What We Do
Infant feeding
Babies needing extra care
Infant feeding
Our amazing babies are born with the innate knowledge of what to do, but sometimes they need a little help in learning how to do it!
Deborah can help you explore feeding options that suit your family and circumstances, be that exclusively breastfeeding/feeding breastmilk, mixed feeding or exclusively formula feeding.
Philosophy
Babies needing extra care
Infant feeding
Deborah's breastfeeding philosophy is based on a holistic approach to help your family get off to the best start in your feeding journey.
A consultation will look at all aspects of early parenting, including infant care, settling techniques, safe sleeping, understanding infant cues and newborn behaviour, bonding and attachment, and emotional support and self-care for parents.
Babies needing extra care
Babies needing extra care
Babies needing extra care
Sometimes our babies need some extra help and this can impact your breastfeeding experience. However, there are many ways in which breastfeeding can be supported if your baby is sick or premature.
In her hospital practice, Deborah works with families whose babies are admitted to the Special Care Nursery and NICU.
We can work together to find solutions that suit you.
About me
Hello,
I'm Deborah. I'm an experienced Registered Midwife, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), and Childbirth Educator working in both the hospital setting and private practice.
I have also recently undertaken further study to become an Endorsed Midwife.
This endorsement with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia allows me to prescribe certain schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines, in addition to ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. It also means that you can claim Medicare rebates for consultations during pregnancy and up to 7 weeks after your baby is born, reducing your out of pocket expense.
I have a deep understanding of the joys and challenges that come with breastfeeding, and I am dedicated to helping you achieve your breastfeeding goals while ensuring you and your little one's comfort and well-being.
I bring to my midwifery and breastfeeding practice a wealth of experience from my early career in Early Childhood education and as a mum to three adult and teenage children.
My passion for all things lactation began with my own, largely successful and enjoyable breastfeeding experiences, and continued during my midwifery career as I encountered the complexities women can experience on their breastfeeding journeys.
Given my background in teaching, my other interest is in education, especially antenatal preparation for breastfeeding and early parenthood. I enjoy sharing my knowledge in antenatal breastfeeding classes and being part of the excitement and anticipation a new baby brings!
I have recently completed a Masters degree in Midwifery, where I chose to focus a year long health research project on the barriers and enablers to breastfeeding after caesarean section.
This has given me valuable insight into interventions and practices that can smooth the transition to breastfeeding for all women, regardless of their method of birth.
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum doesn’t always go the way we plan, and sometimes breastfeeding is impacted by these events. This is where the skills and experience of a Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable assistance.
I am happy to provide a brief, obligation free phone call if you are unsure whether you could benefit from the assistance of a Lactation Consultant.
Kind regards,
Deb
How can a Lactation Consultant help me?
By offering up to date, evidence-based care to manage:
· Attachment/latching
· Nipple or breast pain
· Milk supply – low or over supply
· Engorgement
· Mastitis
· Expressing milk – via hand expression or pump
· Storage of milk
· Sterilisation of equipment
· Feeding with a nipple shield or via syringe, cup or bottle
· Breastfeeding premature babies or babies with health issues
· Multiples and tandem feeding
· Breastfeeding after breast reduction or augmentation
· Antenatal preparation for breastfeeding
Or simply, an empathetic ear to discuss your experience.
Services
Postnatal care
Initial appointment:
By observing a breastfeeding session in the comfort of your home, Deborah can provide assistance with any breastfeeding issues and help make a plan that is tailored to your circumstances.
We will discuss:
Your birth history
Current feeding
Any breastfeeding issues
What we will provide:
A detailed plan via email after the consultation.
Phone or email contact for one month after the initial consultation if required.
Please note: face to face postnatal consultations occur after you are discharged from hospital.
Zoom consultations can take place any time after your birth.
Duration:
up to 90 minutes
Cost:
Please refer to the Fees tab.
Medicare rebates apply within 7 weeks of birth to reduce your out of pocket expense.
Antenatal care
Stand alone appointment or package with a postnatal appointment.
As you eagerly await the arrival of your precious baby or babies, an antenatal consultation can help prepare you for the joys and demands of breastfeeding.
We recommend booking around 34-36 weeks gestation, or earlier if you anticipate birthing prematurely.
Small group appointments are available for up to three families so feel free to invite your pregnant friends or family members (face to face at home or Zoom).
We will discuss:
Your birth plans
Breastfeeding goals
Breastfeeding history - if relevant
What to expect in the first few days
What you can do to smooth your breastfeeding experience
Impacts of analgesia
Antenatal expressing
Troubleshooting
Answer any of your questions
Duration:
60 minutes (allow further 15 minutes for small group booking)
Cost:
Please refer to the Fees tab.
Medicare rebates Bulk Billing
From March 1st 2025, the Medicare rebates for antenatal and postnatal consultations increased significantly!
Click here to see if you qualify.