Lactation support in the comfort of your own home

When you feed your baby, it creates a bond that nurtures you both for years to come. But what happens when it doesn’t feel instinctive, or you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is normal? I am here to provide practical and research-based feeding support for the whole family - mothers, fathers, non-gestational parents and everyone else- so you can meet your family’s lactation goals. No matter whether you breastfeed, chest feed, nurse or how you identify as a parent, I’m here to support you on your unique lactation journey.

Hi, I am Femke

Lactation Consultant - IBCLC

Even as a young child, I have been fascinated by the miracle of human milk. I remember a midwife coming over to support my mother as she was feeding my younger brother. But the fascination grew into a passion when I had my own kids.

My first child was born at home and we were transferred to the hospital because she wasn’t feeding at the breast. We spent 5 days there trying to get her to feed, which was an incredibly stressful experience. I thought to myself, ‘I never want anyone else to go through this – it would be so much better to get support at home in your own environment’.

As a midwife, I have watched many parents struggle and have so many questions about their experiences. Because we don’t talk about breastfeeding much in our society, many new parents don’t understand what it involves and what is normal. But everyone has a story about themselves or someone they love experiencing challenges during breastfeeding – and that’s what I want to change.

As a lactation consultant (IBCLC), it’s my mission to support families to achieve their (breast)feeding goals – whatever that looks like for you.

Lactation Support

Lactation Support

My services are available to families in Perth area, particularly the southern coastal suburbs and Fremantle area. Consultations take place either in your home or online. Medibank rebates available.

  • After birth it can be trickier to sort out any issues that arise. That’s why I recommend that you set yourself up for feeding success before you give birth. In a pre birth consult, we’ll discuss:

    • Any previous experience with breastfeeding, chestfeeding or nursing (positive or negative)

    • Your expectations and goals around feeding

    • Considerations around your own self-care including sleep, eating regularly, and who can help you

  • Whether you’re having difficulties breastfeeding (nursing or chestfeeding) or you just need reassurance that everything is going well, this option is for you. During this consult, we will:

    • Chat about your pregnancy, birth and early days of feeding

    • Discuss any relevant medical history and what you need support with right now

    • Assess a feed including pre- and post-feed weight

    • Answer any questions or concerns you have about feeding your baby

    • Make a plan that helps you to feel more supported and ensures that your baby is fed

    After the consult, you will receive a written version of your plan.

  • Not in the local area, feeling unwell, or simply prefer a virtual option? I also offer support via telehealth. During this consult, we will:

    • Chat about your pregnancy, birth and early days of feeding

    • Discuss any relevant medical history and what you need support with right now

    • Answer any questions or concerns you have about feeding your baby

    • Make a plan that helps you to feel more supported and ensures that your baby is fed

    After the consult, you will receive a written version of your plan.

  • This is for you if you have any questions for me, you need some reassurance that all is going well or you’d like to meet me prior to booking in a full consultation. Limited sessions available.

Commonly Asked Questions

 

What is a lactation consultant?

A lactation consultant specialises in supporting milk production for you and ensuring your baby is fed. It’s important to note – sometimes these are two separate goals with different interventions! 

We can discuss the position and latching of your baby at the breast or chest, assess milk supply, help to manage any breast or nipple discomfort, and give specific support for you and your baby’s health concerns. Depending on your specific situation, we may recommend tools such as nipple shields, formula, finger feeding and bottle-feeding.

Lactation consultants have many years’ experience of providing breastfeeding support (9 years for me) and have to sit rigorous exams every 5 years to keep their certification (For more information please see IBCLE website)

Why would I see a lactation consultant?

Some of the reasons you might seek advice and support from a lactation consultant include:

  • Sore, damaged nipples

  • Baby not gaining weight

  • Concerns about milk supply (high or low)

  • Latching issues

  • Infant conditions such as tongue-tie

  • Maternal conditions such as mastitis

  • Managing multiple babies breastfeeding at the same time

  • Inducing lactation or re-lactation

  • Previous breast or chest surgery

  • Any worries related to (breast)feeding your baby

Many have struggled to get appointments with lactation consultants via both the public and private hospital system, particularly in recent years. Now, families are turning to lactation consultants who provide mobile services and support you from the comfort of your own home. 

If you want to feel calm, rested and have a good relationship with both your baby and your loved ones, now is the time to reach out for help.

Kind Words

  • “Femke has been helping me with my third baby.  My first two had reflux and couldn’t breastfeed, so were fed with formula and expressed milk.  I had seen multiple LC’s during this time. My third baby has silent reflux and a floppy larynx but decided to breastfeed, and not take the bottle.  Feeding well, but with weight increasing slower than I’d like, Femke came to help me decide the best path.  She is calm, relaxed and not pushy (as per my experience with other LC’s).  We discussed many options and ideas.  She helped me to decide my own path, with information to assist me.  I highly recommend her.  It is such an important and often stressful time – even on your third!  Her pragmatic and common sense approach was very helpful for me.”

    “I wanted to let you know that with all your advice to do lots of skin to skin, only positive experience at the breast and perseverance, we finally ended up getting him to latch at one month old and he hasn’t stopped since. I have exclusively breastfeed Acre for 9.5 months now and no sign of stopping anytime soon 😍”

Contact Mama Milk

Femke Knol - Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

info@mamamilk.com.au
Fremantle, Western Australia