Hello
My name is Geraldine and I live in Nailsworth with my husband, daughter and baby son. I’ve specialised in infant feeding since 2019 and am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as an accredited breastfeeding counsellor with an international breastfeeding support organisation.
I’ve worked in the humanitarian sector for 18 years in India, South Sudan and Ethiopia, working for organisations providing education, protection and community health support in emergencies, and am experienced in providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care for families from a wide range of backgrounds and belief systems.
Today, I work as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant from my home, supporting families on their breastfeeding journey - whether it be through antenatal preparation to breastfeed, breastfeeding support at any stage, or helping parents process after a difficult breastfeeding experience. I also support local families through breastfeeding support groups.
What I Do
When a mother and baby are experiencing breastfeeding problems, it can feel really overwhelming for the whole family, and sometimes the challenges they face can feel insurmountable. In the early days, one thing may start to cause issues for the breastfeeding dyad (such as a traumatic birth leading to a tense, sleepy baby with a weak latch), and that can lead to other factors which can complicate the breastfeeding journey (such as supplementation leading to low supply, very long or frequent feeds, or bottle preference), which can really affect how the mother feels about breastfeeding. Later on, challenges such as nursing aversion, illness or returning to work can change the breastfeeding relationship, and trigger a desire to make changes, but many parents struggle to know how to bring these changes into effect.
During a consultation, we will start with looking at your breastfeeding goals - every family is different, and what works perfectly for one family might not work for the next. We will then look at the past, taking a full history of the birth and breastfeeding journey. Next we will talk through the current challenges you are facing with feeding (and everything else that affects, such as sleep, weight gain, nappy output and baby's mood), as well as observe a feed, conduct an oral assessment and/or breast assessment if indicated, and look at baby's current weight gain and wellbeing. Lastly, we will talk through the root causes of the challenges you're facing, helping to make sense of the breastfeeding journey to date, and I will provide you with a feeding plan to support you to move through the current challenges towards achieving your breastfeeding goals. This will always be based on evidence based research - and sometimes I will suggest further reading or the use of breastfeeding aids, such as nursing supplementers. After the consultation, we can continue working together as needed as you implement your feeding plan, and virtual messaging support is included with all consultations, whether virtual or in person..
You are very welcome to come with a support person, as well as of course baby and any other children - just let me know! It's often so valuable to have someone to support you and help you implement the agreed plan afterwards. Breastfeeding is always best done in community!
Not Sure What To Do Next?
I'm here to support you with your breastfeeding journey - no matter who you are, where you are, and what your situation, there is always a breastfeeding solution to a breastfeeding problem! Just reach out and we can arrange a consultation and talk about the possibilities from where you are right now.