Specialist Infant Feeding Support

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Congratulations on your new tiny human(s)!

Most parents need some level of support in the early weeks - whether to establish feeding or simply for reassurance. If things aren’t going quite how you hoped, I’m here to help.

Feeding a baby is not just a physical task - it’s emotional, personal, and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you're navigating those intense early days, concerned about their growth or unsettled behaviour, battling a breastfeeding strike or even trying to wean your nursling, your experience matters.

There is no one “right” way to feed your baby - only the way that works for you. My role is not to judge or push a particular method, but to walk alongside you with evidence-based guidance, compassion, and encouragement.

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and confident - no matter how your baby is fed

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What is an IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the gold standard in infant feeding support. IBCLC’s either come from a healthcare background or have completed extensive health science education, followed by a minimum of 95 hours of lactation-specific education and 1000 hours of clinical practice before sitting a rigorous international exam.

To stay certified, IBCLC’s must complete regular continuing education, or re-sit the exam every 5 years. This ensures you’re receiving current, evidence-based support from a regulated professional.

Please note: The title “Lactation Consultant” is not protected and is sometimes used interchangeably with other breastfeeding supporters. While many of these professionals offer excellent care (I actually work closely with a fantastic Certified Breastfeeding Specialist), they are not regulated in the same way. Therefore, if you're seeking advanced support, please ensure the person is listed on the IBLCE Register or recommended by your local IBCLC.

A woman in a blue medical uniform holding a baby and feeding it with a bottle.

As an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, here are just some of the areas I can support you with:

  • Positioning and attachment

  • Painful latch

  • Faltering growth or weight gain concerns

  • Low milk supply, or over supply

  • Oral function concerns, including tongue tie

  • Expressing breastmilk (including flange fitting)

  • Combination feeding

  • Induced lactation and re-lactation

  • Bottle and formula feeding

  • Breastfeeding strikes

  • Mastitis, blocked ducts, or engorgement

  • Suspected thrush

  • Suspected cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)

  • Reflux or excessive crying (“colic”)

  • ...and more

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Tongue Tie Assessment

As part of my assessment, I can carry out a functional oral assessment, which includes checking whether your baby’s tongue moves in a typical range for effective feeding.

If I observe something outside the expected range, I may recommend a full diagnostic assessment by a qualified tongue tie practitioner (NHS or private) and will provide you with evidence-based information to support your decision-making. A frenulotomy (tongue tie division), if indicated, is only one part of the puzzle and rarely a magic fix. Ongoing feeding support from an IBCLC, both before and after the procedure, helps to ensure the maximum benefits are achieved. In some cases, I may also suggest bodywork, such as input from a paediatric osteopath or chiropractor, to help release oral tension or address plagiocephaly (head-turning preference).

❗Please be cautious of anyone (even a healthcare professional or breastfeeding supporter) who tells you your baby definitely does or definitely does not have a tongue tie, unless they are specifically trained and qualified to assess and treat oral restrictions.

Investment

  • Home visit - initial breastfeeding or combination feeding support visit (approx. 90 mins) £120

  • Home visit - follow up or formula feeding support visit (approx. 60 mins) £90

  • Virtual - follow up or non-complex feeding issues (approx. 45-60 mins) £70

  • Quick chat - generic advice phone call £25

  • 2 week WhatsApp support (fair usage applies) £50 - FREE following all home visits!

  • Bespoke packages & discounts available if ongoing support required

From Bump to Babe: The Full Support Package

A woman with tattoos on her arm sitting on the floor, holding a baby and smiling at her. A healthcare professional in navy scrubs sitting on the floor, facing her and smiling.

This fully bespoke package is designed to guide you gently and confidently through those early weeks of parenthood - combining antenatal preparation with hands-on postnatal support to set you up for success.

What’s included:

🤰 Antenatal Preparation Session
Approx. 60-90 minutes
A relaxed, in-depth session in the comfort of your own home, at a time that works for you. We’ll explore feeding, newborn care, and whatever else is on your mind - and I’ll provide helpful resources, reading links, and evidence-based guidance to support your learning.

