a quick 15-minute phone call to answer generic questions, to full infant feeding consultations.

    I also offer WhatsApp packages where you can share photos, videos and voice notes. This service can be purchased for gentle guidance and peace of mind or included for free following a face-to-face appointment.

Receive a free discovery call from Alicia

A lactation consultant in a navy blue medical uniform holding a breastfeeding demonstration doll, standing in a kitchen and smiling for the photo.

Interested in working together but not quite ready to commit? That’s completely understandable.

Not every professional will be the right fit for your family, and hiring an independent expert is a meaningful financial decision.

Fill out the form below, and I’ll call you - usually within 24 hours - to introduce myself, learn more about your situation, and explain what you can expect from working with me.