Johanna Riley Cusack Lactation Consultant IBCLC 2.97

When I had my first baby, I knew I wanted to breastfeed but had no other knowledge beyond that. The learning curve was very steep in those early weeks, but once I got the hang of it I thought breastfeeding was the best thing ever!

I went on to train as a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor, and ran a group in Ennis for 12 years. During that time I trained many other breastfeeding supporters, served on the National Council, and worked on learning all I could learn about breastfeeding and everything that goes with it.

I sat my Lactation Consultant exam in 2010 and passed with flying colours! My practice now involves meeting mothers both in clinic and also in their homes, depending on what a mother needs. I have helped mothers with pain, weight and milk supply concerns, latching, feeding twins, prematurity, and tongue tie -- for starters!

My aim is to support mums to have the breastfeeding experience they would like to have, however that may work best for them. A consult takes between 1.5-2 hours and in that time we usually have an excellent idea of the issues and also have made a good plan together to get them sorted.

I am also very pleased to be teaching Clare Boyle's Preparation for Breastfeeding class in Limerick every month, which is a wonderful and enjoyable way for parents-to-be to get ready for the birth of their babies! http://breastfeedingconsultant.ie/index.php/services/breastfeeding-classes/

A clinic visit costs €100, and home visits from €120 depending on distance (I am based between Ennis and Limerick). Receipts are provided as many private health insurance policies will reimburse part of the fee for lactation support.

Member Association of Lactation Consultants Ireland and International Lactation Consultant Association.