I was born, raised, and still live in South Bristol. I am a mother of two grown up children and a keen runner, but the thing that has defined me over the last 18 years is my passion for breastfeeding. I breastfed both of my children but not without difficulty, and this inspired me to learn more about breastfeeding so that I could help other women.
In 2000 after my second child had been born, I resigned from my job at a well known British bank, and started training as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor. In 2002, after two years of studying, I qualified with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). Since then, I have manned national helplines, facilitated breastfeeding support groups, run clinics and trained local peer supporters for Bristol based projects. In 2011 I passed the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants exam, and re certified in August 2016. In March 2016 I was thrilled to win the Bristol Post Health Care Early Years Award for my work supporting breastfeeding in Bristol.
When working with breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing difficulties, I unravel what's happened so far, help mum decide what outcome she would like to aim for, and then set out practical steps to help her achieve her goal. I enjoy helping mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges and working with them towards a more positive experience.
I believe that every mother has the right to breastfeed; that most mothers want to breastfeed, and that every baby has the right to drink human milk. I understand that it is not always easy, and occasionally, it is not possible - and yet, I have seen mothers combine full formula feeding with breastfeeding for comfort, to the satisfaction of both mum and baby. There are always options which I can present to you and then you can decide what feels right for you and your family.
In 2000 after my second child had been born, I resigned from my job at a well known British bank, and started training as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor. In 2002, after two years of studying, I qualified with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). Since then, I have manned national helplines, facilitated breastfeeding support groups, run clinics and trained local peer supporters for Bristol based projects. In 2011 I passed the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants exam, and re certified in August 2016. In March 2016 I was thrilled to win the Bristol Post Health Care Early Years Award for my work supporting breastfeeding in Bristol.
When working with breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing difficulties, I unravel what's happened so far, help mum decide what outcome she would like to aim for, and then set out practical steps to help her achieve her goal. I enjoy helping mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges and working with them towards a more positive experience.
I believe that every mother has the right to breastfeed; that most mothers want to breastfeed, and that every baby has the right to drink human milk. I understand that it is not always easy, and occasionally, it is not possible - and yet, I have seen mothers combine full formula feeding with breastfeeding for comfort, to the satisfaction of both mum and baby. There are always options which I can present to you and then you can decide what feels right for you and your family.