👶 Postnatal Home Visit
Approx. 60-90 minutes - ideally in the first week after birth
A comprehensive feeding assessment tailored to your baby and situation. Includes observation of a feed, oral assessment (if indicated), and a clear, personalised plan moving forward.

💛 Follow-Up Home Visit
Approx. 60-90 minutes - within the first 6 weeks
To review feeding, check in with your wellbeing, troubleshoot any issues, and offer ongoing reassurance.

📱 WhatsApp Support
Ongoing message-based support begins after the birth and continues until two weeks after your follow-up visit. I’ll be available to answer questions, provide encouragement, and guide you between visits.

£250

FAQs

  • I know how important it is to get the right support at the right time - I’ve even been known to visit within a few hours of your first message! In most cases, I can see you within 48 hours and in a lot of cases within 24. If I’m unable to (for example, if I’m fully booked or on holiday), I have a trusted local colleague who can step in to help.

  • Not at all! I support all types of feeding - including exclusive breastfeeding, bottle feeding, expressing, combination feeding, and formula feeding. My approach is always non-judgmental and parent-led.

  • Yes, absolutely. If you're using formula or considering it, I can support you with responsive bottle feeding, paced feeding methods, preparing formula safely, managing feeding volumes, and understanding your baby’s cues. I can also assist you problem solving if your baby is struggling with reflux, wind or colic.

  • Not at all - support can be helpful at any stage, whether it’s day 2 or day 2000. Common later-stage concerns include introducing solids, returning to work, nursing strikes, boundaries or stopping breastfeeding.

  • Please don’t hesitate to message me. While I’m unable to offer my services for free, I do have a “pay it forward” fund - kindly contributed to by families who’ve valued their support and want to help others access the same care.

    I completely understand that talking about finances can feel uncomfortable, but please know that I’m here without judgement. I’m a nurse who’s worked with families from all backgrounds - and I know just how stretched things can feel, especially on statutory maternity pay!

    There are also free helplines (such as the National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212) and local charities I work alongside that may be able to offer support.

    Whatever your situation, please reach out - we can explore your options together.

  • I carry out functional oral assessments to check whether your baby’s tongue and mouth movements are within the normal range for effective feeding. If concerns arise, I can refer you to a specialist tongue tie practitioner and provide you with balanced, evidence-based information.

  • I’m based in East Sussex and cover surrounding areas, including Tunbridge Wells, for in-person visits. If you're unsure whether you're within range, just send me a message and I’ll let you know.

  • Yes! I work with families all over the world via video and phone consultations. Virtual support is especially helpful for antenatal preparation and follow-up appointments. While full breastfeeding assessments can be trickier remotely, we’ll make it work (thank you Covid for proving it’s possible!). All clients receive two weeks of free WhatsApp support after their appointment, or you can purchase this separately if you would like ongoing reassurance, or “an IBCLC in your pocket"!

Testimonials

  • "Alicia spent time with me at home the same day I was discharged from the hospital to guide me with breastfeeding as baby wasn't latching onto the left boob. She taught me positions which were comfortable for both me and my baby post c-section. She is compassionate, gentle and patient, she really cares. Her knowledge is next to none and I wouldn't have fed as long as I did without her guidance. If you're wanting to breastfeed but are struggling, Alicia will make it happen for you. Thank you!"

    - E, First time mum

  • "I can't thank Alicia enough for the support and guidance she has given me. She listened to my concerns without judgement and offered practical advice and emotional support. I knew I could message her with any questions (and pictures!) and she would not judge me. I wanted to combination feed and I never once felt like she was pushing me to exlusively breastfeed, which I was worried about"

    -L, First time mum

  • "Alicia has been amazing - so kind, understanding and incredibly knowledgeable. She gave me this confidence I needed and made my first breastfeeding journey (after two bottle fed babies) so much easier. Highly recommend!"

    -K, Mum of 3