Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. Finding the right support for your needs is crucial. Please check out my reviews to hear what previous clients have to say about the care they received from me.
Do your consultations include follow ups?
Yes, every initial feeding consultation comes with two weeks of WhatsApp/text support. This follow-up is crucial for you to touch base with me after implementing any changes during your consultation. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask additional questions. As things can vary daily in the early phases of learning to breastfeed, this follow-up allows us to modify plans accordingly. Additionally, I provide care packages; please visit my book breastfeeding support page for further details on these. Numerous families have greatly benefited from securing a package of follow-up support. Options to block book 2, 3, or 4 follow-up sessions are available, which can be scheduled according to what best fits your needs. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain continuous support from a trusted professional, and I am passionate about accompanying you on this journey, month after month.
How quickly do you respond to messages during the 2 weeks of WhatsApp/text support?
As a general rule, I respond to messages between the hours of 8am-8pm Monday-Saturday. I strive to reply within 4-6 hours of receiving your message, or by the next day if the message arrives overnight.
Do you support with weaning from breastfeeding?
Yes, as an IBCLC, I have had training in all areas of breastfeeding support. This includes finishing your breastfeeding journey. This will be at different times and for differing reasons for each family. I support you to make the choices that are right for you and our focus will always be on how to approach weaning in a gentle and supportive way for both you and your little one.
Do you divide tongue ties?
I am able to perform an oral assessment on your baby, with your consent, to assess for normal function and appearance. If there does appear to be any restriction to movement or function then I will share these findings with you, and you may consider seeking further assessment and diagnosis from a tongue tie practitioner. I am not a trained tongue tie provider and am therefore unable to diagnose or divide a tongue tie. I can guide you on where to seek further support. Please note, not all tongue ties are restrictive so not all will need division and it is always beneficial to have support with positioning and attachment even if division is necessary.
Do you support with formula feeding or combination feeding?
Yes, I am a firm believer of supporting each and every family with their choices. There is a lot to learn around either combination feeding or formula feeding too, so I recognise that many families value information and support with this. My focus is always on supporting you to feed your baby how you have chosen and to do this safely, following evidence based information.
What age do you start sleep coaching?
Sleep coaching can begin from before your baby is even born. Learning about what to expect with a newborn; what is in your control and what isn’t and how to lay some good foundations for your child’s sleep development are just a few areas that we can explore. However, for my sleep coaching packages, I tend to recommend waiting until at least 6 months because so much is out of our control in the very early months and your little one goes through so much developmentally too. Check out my sleep coaching page for more information.
Do you guarantee my baby/child will sleep through the night within a certain timeframe if I book one of your sleep support packages?
While sleep support packages provide a bespoke step-by-step plan and unlimited expert support to help your child sleep well, they do not guarantee that your baby or child will sleep through the night within a specific timeframe. The purpose of sleep coaching is all about supporting you to support your little one with this huge area of development whilst staying responsive and loving. Anyone offering a guarantee that they will sleep through within 2 weeks (or any other arbitrary timeframe) will be adopting non responsive approaches that fail to recognise the needs, temperament and developmental stage of your baby/child. What I do guarantee is that you will learn so much about sleep biology, what is normal for your little one and what you can do to support them with this huge developmental process. All of this will be through using nurturing, responsive and attachment focused techniques that respect your little one as the incredible individual they are and respect the trusting relationship that you have together.
How far do you travel for home appointments?
Travel within 15 miles of Sandhurst, Berkshire is included in the cost of any home visit. I am happy to consider travelling further for an additional mileage charge of 50p per mile over the 15 mile inclusion. Please do get in contact if you are further than 15 miles as I may still be able to help, dependent on the exact mileage and travel time involved. I do also offer virtual consults which can be an extremely effective way to receive my support wherever you live.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Supported is best! This is why I developed my gift vouchers so that friends and family can give the gift of support to the expectant/new parents. These can be an ideal baby shower gift and the recipient can choose which services they would like to use the voucher for. You can buy any amount as they can be used as part payment or full payment for any services that I offer. To arrange your gift vouchers, just drop me an email detailing who they are for, the value that you would like and where you would like them delivered to. I will then invoice you for the amount that you would like, once payment has been received then I will pop your voucher in the post to you/ your chosen recipient.