Breast and bottle feeding support from an independent expert in London.

Before your consultation

Please call me a ring on 07720 425897 to talk about your situation. If you would prefer, email me on cathysage@gmail.com or send me a message (click here). I am generally available from 9am-9pm every day, including weekends. Some issues can be resolved over the phone, and I do not charge a fee for this. If you decide that you would like a home visit, or to come to me, then we can agree a time when your baby is likely to be hungry. I know that your baby and your nipples often can’t wait, so I aim to meet you on the day that you call or very soon afterwards.

What sort of problems can you help with?

I often work with mothers with questions or concerns about:

Problems with latching baby onto the breast – baby will not latch, it takes a long time or baby keeps coming off
Sore or cracked nipples
Flat or inverted nipples
Using nipple shields
Engorgement
Blocked milk ducts or mastitis
Low or high milk supply
How to express breastmilk
A very sleepy baby
Baby cries or fusses at the breast
Colic or reflux symptoms
Nursing strikes
Nipple thrush
Getting baby used to a bottle
Weaning baby off breastmilk
Feeding while returning to work

What to expect at your consultation

A consultation starts with a chat about how things are going for you and your baby (or babies). It helps me to understand how the birth went, and I will need to ask for some relevant medical history.

If you are concerned about baby’s latch, I will work with you to find an effective way to feed according to your unique breast and nipple shape. If we are in your home, I can help you to find comfortable positions for you and your baby on your own sofa, chair or bed. Once baby is sucking and you are comfortable, I can show you how to check for swallowing and signs that your baby is getting enough breastmilk. I do not need to touch you or your baby if you would prefer that, and I will never touch either of you without your consent.

If breastfeeding is not going so well, or is not your preferred option, I can help answer your questions on nipple shields, expressing, bottles, teats and formula. Sometimes these can be necessary to get you both over a temporary glitch, or they can form part of your ongoing baby feeding solution. Occasionally, I will actively recommend bottle-feeding and can help you to achieve this comfortably and safely.

How long are consultations?

Home visits typically take from 60-90 minutes, and you can call afterwards for follow up support. I do not charge for subsequent phone calls or messages.

If you just have a some quick questions, or perhaps you are further in your breastfeeding journey and do not need a full consultation, I charge £40 for a half hour phone/video consultation.

Do I need more than one consultation?

In the vast majority of cases one visit is sufficient, but of course I am happy to offer a face to face follow up should you need it. I encourage women to get in touch after the visit to address any further questions or concerns, and to get their feedback on how it has helped.

Can you come to me?

If you would like to get out of the house, we can arrange for you to come to my home. It is warm and cosy, with free parking outside the door. I am based in Putney, just off the A3 and West Hill.

Can I contact you via Skype, Whatsapp, Zoom or Facetime?

Yes, I have worked with many women and their babies this way, just pick the platform that is good for you.

How well do video consultations work?

I have been working this way for years, and especially in the last few months. Video consultations are wonderful because they can be spontaneous, almost immediate, at home or in hospital at a time to suit you. If you want me to look at your baby feed it really helps if another adult is present to hold the phone, leaving you with both hands free for your little one. Of course, not everyone wants to show a stranger their breasts, and we can just talk about your issues if you prefer and look at images and video resources. One great thing about video calls is that you are in charge and you learn breastfeeding skills without anyone else’s hands on you or your baby. Many clients find it really empowering.

How much is it?

My fee for a home visit in SW15, or consultation in my home, is £95 for up to 90 minutes.

Home consultations outside SW15 may include a contribution towards travel time and transport costs. These will be agreed with you before the visit.

Please call on 07720 425 897 to discuss your requirements.

Video consultations are £40 for half an hour or £75 per hour. This is payable after the consultation, by bank transfer.

Are you on state benefits? I will visit for a donation, no matter how small, to Oxfam or MSF.

Can I purchase a consultation as a gift?

Of course you can, what a wonderful gift for a friend or loved one.
Please give me a ring and we can arrange a beautiful gift certificate to be sent to you or the lucky recipient.

Can you come to see me in hospital?

Yes, as soon as restrictions are lifted. I often do this, either to get feeding off to the best possible start, or to deal with your problems and concerns.

Can someone else be there with me?

It is a great idea to involve your partner, friend, family member, maternity nurse or doula in the consultation. They will be the ones working closely with you long term to achieve your feeding goals. I very often show trusted supporters what we are looking for in terms of effective latch, comfortable positions, and signs of baby drinking well. Your supporters will have their own questions and concerns. I often work with partners on preparing and giving bottles, and winding techniques.

How is your advice different?

Many new parents feel overwhelmed by contradictory advice from health professionals and the media. There seem to be strict ways to latch a baby on, leading to frustrated mothers and babies who struggle to do it all by the book.

I will work with you and your baby, taking into account your unique anatomy and physiology. I use different approaches to those you may have heard, to make sure that you and your baby are as comfortable as possible. Very often this is not achieved through the standard “nose to nipple, wide open mouth” approach. Together we can look at various ways and places to breastfeed so that you have options for day and night time.

Can you solve all breastfeeding problems?

I wish I could! There are times when exclusive and pain free breastfeeding may not be possible, in the moment or longer term. What I can do is help you to understand what’s going on, refer you to specialist services (for example for tongue-tie procedures), work with you to make a plan on expressing, mixed or bottle feeding, and help you to feel comfortable about your feeding decisions.