Question 1

What is an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant)?

Accepted Answer

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the highest level of breastfeeding support and have very specific training. IBCLCs either come from a healthcare background, or have to sit 14 health science related subjects before applying for the exam. They also need to do 95 hours of lactation specific training and have to have 1000 hours of clinical practice (ie 1000 hours of experience in supporting breastfeeding) before being allowed to apply for the exam.
Once qualified IBCLCs are required to keep up to date with current research by attending conferences and webinars. They resubmit for their IBCLC certificate every 5 years with proof of attending 75 hours of training.
IBCLCs can support you with more complicated issues such as faltering growth, tongue tie assessment, breastfeeding problems, reflux, a non latching baby, as well as more straightforward breastfeeding support.
IBCLCs are also obliged to work according to the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct (https://iblce.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/code-of-professional-conduct.pdf)and carry full professional insurance. Most UK IBCLCs are members of The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain(https://lcgb.org/)
Please note that there are many people giving breastfeeding advice as a ‘Lactation Consultant” or “Breastfeeding Specialist”. When looking for quality breastfeeding support always make sure that they are an IBCLC and their license is still valid at the IBLCE registry(https://iblce.org/public-registry)

Question 2

What to expect from a home visit?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve contacted us via our booking form, we will send you an intake form to fill out. This covers some general health history for yourself, and some questions about your baby, so that we can streamline your visit and arrive as prepared as possible. We will then be in touch to arrange an ‘in person’ appointment. 
Once we arrive at your house, we will clean our hands and begin the consultation in whichever space is most comfortable for you and your baby. If your baby is ready for a feed, we can start by observing that; otherwise we can have a chat about your concerns. (It is always helpful if your baby is due a feed at some point during the consult, but we understand that babies are unpredictable!). 
After the consultation, we will send you a write up of our time together and if applicable, a plan that we have agreed upon for going forward.

Question 3

How long is the funding for?

Accepted Answer

Our current grant is for one year; however if there is great demand for the service it may be used in a shorter amount of time. We plan to apply for further funding to expand the service, after the current funds are used up.

Question 4

What area do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We currently serve all postcodes within a 20-mile radius of Bexhill-on-Sea, measured by road distance.  This map is for guidance only.

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Question 5

Do you offer follow up?

Accepted Answer

We offer follow with our team up via our local free drop-in infant feeding groups, Breast Mates. These are situated in Bexhill and Hastings. In some special circumstances, with complex cases we may be able to offer a follow up in-person visit.

Question 6

What feeding issues can we help with at at a home visit?

Accepted Answer

• Sore nipples and latch issues
 • Positions for feeding
 • Breast pain
 • Milk supply and weight issues
 • Reflux and colic
 • Thrush
 • Assessing and referring for tongue tie 
 • Unsettled babies and frequent feeding
 • Too much milk and forceful let down
 • Combination feeding
 • Reducing formula or expressed breast milk top ups
 • Mastitis and blocked ducts
 • Recurrent milk blisters/blebs

We can provide support with all feeding issues - some of which will not require a home visit, so please do get in contact still.

Question 7

Are the visits really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the visits are entirely free. They have been funded by the National Lottery!

If however you feel you could make a donation towards East Sussex Early Days CIC and pay it forward, please click the link below:

Anything you can afford will be greatly appreciated.
If you cannot afford to donate that’s fine, but please do consider fundraising for us in the future.