Is it possible to see a private BFC in the UK?

[TheBlonde]

Is it possible to see a private BFC in the UK?
Do they exist_

Do you mean other than from the NCT or La Leche League?

Yes, they do. There was one posting on here a few months ago who left when it was pointed out that the advice she was giving was not very good.

The woman who wrote What to expect when you're breastfeeding is also one (and happens to be bessie mates with Gina Ford which may give you some idea of the quality of her knowledge of the physiology of breastfeeding )

The trouble is that anybody can set themselves up as a private breastfeeding counsellor, and there will be no regulation or monitoring of the quality of the advice he/she is giving, unlike the counsellors working with the NCT, La Leche League etc who have properly organised training schemes and are bound by the standards of that organisation.

YOu would want to look for someone with IBCLC which is explained here .

Find a consultant

TheBlonde - there is a breast feeding clinic at a hospital in Oxford which is supposed to be really excellent. You can stay all day and see them several times. My friend recommended it when she was having problems. Do you want the details? (Can't remember where you live)

If so I'll dig them out

Not all IBCLCs work privately, though. In fact, only a minority do.

Most breastfeeding support in the UK is offered through the volunteer organisations.

I would always suggest someone looking for breastfeeding help to go to someone who is part of an organisation that insures them, and which monitors their practice, and to whom you can complain if you are not happy.

Thanks all, I think I will stick with the NHS BFC for now then

how's it going then?

fwiw, the hospital where i gave birth had a person with the job title of breast feeding counsellor. i cannot believe for a second that she was properly qualified, her advice was appalling. have you tried helplines, it sounds as though you aren't happy with the advice you are getting?

I have tried the helplines but never manage to get hold of anyone
I'm reasonably happy with the NHS BFC but it's hard to get an appt - eg I called today & got an appt for a week on Thurs

All the private BFCs I've heard of were rubbish, tbh.

TheBlonde, there are four helplines, and four organisations behind them, so it's total chaos. If you can say where you live (more or less!), people on here might be able to find you an appropriate drop in?

I'm in SW London

Ok, going through the groups. BFN doesn't cover you. LLL does 'south west london', with these numbers: LLL South West London: - 020 8547 2701

• 01737 355125
• 020 8767 0553
• 020 7736 0646

NCT website rubbish, you need to call them to find out about groups, although it implies they keep details of groups run by the other networks - at least they mention the existance of the other groups, which is nice.

The ABM have:

LONDON, South:
Breastfeeding "drop-in" clinic every Friday morning 10am - 12noon at Mayday Hospital, Croydon. Run by the Breastfeeding Specialist midwife with an NCT or LLL breastfeeding counsellor present and often a health visitor as well. This clinic is open to any breastfeeding/expectant mum with problems or needing information about breastfeeding, but is not a support group as such. For further details please contact Patricia on 01737 552295

Any of these any use?

Thanks NQC

My local NCT doesn't do anything although they do have one BFC she's not terribly local to me

I will try calling LLL tomorrow