Lactation, breastfeeding and infant feeding support in Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding areas

I offer personalised lactation, breastfeeding and infant feeding support for families in Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding areas. As an IBCLC-qualified lactation consultant and registered midwife. I provide evidence based and compassionate care to support you through every stage of your feeding journey , from antenatal preparation to ongoing postnatal challenges.

What to expect from a consultation

During a consultation, I take my time to listen to your concerns, observe a full feed where appropriate, and provide practical, tailored guidance. My approach is calm, non judgmental and centered around you and your baby. I want to provide a safe space for any question and ensure you have all the information to help support you in your feeding journey. Together, we will create a feeding plan that feels realistic, supportive and right for your family.

Appointments available

Appointments are either face to face or virtual depending on your needs. Support is available for both short and long term feeding concerns and ongoing challenges. My working hours are generally flexible as I work part time in the NHS and at Cocoon Harrogate as a private midwife.

Home visits

Home appointments cover the Harrogate, Knaresborough and district area including HG1, HG2 and HG5 postcodes. These postcodes are included in the price of the appointment. All other postcodes may occur a fee of £1 per mile radius of the above postcodes, this will be stated within your invoice.

Cocoon Harrogate Clinic

If you prefer the space of a clinic environment or wish to travel to Harrogate for specialist Lactation Consultant care I am able to offer the space at Cocoon Harrogate for a small additional fee. If you are pregnant and looking for midwifery care in your pregnancy Cocoon offer lovely packages such as complete care, additional midwifery appointments, parent education and ultrasound scans by trained health professionals working in the NHS.

Pregnancy Scans | Midwifery | Blood Tests - Cocoon Harrogate

Abbie Durrant-Milnes, IBCLC The Harrogate Lactation Consultant

Appointments

Antenatal (pregnancy) Appointment:

Face to Face at home £100 or Virtual £90.00

Approx. 60 minutes

The perfect package to get to know you and your expectations of your infant feeding journey. I will help explore options around infant feeding tailored to you and your needs with no judgement. These topics are subject to change depending on your care pathway.

  • Exploring your current pregnancy, medical conditions, goals and expectations around birth and feeding

  • Any previous pregnancies, or breastfeeding journeys

  • Breast anatomy and changes in pregnancy and after birth

  • Support with anatomy differences such as flat or inverted nipples or previous breast surgery

  • Hormonal changes and expectations

  • Discussion around breastmilk composition and production over the days, weeks, and months

  • Common feeding problems and how you may overcome these

  • Benefits and importance of hand expressing antenatal and postnatal

  • Practicalities of breastfeeding including protecting your supply

  • Early days breastfeeding/ feeding expectations including cluster feeding

  • Skin to skin contact

  • Responsive feeding and feeding cues

  • Infant brain development

  • Explore the equipment you do or don’t need

  • Promoting loving relationships

  • Meeting expectations of growth and development including milestones

  • Infant sleep and safe practices

  • Practical and supportive advice

  • How to get breastfeeding off to the best start, your 4th trimester support

  • Explore personalised feeding plans embedded with you and your family in mind

  • Sign posting to resources, reading and exclusive video content via my website

Postnatal (post birth and beyond) Appointment:

Face to face at home £150 or virtual £100

Follow up appointments £90

Approx. 90 minutes

This postnatal breastfeeding/ feeding appointment can occur straight from birth all the way through your feeding journey. For all feeding types, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combi feeding and more. My aim would be to support you and your baby to help overcome any feeding challenges or concerns you have. I will help achieve a sustainable plan for you and your baby’s needs providing guidance, education and support. I will explore your current feeding journey, goals and ambitions to encourage a positive feeding journey.

This may include (virtual appointments may limit some of the listed support):

  • Breastfeeding support including positioning and attachment to help rectify any concerns including; painful latch, concerns with your baby’s weight, support with over supply or under supply

  • Baby examination including weight and nappy cares (weighted feeds may also be suggested)

  • Oral assessment and tongue tie function including holistic advice

  • Breastmilk expressing support including flange and pump measuring, pump use and schedules (electric, manual, double or single)

  • Exploring reasons for an unsettled baby and managing expectations

  • Methods of feeding such as top ups

  • Observation of a breastfeed including suck and swallow ratio

  • Bottle refusal

  • Explore reflux symptoms and manage expectations

  • Support with feeding plans including ongoing or a new plan

  • Follow up appointment from a previous visit or a reassurance visit

  • Safe storage of milk

  • Returning to work, keep in touch days, breastfeeding or pumping rights

  • Sterilising and support with feeding cues, paced bottle feeding and cup feeding

  • Weaning or reduction of breastfeeding

  • Fussing at the breast

  • Exploring sleep changes or milk supply drops

  • Distraction and elimination feeds

I will always listen to your concerns and help support you depending on what your needs are. You should never feel judged, pushed, or uncomfortable in your consultation. You should feel in control and supported every step of the way. I will always complete a written report following your initial postnatal consultation to address any concerns and discussion we have had in our appointment.

This package includes 1 week of WhatsApp or text message service follow up (average response time 6-12 hours)

You will also gain access to exclusive video content via my website

Complete Feeding Package

Face to face appointments at home £320 (virtual can be organised)

Want continuity of care around your feeding goals right from the start of your journey. Want to feel heard and have someone on stand by for all questions infant feeding. Then this package might suit your needs.

The complete feeding package includes one antenatal appointment and two postnatal aftercare appointments in the first 8 weeks post birth.