RM and IBCLC
I have been a midwife for 34 years. A year after qualifying my husband Chris and I had the first of four lovely children: one hospital birth and the other three at home. Although I breastfed them all, I had great challenges in feeding one of them and it was this experience which helped to give me a passion to support other women and their babies.
I have worked both in the NHS and independent sectors, within hospitals and the community – and even in Egypt! In my last NHS role, I worked in Children’s centres running breastfeeding cafes.
I love to support women and babies through the postnatal period. Although this is a crucial part of a family’s experience, it has often been a neglected part of midwifery care. So In 2013 I studied for and qualified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to enable me to have the right skills and education. I believe every woman should have access to skilled and kind breastfeeding support, from birth, to optimise the experience for those who choose to breastfeed.
More recently I have been working as a private midwife and IBCLC supporting women and their babies. I also co-run a free weekly postnatal group in Camberwell SE5 for mothers and their babies 0-6 months. Breastfeeding is a top topic but the overall aim is that women feel supported and strengthened as they grow into motherhood.
In my spare time, I have an allotment, love gardening and play an active part in my church family.
I am also part of the Art and Science Breastfeeding teaching faculty and support trainees as a Mentor in the Clinical Instruction Programme.