WELCOME TO THE GOOD LATCH

Lactation Support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Although natural, lactation journeys are not always simple or easy for parents and/or their babies. As the name suggests, a good latch is one of the most important aspects of successful lactation. With evidence-based information enabling informed choice, The Good Latch will support you as you navigate the causes of lactation difficulties you may be experiencing- latch related, or beyond. Supporting you to find an achievable way forward that is suitable to your needs is the absolute aim. The Good Latch is available to you at any stage of your lactation journey. From pregnancy to after birth, and those often tricky weeks of the fourth trimester, planning for return to work- to well beyond. This includes how to wean safely.

The Good Latch can support you with a range of lactation related concerns, or advice regarding but not exclusive to:

  • How to get a comfortable latch
  • Navigating the early days/weeks after birth
  • Sore and/or damaged nipples
  • Engorgement
  • ‘Blocked’ ducts
  • Mastitis
  • Supply concerns- too little or too much milk
  • Fast milk let down
  • Different nipples of all shapes and sizes
  • Previous breast surgeries
  • Nipple shields (often weaning from)
  • Breastfeeding strike or refusal
  • Postnatal anxiety and/or depression *
  • An antenatal home visit for a feeding plan (or some advice and support)
  • Planning for return to work
  • Supplemental nursing systems (SNS)
  • Low infant birth weight
  • Slow baby growth
  • Weaning from top ups
  • Bottle and breast confusion
  • Unsettled baby behaviour
  • Weaning at any age
  • Conflicting advice
  • Re-lactation
  • Exclusively expressing and bottle feeding
  • Tongue assessment (please scroll down for more information)
  • Premature babies (often this includes learning how to relax into parenting at home after a stressful time and separation)
  • Responsive parenting techniques

*research has shown that 1 in 5 parents will experience Perinatal Depression and/or Perinatal Anxiety. Lactation issues can often compound these experiences. The Good Latch values your mental health and can support you on your lactation journey to holistically gauge a pathway forward.

A Home visit during Pregnancy

If you have concerns during your pregnancy about what your lactation journey may be like, you can book a home visit to discuss all your concerns- and even make a few plans. Please touch base with me if you would like to book an appointment in the evenings (these times won’t be available via the online booking tool). Having your primary support person/partner with you when discussing such an important topic enables you to have a joint approach to the establishment of feeding.

Tongue Tie/Ankyloglossia

Tongue tie is a common concern for many parents. If present, tongue ties can be debilitating for the lactational experience. The Good Latch is available to assess for tongue functionality using clinical skill and assessment tools, to ensure all other potential causes/issues are well addressed prior to exploring alternative provider options for a diagnosis and treatment of tongue tie. Enabling an unbiased perspective, The Good Latch is not affiliated with any tongue tie clinics/dentists/specialists and can support you as you gauge your options using up to date evidence. Please refer to the Advisory Opinion on Assessment, Diagnosis, and Referral process for IBCLCs. This may enable an informed choice whomever you decide to have support you concerning potential tongue ties, and the role of IBCLCs.