Victoria Richards

IBCLC

I'm a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Health Scientist and Naturopath specializing in mums and babies. My mission is to help people live happier feeding experiences and more fulfilling parenting goals.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

My Experience

I have had the privilege of supporting over 5000 mothers in reaching their feeding goals. Whether it's breastfeeding, formula feeding, or expressing, I am equipped to provide the necessary assistance. Currently, I hold the position of Infant Feeding Lead and Baby Friendly Initiative Coordinator at an NHS Hospital, where my focus is on achieving the Baby Friendly UNICEF Accreditation to elevate breastfeeding rates within the community.

As part of my responsibilities within the NHS, I facilitate weekly feeding classes tailored to support women in their breastfeeding journey. Also do sessions to educate maternity staff and doctors on infant feeding practices and infant feeding guidelines . Moreover, I take charge of developing feeding plans and conducting assessments for babies readmitted due to feeding issues, all while consistently advocating for breastfeeding as the primary solution for feeding challenges.

I have also worked in an NHS tongue-tie clinic, where I specialize in assessing tongue ties and providing support to ENT doctors during tongue-tie releases. I understand the concerns many mothers have regarding tongue ties and how they may impact breastfeeding. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals often leads to undue stress for mothers, which I strive to alleviate through education and support.

I served as an NHS Lactation Consultant covering the entire Kent area. Here, I provided assistance to mothers and babies, particularly focusing on complex feeding issues most of them related to tongue ties. With my tongue-tie and latching assessment, I determine whether breastfeeding difficulties are associated with a tongue tie and aim to provide tailored support to promote successful breastfeeding.

My experience also includes working in a high-level Neonatal Unit at King's College Hospital, where I supported mothers through more complex cases. Whether it's dealing with premature babies, twins, triplets or very complex health issues. I have experience supporting mum with reduced milk supply and supporting expressing. Additionally, as the Milk Bank Coordinator at King's College Hospital, I collaborated with the Heart Milk Bank to facilitate access to donor milk, supporting mothers in need.

A typical breastfeeding consultation involves a thorough visual and physical assessment, observation of nursing sessions, demonstration of breastfeeding techniques, and may include the use of specialized breastfeeding equipment. My goal is always to empower mothers and ensure they receive the support they need to navigate their baby feeding journey successfully.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Aa an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I am healthcare professional who specializes in providing breastfeeding support and education to mothers and families. I have have achieved the highest level of knowledge and expertise in lactation management through a rigorous certification process. I am equipped with the necessary skills to assist with a wide range of breastfeeding challenges, including latch difficulties, low milk supply, and infant weight gain issues. I am well-versed in the physiology of breastfeeding, proper positioning and latch techniques, as well as troubleshooting common breastfeeding problems.

I promote and supporting successful breastfeeding journeys by providing evidence-based information, assessing and resolving lactation issues, and empowering mothers to make informed decisions about their infant's nutrition and well-being.

Naturopath

As a naturopath, I possess a diverse range of skills to promote holistic healing and wellness. With a deep understanding of traditional and alternative medicine, I am able to assess and address the root causes of health issues. Through my expertise in herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications, I guide individuals towards optimal health by empowering them to make informed choices. Additionally, my ability to listen and empathize allows me to create personalized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each individual. I am experienced in conducting thorough consultations, performing physical examinations, and utilizing diagnostic tests to provide accurate assessments.

BSC Honours Health Sciences

I studied all the aspects of health sciences, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, public health, and research methods. I have acquired a deep understanding of human health and wellness, as well as the factors that influence it. I have learnt to analyze health-related data, conduct research studies, and apply evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes. As a Health Scientist I have the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of health in individuals and communities.

Complementary Therapist

As a complementary therapist, I possess a range of skills that enable me to provide holistic healing and support to my clients. With a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, I am proficient in various therapeutic techniques such as massage therapy, body work therapies, counselling, body mind therapies and life style couching.

Through my empathetic nature and active listening skills, I create a safe and nurturing environment for my clients, allowing them to open up and express their concerns. My ability to assess their individual needs and tailor treatment plans accordingly ensures that each session is customized to address their specific baby feeding issues or goals. My skills as a complementary therapist empower me to enhance the well-being and promote the overall harmony of my clients' body, mind, and spirit.

QUALIFICATIONS

Most popular

Antenatal and Postnatal Package

£120

I will devise a personalised care plan that suits your specific needs. This will include an antenatal visit in the comfort of your own home lasting 60-90 minutes during which you will learn what to expect with normal feeding when the baby is born, how to achieve effective positioning and attachment (how to latch the baby), the importance of skin to skin and how to hand express if necessary.

