Brisbane
Lactation Consultant

 

Personal Breastfeeding Help & Support Clinic

 

Helga Vorona - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Midwife & Child Health RN

FACE to FACE, One on One Appointments

Hello, I'm Helga at Brisbane Lactation Consultant. Helping mothers and babies has been my life’s work. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I am passionate about helping mothers to breastfeed to one hundred percent of their ability as quickly as possible. Why, because early success from having a content baby and pain free breastfeeding is what gives mothers the confidence and passion to quickly achieve their goals.

At my well appointed home clinic I can give you expert personalised support whether you are just starting out on your breastfeeding journey or if you have more complex issues such as sore nipples, feeding concerns, low milk supply or issues with older babies.

I will take the time to listen and address all your concerns. I use my forty years of knowledge and skills to complete an entire observation breastfeeding assessment and together we will work through your every issue.

I will answer all your questions and you will be given choices. You will receive gold standard care and no problem is too big or too small. If you bring your partner they will be shown how they can help you.

With my expert support your breastfeeding ability and confidence will go to a new level. Your baby will be more settled and you will be far more relaxed.

Many mums only need one session to overcome any concerns or to kick start a successful breastfeeding journey. Once you are on track and feeling confident, I encourage you to once again take advantage of the frontline support services that are freely available.

Please see my experience, clinic times and fee below.

Text anytime for an expert IBCLC appointment. Helga on -

0417 132 773

My 40 years of Experience

  • International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
  • Registered Nurse
  • Child Health RN
  • Midwife
  • Neonatal Intensive Care RN
  • Special Care Baby Unit RN
  • Oral Assessment Qualifications
  • Accredited Triple P and Circle of Security Parenting Programmes Facilitator
  • Certificates in Infection Prevention
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My babies were each breastfed for over 2 years
I will help you to breastfeed your baby for whatever time suits you

Brisbane Lactation Consultant fee in a fully equipped Clinic

'A small investment that will pay you back a hundred times over'

Fees - Initial Breastfeeding consult 1.5 hours - $250

Follow up consults 1 hour - $160

Antenatal consults 1 hour - $160

Provider numbers for most Health Funds, check your policy.

Brisbane Lactation Consultant Clinic Appointment times:

Monday to Friday - Open all day, 9am - 5:00pm

Saturday - 9am - 2pm

Sunday Closed

Text Helga any time to book an appointment. 0417132773

Address:
128 Pring St. Tarragindi Qld 4121
(well appointed private home studio clinic - just off the M3, Marshall Rd / Gaza Rd exits)

 

50 ways Brisbane Lactation Consultant can help YOU to successfully Breastfeed

List your concerns and come see me.

    Breast Milk Supply Issues

  1. Milk Slow to Come In:
    If your breast milk was slow to come in after day 4-5 then you may have a low milk supply. There can be many reasons for this and I can help you identify if there is a problem and support you to optimise your supply potential.
  2. Low Milk Supply Worries:
    If you’re not sure that you are producing enough milk or are definitely showing signs of low supply, I can assess and discuss ways for you to build up your milk supply See point 3.
  3. Increase Milk Supply:
    This is a frequently asked question. The more frequently and efficiently you drain the breast the faster the body will try to replace the milk thus building up your supply. It sounds easy until you go to put it into practice. Because no two women’s situations are the same, this is where seeing me will make a big difference. Before a strategy to increase milk supply can be devised, there are so many things to first consider such as baby’s latch, feeding regime, baby’s ability to drain the breast. Is baby swallowing air and not adequately draining the breast. Is baby too weak to suck properly and you need to pump for a time. And so it goes on.
  4. Foods to help milk production:
    There are foods on the market such as lactation cookies which claim to increase milk production.  These are fine as snack foods, but please do not use it to replace a healthy balanced diet. Perhaps you would benefit more from expert lactation support. See point 3 & 11. Food to avoid 23.
  5. Over Supply:
    This often goes in hand with fast flow. You may be making too much milk for your baby’s needs which can lead to complications such as blocked ducts and mastitis. I can offer management advice on how to gradually reduce your supply.
  6. Fast Let Down:
    Your baby may gulp when drinking at the breast and swallow lots of air which can lead to other complications. I can assist you with strategies on how to position and also how to gradually reduce your supply.
  7. Supply Changes and Decreases:
    If you have signs of a sudden drop in milk supply then there usually is a reason. I can help you to explore the reason and assist you in rectifying any issues.
  8. Restarting or Restoring Milk Supply:
    I can support you to restart breast milk supply if you briefly ceased for a medical reason or from choice and now wish to restart breastfeeding.
  9. Hand Expressing Milk:
    Hand expressing milk is a skill every breastfeeding mother can benefit from learning (a pump is not always available). Apart from being able to totally drain the breast it can assist with clearing blocked ducts/ mastitis. It is considered to be superior to any pump and I can teach you these techniques.
  10. Pumping:
    As a Lactation Consultant and Child Health Nurse, I am constantly asked by mothers who pump about how often and how long to pump. Every woman needs her own individual schedule. Also there are many breast pumps on the market and some are not ideal for building up your supply. I can assist you to choose the best type for your needs and offer tips on how to maximise your potential supply. See point 40 below
  11. Galactagogue, Medication and Herbs:
    This can help with supply however the ABA states, ‘a galactagogue works best when a mother has low prolactin levels (ie when there is a genuine, not a perceived, low milk supply issue), and after a mother has received support and education to improve her breastfeeding’. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/galactagogues-substances-claimed-increase-supply See points 3 & 4.
  12. Latching Issues

