Helen Green - History
Breastfeeding Professional - Following my Midwifery and Child Health training, I moved to Zimbabwe, Africa, where as a Health Visitor, I managed a Primary Health Care Clinic for mothers and infants. The focus of care was infant growth, breastfeeding, nutrition, vaccinations and contraception. Given the challenges and conditions of the developing country Zimbabwe, this was a steep learning curve for me as a health professional.
On my return to Australia, I gained further experience working as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse with the Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service. My role was to provide home visiting services for infants under two years of age to monitor infant growth, promote breastfeeding and women's health.
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)
Once certified as a Lactation Consultant my role as a Child Health Nurse with Queensland Health expanded to include the implementation of the first Breastfeeding Clinic in Queensland Health at Southport Community Child Health. The clinic supported women experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding.
As a breastfeeding professional, I established the Gold Coast Breastfeeding Centre in 1995 and began offering lactation/breastfeeding services as a privately practising Lactation Consultant. In 2003 I was appointed Lactation Consultant for the Maternity Unit Gold Coast Hospital and continued in the role until 2009 when my role expanded to include managing the Maternity Home Visiting team and the Lactation Consultant team.
I ceased Community work at the Gold Coast Hospital in Feb 2022 to allow an increased focus on the provision of lactation support to the wider Gold Coast.
I have continued providing services to families on the Gold Coast since 1995 through the Gold Coast Breastfeeding Centre. During this time I have worked collaboratively with Private Practising Paediatricians and Obstetricians to support mothers and babies.
My extensive training over the years combined with the services I provide, have enabled me to continue assisting mothers, babies and families across the Gold Coast and the surrounding area.
Please call to discuss any concerns you may have or to book a private consultation.
Breastfeeding Professional - Helen Green - Gold Coast
0415 751 742
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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
Inverted 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.
Milk 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.
Suck 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.
Failure 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.
Antenatal 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......
Premature 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.
Feeding 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.
Nipple 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.
Tongue 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.