This will then be followed by two postnatal visits, again in your home, each of which usually lasts 60-90 minutes. Follow up visits (60 - 90 minutes): £40.00** per consultation

Follow-up phone calls and text messages are taken at no additional charge

Mileage not charged

person carrying baby on arms
person carrying baby on arms

Antenatal home visit

£70

Face to Face Antenatal session at home, 60 to 90 min. Typically, in these session we will explore a wide range of topics relating to breastfeeding, all you need to know to have the best start in your breastfeeding journey and what to expect at delivery, including skin to skin with your baby and you will be supported to harvest colostrum from 36 weeks.

You will have the opportunity to ask question and discuss any of your concerns.

Postnatal Home Visit

£70

A visit of up to 90 minutes . I will watch you breastfeed, complete a breastfeeding assessment and I will make a feeding plan that suits you. Usually all that is needed is knowing how to achieve an effective position and latch and knowing what normal breastfeeding is.

I will support you to know what normal weight loss and weight gain is, what is normal for baby’s output (wees and poos) and how to tackle any other feeding issues you may have.

a woman holding a baby in her arms
a woman holding a baby in her arms

Online Support

£40 for 60 min

Online support for both antenatal and postnatal via video consultation by MS Teams, which include breastfeeding class, one to one support, opportunity to ask questions, and practical advise with any feeding issue.

baby lying on white bed
baby lying on white bed
Doloress N.

Victoria is an incredible lactation consultant who provided invaluable support during my breastfeeding journey. Despite challenges with supply and latching, she remained positive and encouraging, providing helpful tips to help me achieve my breastfeeding goals. Not only did she provide valuable education on how breastfeeding works, but she also understood the emotional component of breastfeeding, making me feel comfortable and supported throughout the journey. I'm so grateful for her guidance and support.

Antonelle M.

Victoria is a skilled and knowledgeable lactation consultant who has helped me successfully breastfeed my twin babies. She has deep expertise in breastfeeding and a wonderful way of simplifying complex topics, making them easy to understand and apply like tandem feeding. Her calm and patient demeanor makes it easy to feel comfortable around her, even when discussing challenging issues. She truly cares about the well-being of both mother and baby, and I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a lactation consultant.

Happy clients

TESTIMONIALS

Amy J.

Victoria goes above and beyond to support moms in their breastfeeding journeys. She understands the unique needs and challenges that each mom faces, and she uses her expertise to provide personalized guidance and support. She is patient and compassionate, and her positive attitude is contagious, making it easy to feel at ease around her. Her expertise and support helped me gain the confidence to successfully breastfeed my baby, She identified my baby tongue tie challenges and referred me appropriately.

Seina A.

Victoria was an outstanding help. She is made possible for me to accomplish breastfeeding. I could not do it with my other children, She is patient and understanding, providing timely advice and support when needed. Her expertise and dedication are truly invaluable to moms struggling with breastfeeding. I can't recommend her enough,

Sanjita V.

Victoria helped me a lot in my journey, She is compassionate and understanding, and she provided me with personalized guidance She has deep knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding and the challenges that parents face. Her support and guidance helped me successfully establish breastfeeding and overcome challenges along the way.

Janelle A.

I am so grateful about meeting Victoria, She provided emotional support while we were at the hospital and our baby was in neonatal unit. She was our biggest support system and we couldn't have gone through this process without her. It is very comforting to see that there are still kind and compassionate people out there like Victoria

Charlotte P.

She was a constant source of comfort and encouragement during our time struggling with a baby with reflux an , and she was always there to provide emotional and practical support. Her expertise and dedication helped me feel more confident in my ability to breastfeed, and she was a big part of why we were successful in our breastfeeding journey. She made easier r for me to ask questions and seek help when needed. I am so grateful for her help and support.

Joanne M.

Victoria provided a wealth of support for me and my baby in neonatal unit. She worked closely with the medical team to ensure that our baby got the best care possible, and she was always there as a source of comfort and reassurance. Her understanding of the emotional toll of having a baby who needs extra care helped me stay hopeful and focused on our breastfeeding journey. I cannot thank her enough for her support and dedication. She made one of the hardest times in our life a little bit easier. I would definitely recommend her to any parents in a similar situation.

a close up of a baby smiling with its eyes closed
a close up of a baby smiling with its eyes closed

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the consultation, feel free to contact me.

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