Why see an IBCLC? — Dr. Justice Reilly — Breastfeeding Medicine

Why see a lactation consultant?

Lactation consultants have expertise in the biology and physiology of lactation, as well as the cultural, social and psychological aspects which determine breastfeeding outcomes. There are currently only a handful of doctors in the UK who hold the IBCLC qualification, however over time we hope to increase access to this level of care within the NHS. Seeing an IBCLC pre-emptively, or as soon as problems arise can help you get the care you need, when you need it, and avoid future issues. It can also help redefine your feeding goals and find a way that works for your family. Whether you have complex feeding concerns, or you just want to feel confident in the signs your baby is getting enough milk, we are here to answer all your questions and make feeding your baby easier and more enjoyable.

Experience

Dr Reilly is experienced in the following areas:

Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting
Breast Sepsis Management (Mastitis and Abscess)
Breast Thrush
Nipple Trauma
Infant Oral Assessment
Breast examination
Mammary Dysbiosis
Faltering Infant Weight (Slow Weight Gain)
Teaching Human Milk Expression by Hand or Mechanical Pump
Complex Feeding Challenges e.g. Babies with Orofacial Clefts, Trisomy 21, Premature Babies and those requiring Medical Interventions
Emergency Weaning for Maternal Medical Treatment such as Chemotherapy
Combination Feeding
Unilateral Breastfeeding
Weaning from Nipple Shields
Low milk supply (Iatrogenic, Breast Hypoplasia, and Secondary Low Supply)
Supplemental Nursing Systems
Hyperlactation (Oversupply)
Induced Lactation (e.g. Adoption or Allonursing)
Relactation (birthing parent brings back or increases their milk supply)
Baby Led Weaning
Return to Work Planning
Gentle Weaning from Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and Perinatal Mental Health Considerations
Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery or Radiotherapy
Breastfeeding and Healing Milk Fistula
Maintaining Direct Breastfeeding Alongside Bottle Feeds
Nursing Strikes
Family Sleep Solutions
Maternal Medications and Interventions such as Medical Imaging During Lactation
Breastfeeding and Fertility
Lactational Amenorrhoea and Natural Family Planning
Breastfeeding Aversion
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER)
Natural Term Breastfeeding
Maintaining Breastfeeding during Family Separation

Justice was really helpful when I needed to advocate for myself and my child’s decision to continue breastfeeding past one year. She supported me with information and references to feed back to our health visiting team about the problems with the advice I had received from them.
Clare, mum of 3
As a second time mum who struggled to breastfeed my firstborn due to lack of knowledge and confidence, I was determined second time round I was going to give it a real go. The first few days/weeks as any new mum knows is difficult and breastfeeding (for some) does not come as naturally as one would expect! I was starting to feel upset and disappointed that I wasn’t going to be able to establish breastfeeding this time around either. I was so fortunate to have had a supportive friend who put me in touch with Justice. Justice not only supported me in my journey but she also educated me on the world of breastfeeding which is rather fascinating and well pretty awesome for both mother and baby! I would thoroughly recommend if you’re struggling with your breastfeeding journey to get in touch with Justice. I am delighted to say I am still breastfeeding my little girl at six months and have no intention of giving it up until she is ready. I can genuinely say without Justice’s knowledge and caring support I would have probably stopped in those early days.
Grace, mum of 2
I have had support from Justice several times both antenatally and during the 8 months I have been breastfeeding my son. Her advice helped me to establish exclusive breastfeeding with a small for gestational age newborn, and later to continue through mastitis and blocked ducts. She is approachable and friendly, with a strong knowledge base. The most impressive thing about her support is it is always a step ahead, considering how management now could affect feeding in the future. I’m sure that this has helped our breastfeeding journey to be relatively smooth and enjoyable.
Ali, first time mum
I returned to work as an NHS doctor with my baby continuing to nurse overnight. My concerns with working night shifts were that I had a history of mastitis and blocked ducts and had no real success with a pump. Justice guided and encouraged me through the process of speaking to HR and Occupational Health and I was able to negotiate time off nights until my baby had weaned. For us, this was an important part of being able to maintain my supply and continue breastfeeding. Here I am still breastfeeding my 21 month old toddler! It was very difficult to get here but I am so glad that I persisted and prioritised my health and baby!
Sara, mum of 2
I always had my heart set on breastfeeding my baby and just assumed it would come naturally once she was born, it therefore came as a huge surprise when I realised how much of a challenge it would actually be. In the first few weeks I was totally consumed with the stress of trying to establish breastfeeding, I was filled with worry that my baby wasn’t getting enough food and felt very alone with very little support from medical professionals. I felt a sense of grief that I might not be able to experience this special bond with my baby and felt I had failed her in some way. My desire to breastfeed was based on lots of things including bonding, nutrition, but also has so many positive health benefits that last a lifetime. I was almost at the point of giving up when I received support from Justice. Not only did she rapidly respond to my messages at any time of the night or day but did so with compassion and kindness which instantly gave me belief in myself. Justice came over to my house and supported me in achieving my breastfeeding goals and I have never looked back, it was simply a lifeline for our journey and 10 months on we are still going strong. I honestly believe I would have given up if it hadn’t been for the care and support I received.
Sam, first time mum
I had some medical challenges that meant I was unlikely to make a full milk supply but I still wanted to try breastfeeding. Justice supported me and came up with options that I had no idea existed! My baby is still able to get so much benefit from my milk and I am so grateful we have this special relationship. It’s really important in my culture to breastfeed until the child is 2, and we are so close to achieving that! I am so glad I reached out and got support from an expert. It would have been so easy to just bottle feed from the start and I had some family tell me not to worry about breastfeeding, but it makes me sad now to think what we would have missed out on.
Marwa, first time mum

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