  13. Correct Breastfeeding Latch:
    The correct breastfeeding latch is a deep latch. Getting the correct latch is important to minimise nipple trauma and maximise milk supply. Breastfeeding positioning is very important and no two women are the same and no one breastfeeding method suits every woman. I can assist you to find which position is the right one for you.
  14. Painful Latch:
    Stretching pains for 20-30 seconds is normal in the beginning however if your latch continues to be painful then it usually is because it is shallow. I can assist you in obtaining a deeper latch.
  15. Shallow Latch:
    A shallow latch usually gives you pain and can damage your nipples. I will assist you in learning how to obtain a deeper latch during our observation breastfeed.
  16. Tongue Ties:

    This can be associated with a painful latch and low supply. I can do a thorough oral examination and identify whether it may be worth exploring a change in position and improving the latch or to seek further expert assessment. I have qualifications in this area and after I do an oral examination, I would only suggest that you explore it if I genuinely thought it would be beneficial.

  17. Nipple Shields:
    This is an often used short term for latch issues or damaged nipples. Most mums want to wean off nipple shields in time but getting baby to then latch directly onto the breast can be tricky. I can assist you with getting your baby to latch directly onto the breast if there is breast refusal.

  18. Flat and Inverted Nipples:
    I can assist with breastfeeding techniques to draw nipples out and how to get baby to latch despite nipples being flat or inverted.
  19. Cleft Lip & Palate Babies:
    I can offer help with positioning and advanced feeding skills in this area. https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/fact-sheet-cleft-lip
  20. General Breastfeeding Issues

