BSc, MSc, RNutr, IBCLC
My interest in breastfeeding started with nutrition. I have worked in public health nutrition for 12 years including: early years nutrition; as a research scientist; and as an infant feeding lead in the NHS. I saw firsthand the contribution of breastfeeding to the wider public health landscape. Access to good support, unfortunately, is often a challenge for families and I felt quite strongly that I wanted to be part of the solution.
In my role as infant feeding lead in Merton, I worked to build community support for families as part of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Programme. I loved training Health Visitors and other health care workers in breastfeeding; I was often found traveling around London with two large tote bags stuffed with knitted boobs. I also started a breastfeeding drop-in, as well as a specialist breastfeeding clinic. The mothers I worked with, and their experiences, motivated me to pursue further education so that I can support them as best I can. I completed the Breastfeeding London Course.
I joined the teaching faculty of the Art and Science of Breastfeeding course five years ago. During the week I work on developing new models for breastfeeding support within the NHS. In my practice, I always aim to be the calm, reassuring, non-judgmental voice I would want to hear.
I have been awarded the 2021-2022 National Institute for Health Research ARC NWL Improvement Leadership Fellowship.