Breastfeeding support

Geraldine Miskin

Geraldine Miskin is a former maternity nanny with 13 years’ experience of working with families and newborns. She turned her attention specifically to breastfeeding in 2002. She has completed several human lactation courses in the UK, as well as the Australasian Lactation Course and the Unicef Baby-friendly course.

Geraldine’s philosophy is to promote and encourage breastfeeding and to support all parents, regardless of their infant feeding choice. Geraldine currently runs a private practice in London for all breastfeeding and baby-related problems, as well as giving breastfeeding and baby care lessons antenatally.

Geraldine sees her clients at The Birth Company. There are three ways in which you can receive care and advice: through a breastfeeding workshop, a breastfeeding consultation, or a ‘Learn to latch’ clinic.

A breastfeeding workshop

This is held once a month on a Sunday morning at The Birth Company. It is for antenatal mothers at around 36 weeks gestation. At the workshop you will learn:

• how and when to feed your baby in the early days
• how to tell whether your baby is getting enough milk, and
• how to position your baby to the breast to avoid common problems.

In 2007, workshops will be held on the following Sundays:

Breastfeeding consultations

At a breastfeeding consultation you will get one-to-one advice tailored to meet your needs, whether you choose to breastfeed exclusively or choose to explore a combination of breast and bottle-feeding. During your 1-hour consultation we will cover any concerns about:

• low milk supply
• mastitis (inflammation of the breast)
• breast pain or tenderness
• oversupply
• poor weight gain
• explosive stools
• frequent or prolonged feeding
• gastric reflux
• colicky behaviour.

‘Learn to latch’ clinic

Most breastfeeding problems can be avoided by making sure your latch suits your baby and breast shape. (Getting your ‘latch’ right means attaching your baby correctly to the breast to feed.) It only takes one incorrect latch to create long-lasting pain and damage. Getting your latch right brings the following benefits:

• You are less likely to experience on going pain.
• Your baby will be able to drain the breast properly and won’t end up hungry.
• You will help to avoid mastitis due to poor drainage.
• Your baby’s weight is less likely to be affected by insufficient feeds.
• Feeding your baby will be an enjoyable and relaxed experience.

To discuss booking an appointment, please contact Geraldine Miskin directly on 07947 741415.