  21. Feeding Cues:
    In time, mothers learn their baby’s individual breastfeeding cues and signs. However, if you are shown how to recognise a hunger cue from other cues it can save a lot of anxiety and sleep.
  22. Cluster Feeding:
    If your baby demands to be fed frequently over a 4-6 hourly period of time, we can assess if this is normal fussy behaviour or if there is a reason as to why such as a low milk supply.
  23. Fussy Feeds:
    There usually is a reason for a baby pulling away from the breast and squirming or crying. I can help you with strategies after the cause is determined.
  24. Refusal:
    Breast refusal occurs when the baby has been off the breast for a period of time or when using nipple shields. It requires skilled support from a Lactation Consultant to encourage baby back onto suckling at the breast.
  25. Foods to Avoid:
    This is another often asked question. The rule of thumb is if a particular food upsets you, it may upset your baby and even then it often needs to be challenged a second time to be reasonably certain. You most likely already know what food disagrees with you and are avoiding it or consuming it in moderation. So for every day advice, any healthy food that was not upsetting you before breastfeeding you can almost certainly continue to enjoy. ABA advice on alcohol consumption can be found at https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/alcohol-and-breastfeeding
  26. Colic:
    If you think that your baby is suffering from colic, there are many practical things you can do that can minimise your baby’s suffering and distress. I can support you with some management strategies.
  27. Vomits:
    Vomiting after a breast or bottle feed is due to many causes. Often small vomits are what we refer to as posits. I can assist with determining the vomiting reason and techniques to reduce such.
  28. Reflux:
    Reflux in babies is often misdiagnosed. I can do a skilled assessment of a feed and behaviour to determine if reflux is the issue or other causes are making the baby vomit. Silent reflux is where no vomit is visible.
  29. Poo:
    Learning to recognise poo is a good way to monitor your baby’s health. If you have feeding issues and your baby has unusual poo, a picture or accurate discription can sometimes help us with the diagnosis. https://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby-poo-photos
  30. Explosive Poos:
    Normal breastfeeding poos can be loose and explosive but if they are greenish with excessive discomfort it could be lactose overload. I can help identify if it is and make practical suggestions. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/lactose-overload-babies
  31. Losing weight:
    Babies need to gain a certain amount of weight each day/week for their particular age. I can weigh your baby to assist with determining weight gains or weight loss and, if concerned, then I can assist you to address the issue.
  32. Jaundiced baby:
    They can be a little sleepy at the breast and not be draining your breasts during each feed. I can show you techniques to ensure your baby is taking a full feed so that the bilirubin is broken down and excreted.
  33. Breast Surgery:
    Whether you have had breast augmentation or breast reduction, both can bring issues such as a low supply. I can assist with maximising your breastfeeding experience.
  34. Pain Issues – Breastfeeding Mums

  35. Breast Pain:
    Pain within the breast (ductal) during a breastfeed or straight after can be due to a number of issues such as a bacterial or thrush infection. The pain within the breast may be of a sharp type or shooting or stinging type. Often the type of pain can indicate the cause and an experienced Lactation Consultant can assess your issue and guide you towards appropriate treatment.
  36. Nipple pain:
    This is mostly caused by a shallow latch (see point 14) however it can also be caused by bacterial and thrush infections or vasospasm. Symptoms can cause hypersensitivity and make breastfeeding almost unbearable. I can assess and advise you about suitable treatment.
  37. Engorgement Management:
    The symptoms usually are hot painful and uncomfortably hard breasts, and these symptoms are often within a few days post birth or at any time baby is not feeding and draining the breasts properly. I can provide you with management support to prevent you developing complications such as mastitis.
  38. Blocked Ducts:
    Clogged milk ducts occur when the breast lobe is not being drained adequately. Symptoms include a reddened, painful area in the one breast. This requires immediate attention and I can assist you with treatment.
  39. Mastitis:
    Causes can be from a blocked milk duct when the breast is not cleared or from an ascending infection from a cracked nipple. It is advisable to seek treatment immediately from an experienced Lactation Consultant and GP for antibiotics. See hand expressing at point 9.
  40. Cracked nipples:
    Cracks from breastfeeding usually result from a shallow latch and can cause nipples to bleed. Good management advice from a Lactation Consultant can assist the nipples to heal as quickly as possible.
  41. Supplementing and Mixed Feeding

    There are times when some mums cannot provide sufficient breast milk for their babies and need to use some infant formula to make up the difference. The Australian Breastfeeding Association states, ‘any amount of breast milk you provide your baby is valuable’ https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/common-concerns%E2%80%93mum/supply

