Violeta Wilkinson21:37 13 Dec 19
A long overdue feedback: Sofia and I had very challenging beginning of our breastfeeding journey. I knew something was... wrong straight away, so we’ve contacted Sophie (recommendation from another IBCLC who was unable to see us pronto), who came to see me and Sofia on the same day as we were both exhausted and desperate for help. Sofia wasn’t latching on properly and has ruined my nipples. They were bleeding and very sore and I was in agony. It was such an emotional rollercoaster, but I was determined to continue with breastfeeding. Sophie was amazing, she listened to me, never judged and gave me loads of encouragement and support and guidance on how to help Sofia and me. Unfortunately the next day we were admitted to the hospital due to Sofia being severely dehydrated and she had high sodium levels in her blood. The hospital wanted to put her on formula and that freaked me out, I was so tearful and upset. I instantly called Sophie, who always made herself available when I needed her the most. She discussed a plan of action with me and after speaking to her I felt more comfortable to supplement with formula and to look at it as medicine whilst my milk comes in. The hospital insisted that I feed from one boob that wasn’t sore, express from the other and top up with formula and repeat it every hour. As Sophie suspected, the issue was not with my milk supply, but with Sofia’s latch. During the time in hospital I have overstimulated my right breast, which lead to oversupply, engorgement and mastitis. Sophie was always there when I needed her and has provided with loads of information and advice. But most of all she was there to support me mentally. I was a total mess and felt like a failure who cannot feed her own baby. Sophie has seen us on several occasions and has helped us to achieve our breastfeeding goals. I was at breaking point on several occasions and have decided to go with formula, but somehow always found courage to continue. As suspected Sofia had severe posterior tongue tie and high arched palette. Sofia was struggling to feed and was hurting me most times. I was desperate, upset and annoyed. After a course of antibiotics for mastitis I managed to also get nipple thrush, which I could not get rid of for several month. It was awful and painful like feeding through a broken glass. I honestly wanted to stop breastfeeding and Sophie supported me whatever my decision was. But then we discovered that Sofia has cow’s milk protein allergy therefore formula most likely would not work and I persevered with breastfeeding. Honestly I hated it most times and dreaded it. Even after the tongue tie has been done (hospital never diagnosed it therefore I went private) Sofia still was struggling to latch on properly, so we started flippel breastfeeding technique, but it still wasn’t great. Sophie thought that Sofia perhaps has tightness in her jaw and recommended we see a cranial osteopath, which we did and that almost instantly helped us.
It took us almost 4 month to get there and now I can say I enjoy breastfeeding my daughter and have done it for over 7 month now. I am so proud of myself and my daughter and we are very grateful to Sophie for seeing us at very short notices, being available via phone or email. Sophie is such a warm, gentle and nice person that it was very easy to open up to her. Thank you for all your support, it means so much to us. I would have never achieved and succeed in breastfeeding if not your support and understanding, friendliness, kindness and deep knowledge.
Sophie still continues to support us with return to work plan and weaning. I am sure I’ll be in touch with her soon again.
I honestly could not recommend her more! Thank you Sophie for everything! We love our Boob Lady 💖 from the bottom of our hearts we say a massive Thank You 💖read more
