Lactation Consultant
At The Astell, we’re here to support your unique journey into motherhood and breastfeeding. As a trusted allied health clinic in Australia, we offer expert lactation support, antenatal and postnatal advice. Our certified consultant creates custom evidence-based plans to meet your breastfeeding goals, including teaching mothering skills and providing ongoing support. We also assist with infant sleep, settling, parenting, maternal health, and infant assessment in the early weeks and beyond.
What To Expect
Expecting mothers and newborns are assessed by Miranda Lutz, a certified lactation specialist at The Astell. She offers evidence-based advice and personalised treatment plans to meet your family’s needs, including:
- Clinic Antenatal Consultation – Pre-birth breastfeeding education and support
- Clinic Postnatal Consultation – Early post-birth breastfeeding assessment and support
Our experts also integrate essential treatments into your care plan to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals and more.
Meet Miranda Lutz, Our Certified Lactation Specialist
Miranda Lutz is our dedicated lactation consultant at The Astell, registered as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you through your breastfeeding journey.
Miranda believes every parent deserves to bond with their baby through breastfeeding, regardless of their birthing experience. She is especially interested in working with non-birthing parents who are eager to breastfeed, including same-sex couples and adoptive parents. As a certified lactation specialist, Miranda is well-versed in inducing lactation – even if you have never given birth, she is here to provide guidance and support to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals.
To schedule an appointment with Miranda, please call our clinic at 9113 0760. You can also contact us via email at info@theastell.com.au or conveniently book an appointment here.
Why Choose Us
Certified And Highly Experienced
Our certified lactation consultant has undergone rigorous training with the IBCLC and possesses extensive knowledge and experience in providing exceptional support for breastfeeding mothers.
Holistic Lactation Support
At The Astell, we believe healthcare should be integral to your self-care routine. We take a holistic approach to lactation support, considering not only the physical aspects but also your emotional and mental well-being.
Comprehensive Lactation Services
Our lactation specialist offers a wide range of services to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re a first-time mother or seeking support with a subsequent child, we provide guidance on breastfeeding techniques, managing milk supply, and more.
Comprehensive Lactation Services
Our lactation specialist offers a wide range of services to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re a first-time mother or seeking support with a subsequent child, we provide guidance on breastfeeding techniques, managing milk supply, and more.
Personalised Care Plans
Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and we recognise the importance of personalised care. Our lactation consultant will work closely with you to tailor a care plan to address your concerns and goals.
Foster A Collaborative Approach
We understand the importance of coordinated care and work alongside your obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a seamless and integrated approach to your lactation support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant do?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an esteemed professional with global credentialing specialising in breastfeeding and lactation support.
These experts usually possess tertiary health science education in fields such as midwifery, nursing, or speech pathology, and they further enhance their knowledge through lactation-specific education and clinical experience.
IBCLCs are highly skilled in assisting families with breastfeeding through updated evidence-based care, including:
- Helping new mothers establish successful breastfeeding
- Addressing complex breastfeeding challenges
- Monitoring the growth and weight of infants
- Assessing concerns related to infant feeding, sleep, and breast care.
Some IBCLCs also offer bereavement support for mothers who require assistance with lactation and breast milk production after experiencing the loss of a baby or child.
When should I see a Lactation Consultant?
Any time before or after the birth of your baby, especially if you are experiencing any problems with breastfeeding or feeding your baby in general. In the postnatal period, it is best to get in touch with a certified lactation consultant if you are having trouble with the following:
- Nipple or breast pain
- Nipple damage, blisters, cracks, or bleeding
- Engorgement or mastitis
- Low supply and/or oversupply
- Baby unsettled at the breast
- Poor weight gain
- Low output from baby
- Concerns with milk supply or milk production
- Medical concerns which may affect your baby’s ability to feed well
At The Astell, our lactation specialist is trained to provide both antenatal and prenatal advice and support. Contact us for more information on how we can help you in your breastfeeding journey.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
In the first few months after birth, babies tend to breastfeed very often – usually at least eight to 12 times per day and can be much more frequent. Here is a quick guide to help you assess whether your baby is getting enough milk:
- Your baby has at least eight breastfeeds per day.
- Your baby has at least six to eight wet nappies and one bowel movement daily.
- You hear or see signs of swallowing when your baby feeds at the breast.
- You feel a change or softening in your breasts during or after feeds.
- Your baby is content and relaxed after breastfeeds.
- Your baby is gaining weight and growing well.
If none of these applies to you and your baby, it is advisable to contact a certified lactation consultant for an assessment and support.
How can I produce more breast milk?
If you are struggling to produce sufficient breast milk for your baby or none at all, here are some tips to help you increase your milk production:
- Breastfeeding on demand or cue-based feeding.
- Ensure your baby is latching and feeding well.
- Give your baby time to empty one breast before offering the other side.
- Lots of skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Eat and drink often, especially iron and protein-rich foods.
- Express breastmilk after feeds for extra stimulation to send your body the message to increase milk production or make more milk for your baby.
- Breastfeed or express breastmilk frequently – at least eight times per day, including overnight breastfeeding or expressing.
- Avoid introducing bottles or dummies until breastfeeding is established.
Healthcare that prioritises your whole wellbeing
Get in Touch
Address
321 Napier Street, Strathmore VIC 3041
Phone
Fax
03 9113 0769
Get in Touch
Address
321 Napier Street, Strathmore VIC 3041
Phone
Fax