IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the highest level qualification in infant feeding.
It’s a qualification that stands in it’s own right, not every healthcare professional you’ll meet as parents, is trained to this level, or has this degree of feeding specialism.
Hannah Croft IBCLC
Infant Feeding Support
Canterbury
Kent
07732 090102
IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the highest level qualification in infant feeding.
It’s a qualification that stands in it’s own right, not every healthcare professional you’ll meet as parents, is trained to this level, or has this degree of feeding specialism.
30,200
Hannah Croft IBCLC, Infant Feeding Support
•IBCLC Infant Feeding Support in Canterbury, Kent & SE Kent.
•1:1 support available.
•Home vists
•Online and phone support
•Group support
•Antenatal Sessions
Mastitis is horrible!![]()
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But rushing to get antibiotics may not be the answer.![]()
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If you have a sore, swollen and hot breast using cold compresses, lymphatic massage and anti inflammatories are the first line of defence. ![]()
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It’s also recommended only to feed your baby as normal, rather than increase feeds or add in pumping, so as not to add more stress to an already inflamed breast. ![]()
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These steps alone may well be enough to get the mastitis under control and avoid the need for antibiotics. ![]()
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It’s interesting to know that the use of antibiotics too early will alter the microbiome of the breast and increases the risk of bacterial mastitis. And we all know the risks of over using antibiotics leading to possible resistance at a time our bodies may really need them. ![]()
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It’s also worth noting that many antibiotics and anti fungal medications may have anti inflammatory properties which may explain the relief some women experience soon after commencing treatment. ![]()
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But they won’t deal with the root of the problem…often, issues with milk removal. ![]()
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So when might antibiotics be indicated?![]()
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-you’re not feeling better after 24-48 hours ![]()
-if your temperature goes above 38.4c![]()
-you’ve seen active signs of infection like pus![]()
-your breast increases in size, or the sore patch gets bigger ![]()
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Please check out my previous post about the NICE guidelines for mastitis treatment too. ![]()
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And if I can help, please get in touch. ![]()
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#breastfeeding #normalisebreastfeeding #breastfed #breastfedbaby #breastmilk #breastfeedinginpublic #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmama #breastfeedingsupport #baby #earlybaby #prematurebaby #newborn #humanmilk #parents #parenting #motherhood #mothering #support #ibclc #lactationconsultant #hannahcroftibclc #canterbury #canterburykent #kent #homevisit #mastitis #engorgement #antibiotics
A n t e n a t a l e x p r e s s i n g![]()
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Learning how to hand express in the last weeks of pregnancy can be hugely empowering for expectant parents. ![]()
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Not only do they learn a useful skill, they collect colostrum to feed to their baby if needed, and gain trust in their body’s ability to make milk for their baby too. ![]()
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If you need help with any aspect of collecting colostrum speak to your midwife, or an IBCLC. ![]()
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#breastfeeding #normalisebreastfeeding #breastfedbaby #breastfed #milk #breastmilk #pregnant #expectantparents #babydue #colostrum #baby #newbaby #birth #labour #liquidgold #ibclc #lactationsupport #lactationconsultant #hannahcroftibclc #canterbury #canterburykent #kent #onlinesupport #homevisit #research #parentstobe #parenting #parenthood #love
There isn’t one perfect position that works for every breastfeeding mum and baby. ![]()
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My job is to help you find what works for you. ![]()
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Need some help? ![]()
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Please get in touch. ![]()
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#hannahcroftibclc #breastfeeding #baby #milk #feedingsupport
Peer Supporters are usually mothers/parents who have breastfed themselves. They do some training to be able to support other families with feeding. It’s usually a voluntary role. ![]()
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According to LCGB’s ‘Who’s who in breastfeeding support’ 2017 document, peer supporters spend between 16-36 hours of training, in comparison to healthcare professionals (who undertake UNICEF’s BFI (Baby Friendly Initiative) who do 18 hours. ![]()
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Is this still the case? ![]()
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I’d love to know more about what your training looked like, whether that was for midwifery, health visiting, or peer supporting. ![]()
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How many hours/sessions/weeks were dedicated to feeding specifically?![]()
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#hannahcroftibclc #ibclc #breastfeeding #baby #milk
There’s still loads of misinformation floating about, around foremilk and hindmilk. This can potentially sabotage a baby’s weight gain. ![]()
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There are not 2 ‘types’ of breastmilk. Every drop of breastmilk is valuable and important for your baby! ![]()
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While the fat content in milk does vary depending on various things including time of day, and the interval of time since that breast was last fed from, it’s usually something your breasts will manage without us having to even think about it. ![]()
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For a baby who’s not gaining weight as quickly as we’d like what matters is the VOLUME of milk they’re receiving rather than the make up of this milk. ![]()
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Using both breasts frequently will mean the fat level is more consistent throughout the whole feed. ![]()
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Keeping your baby drinking by watching for swallows, using compressions and switching sides when the swallows slow are the most effective techniques for helping feeds to efficient and effective for your baby, increasing the calories your baby is getting, and stimulating your supply too. ![]()
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If you’re struggling with breastfeeding please seek help and support. ![]()
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#breastfeeding #hannahcroftibclc #milk #baby #hindmilk