Breastfeeding Consultant - Qualifications

Helen is passionate about helping mothers and babies achieve their breastfeeding goals
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Helen Green - Qualifications

Certified Breastfeeding Consultant - IBCLC

I qualified as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. After working at the hospital for a short period, I travelled to Great Britain and qualified as a Registered Midwife (RM) at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Western General Hospital is an internationally recognised Midwifery Training and Research Hospital.

On my return to Australia, I qualified as a Child Health Nurse (CHN).

In addition, was accredited as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 1995.

I attained a Bachelor of Nursing Studies Degree (BHScN) through Southern Cross University. Lismore NSW and a Masters of Community Health Practice (MCHPract) through Griffith University, Brisbane QLD, achieving High Distinctions in both courses.

Volunteer Work - Breastfeeding Counsellor

I volunteered over an extended period as an Australian Breastfeeding Association Counsellor.

Volunteering gave me the opportunity to give back to the community by sharing my extensive knowledge associated with breastfeeding.  Mothers want to give their babies the best start in life, but sometimes breastfeeding can be a little difficult. Hence, that's where my expertise comes in; a little help sometimes is all that's needed.  You will finally succeed, persevere, you'll get there in the end!

My passion is working with Mothers and babies, teaching and guiding them through the sometimes complex breastfeeding techniques.

Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed infants. At birth, babies are biologically programmed to know how to breastfeed. They display inbuilt behaviours and reflexes that seek mother's chest and the desire to latch to the breast for feeding.

 

The Gold Coast Breastfeeding Centre can help you. For caring support, information and practical help.

IBCLC's are valued worldwide, maintaining the highest standards in lactation and breastfeeding care. Therefore, they improve breastfeeding outcomes.

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).

Because IBCLC's are registered, consumers can readily verify their status.

Find Helen Green at Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ)

Finally, as a Breastfeeding Consultant, Helen can assist you with all your breastfeeding issues.

Call her today - book a consultation.

0415 751 742

Ready to find out more? Get started today!

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).

Because IBCLC's are registered, consumers can readily verify their status.

Find Helen Green at Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ)

What Mums Are Saying - questions and concerns

failure-to-thrive-backgroundTongue and Lip Tie Assesment

What is a tongue tie?

There is a little piece of tissue under the tongue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth Sometimes it grows too far forward and prevents the tongue from doing everything it needs to do for breastfeeding.

What is a lip tie?

Under the middle of the top lip is a piece of tissue that sometimes grows down to the top gum margin  If it grows down too far, this can then prevent the top lip from flanging back while breastfeeding.

Read more about tongue and lip tie assessments 

lip-and-tongue-ties-backgroundInverted or Flat Nipples

New Mums may be concerned if they have flat or inverted nipples and may wonder if they can breastfeed their new baby. An antenatal consultation with a Lactation Consultant would be advised to discuss options and techniques for feeding.

Some babies may struggle with trying to attach to an inverted or flat nipple.

Read more about inverted nipples

breastfeeding-sucking-problems-backgroundMilk Supply Problem

All mothers and babies will have different feeding routines due to the size of the baby and the breast's ability to synthesise milk.

It's quite normal for babies to have a time in the day when they cluster feed (many short feeds over a period of time) - It's also important to allow this to happen.

Most mothers produce enough milk for their baby.

Read more about milk supply

nipple-sorness-backgroundSuck Problems

Is your baby struggling with a suck problem? Some babies may suck incorrectly or may have a weaker suck than others.

When babies are born, they know instinctively how to breastfeed however some things can affect the normal suck swallow breathe pattern for a baby. This coordination of feeding is also instinctive but may be delayed a little.

Sometimes the problem is noticed immediately at birth and sometimes not for some time.

Read more about babies sucking

Failure to thrive babiesFailure To Thrive

Failure to thrive is a huge concern for new parents and can cause much distress.

Babies instinctively know how to feed and how often to feed. After the first 2-3 days, newborn babies will feed approximately 8 times a day, and this is important to establish milk supply. This frequency of feeding will continue for some months.

Read more about babies failure to thrive

your-antenatal-preparationAntenatal Preparation

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and new parents want to prepare for the birth of their baby as well as they can. Whether it's going to be a home or hospital birth, you need to plan ahead.

You and your partner or support person can benefit enormously by undertaking some antenatal classes. These can help many women prepare for birth and parenthood.

New parents will have lots of questions about what is normal with breastfeeding after birthing the baby.

Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed the baby and with preparation, it is usually easier to get started.

Read More About Antenatal......

 

premi-babyPremature Babies

Usually, a pregnancy lasts on average 40 weeks  (38 - 42 weeks is normal). Birth is classed as premature when a baby is born before 37 weeks. When a baby is born at 36 weeks and 6 days, it is officially premature.

Some parents know they are going to have a premature baby however most times it is unexpected.

This can be a difficult period for new parents as the baby is small and cuddling baby can be restricted.

Read More About Premature Babies......

what-mums-are-saying-aFeeding Positioning and Attachment

Breastfeeding is a learnt art, and new parents can benefit from a practical demonstration if possible before baby is born or very soon afterwards. Correct feeding positioning and attachment is important.

The way your baby is positioned and attached to your breast can make a huge difference between a contented, comfortable and successful feed to one which may be painful for you, and ultimately frustrating for your baby.

Read More About Positioning And Attachment......

sore-nipplesNipple Soreness

Most causes of nipple soreness can be resolved.

Frequent causes of sore nipples are incorrect positioning at the breast and incorrect latch.

Breastfeeding is not meant to hurt or to be painful; it may be tender in the first few days, but this should improve as feeding continues.

Nipple damage often starts in the early days and if not corrected may become so painful this will cause the mother to wean the baby.

 

Read More About Nipple Soreness......