  42. Supplemental feeding:
    After a breastfeed, some mothers need to offer a top up of either expressed breast milk or infant formula usually due to a baby not taking a full feed from the breast. This may be due to baby being too sleepy or too weak to transfer sufficient milk from the breast or perhaps mum has a low supply. If you need to supplement then a Lactation Consultant can assist you with working out how much to offer, how often to supplement, when to express to obtain expressed breast milk or if using infant formula then choosing what type may be better for your baby. In most cases, with good help this is a short term measure.
  43. Hand Expression:
    Hand expressing allows you to completely drain the breast so as to maximise your potential and help build up your supply. Hand expressing is superior to a pump when you want every drop of milk. I can teach you these techniques.
  44. Pump Expression:
    There are many breast pumps on the market and some are not ideal for building up your supply when every drop counts. I have seen mums pump just 6 mls with one type of pump and then 60ml using another. I can assist you to choose the best type and offer tips on how to maximise your potential supply.
  45. Lactose overload/intolerance:
    Too much lactose in the gut can cause unsettled behaviour in babies. Symptoms are frequent explosive bowel motions which are greenish and frothy. I can help with identification and offer advice on how to manage.
  46. Supply line use:
    Supplementary nursing system (SNS) is a device used to give extra expressed breast milk or infant formula to a baby as they breastfeed. Using this system does not sound ideal to many mums, however the ones who try become very adept at using it and when you see it in practice it does offer a real alternative to mums who just can’t build up their supply yet still want the breastfeeding experience. I can assist you with this management.
  47. Cow’s milk allergy:
    This usually requires skilled lactation support and medical intervention.
  48. Constipation:
    Breastfeeding babies do not usually get constipated until solids are introduced close to 6 months. I can offer advice regarding natural remedies.
  49. Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation

  50. Feeding, Positioning & Expressing:
    There is no substitute for an individual one on one breastfeeding consult before having your baby for early breastfeeding success. For most women breastfeeding is learnt skill with varying outcomes and degrees of difficulty, recognizing potential issues and having strategies in place beforehand gives you a big advantage. Also there are some issues which if identified early before the birth, can be prevented from de-railing your breastfeeding journey before it gets fully started. Every woman, ideally, should have her breasts and nipples checked antenatally by an experienced midwife/lactation consultant. Tips on various positions, latching, how to bring your milk in, antenatal expressing, pumps (see point 40) and expressing will all be covered in a session with me.
  51. Breast Surgery and Breastfeeding

  52. Whether you have had breast augmentation or breast reduction, both can bring issues such as low supply. I can assist you with ways to maximise your breastfeeding experience.
  53. Twins and Triplets Breastfeeding

  54. Whether to feed tandem or singularly, which position, getting the right latch, supply issues and routines are all things I can help you with when breastfeeding twins or other multiples.
  55. Returning to Work & Breastfeeding

  56. There are so many factors to consider when returning to work and breastfeeding that the best way forward can only be determined when the complete picture is known. Together we can go through the issues and I can offer you multiple solutions so you can determine what best suits you and your baby’s individual needs.
  57. Sleep and Settling for Babies and Toddlers

  58. It helps if you can learn to recognise your baby’s tired signs. The earlier you can act on these cues and settle for a sleep, the greater success your baby will have to eventually learn how to self settle with time. I can assist you with learning how to detect these tired signs and how to use responsive settling strategies. For helpful videos go to: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/community-health-services/ellen-barron-family-centre/responsive-settling
  59. Developmental Assessments per PHR ‘Red Book’

  60. The Australian Department of Health has determined key times in a child's life for assessment and if deviations from the norm, are detected, then early intervention has higher success. As a Child Health Nurse, I am experienced in all aspects of developmental assessment and can complete your PHR 'red book'.
  61. Positive Parenting Education

  62. Adjustment to Parenthood:
    Breastfeeding challenges can predispose new mums to feelings of inadequacy which can lead to maternal mood changes. This is more common than you think. If you or your partner want more information go to: https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents If you think you need help please see Beyond Blue website for further information and contact details or see your GP.
  63. Triple P Positive Parenting and Circle of Security Parenting Programs:
    As a Child Health Nurse, I am trained and accredited with both COS and Triple P positive parenting programs.
  64. The COS program provides a gentle approach to parenting that focuses on the needs of the child.  It is founded in the areas of attachment parenting and aims to enhance the security between a parent and a child.  It can be summed up by looking at the relationship between parent and child as a circle.  On the top circle is the child’s need to explore.  At the bottom of the circle is the child’s need to be protected.  The parent is at both the top and the bottom of the circle, guiding the child out to explore and allowing the child to come back in when they feel scared or need comforting.  Queensland Health conducts COS groups.  Referral required from Child Health. : https://childrens.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/PDF/factsheets/parent-group-programs.pdf

    ‘Triple P - Positive Parenting Program is a world-renowned program that helps make raising children and teenagers easier. It is available free of charge and on a voluntary basis to all Queensland parents and carers of children up to 16 years’. https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/positive-parenting