Private IBCLC lactation consultant offering home visits in South East & Central London

Baby-Thrive is a private breastfeeding support service based in South London, founded by mum of two - Sally Rickard. I am here to support you through the early stages of motherhood.

  • London lactation consultant Sally Rickard supports a mother with breastfeeding.

    Home Visits

    Home visits to help with breastfeeding and baby care. I offer support with common issues such as uncomfortable feeding, pumping, tongue-tie, positioning or worries over supply.

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  • Antenatal one to one

    What to expect when breastfeeding a newborn: An opportunity to discuss the latest research, avoid common problems, and plan for getting breastfeeding off to a great start.

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  • London Lactation Consultant supports families breastfeeding at a breastfeeding café.

    Back to Work one to one session

    This workshop can be a one-to-one consultation at home or via zoom. We’ll discuss your situation, goals and needs to consider your options then make a bespoke plan for your family.

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  • pump fitting service

    My pump flange library gives you the opportunity to try different sizes & designs. I can also help you understand the settings, assembly & cleaning of your pump.

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What Can I Offer as Part of My Services?

Breastfeeding is a rewarding and natural way to nourish and bond with your baby, but it can also be a complex and sometimes overwhelming experience. That's where I come in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of lactation and infant feeding, I am committed to empowering families to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

I can offer convenient home visits, providing a comfortable and familiar environment for you and your baby. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as part of my breastfeeding support service:

Personalised Assessment

I will conduct a thorough evaluation of your breastfeeding experience, taking into account your baby's latch, positioning, and overall feeding patterns. This assessment will help me identify any potential issues and develop a tailored plan to address them.

Education and Empowerment

In addition to addressing immediate breastfeeding concerns, I am committed to sharing information and empowering you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about your baby's feeding. I will share evidence-based information, practical tips, and resources to enhance your understanding of breastfeeding and promote a positive and fulfilling breastfeeding experience.

Ongoing Support

Breastfeeding is a continuous learning process. I am here to support you every step of the way. From the initial consultation to follow-up visits, I will be by your side, providing guidance, encouragement and reassurance. I understand the importance of emotional support and will ensure that you feel heard, understood and empowered throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Individualised Care Plan

Based on your specific needs and goals, I will create a comprehensive care plan that includes practical strategies, techniques, and resources to optimise your breastfeeding journey. Whether you need assistance with increasing milk supply, managing breastfeeding discomfort, or introducing solid foods, I will provide you with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges successfully.

Troubleshooting and Problem-solving

Breastfeeding families encounter obstacles such as low milk supply, engorgement, nipple pain, or difficulties with latching. I have extensive experience in identifying and resolving these issues, offering effective strategies and guidance to overcome any hurdles that may arise.

Lactation Consultant Sally Rickard with her family in London.

Welcome to Baby-Thrive

I’m Sally, a lactation consultant, maternity nurse and mother. After receiving breastfeeding support following the birth of my eldest son, I knew I wanted to learn more and help other new mums in a gentle, friendly way.

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  • "Sally offered us reassurance we were doing the best for our baby, as well as many options and alternatives. Almost 6 months in, I can say she was key in making our feeding journey as successful and enjoyable as possible"

    Raquel

  • "I can strongly recommend Sally - I was so stressed in the early days of breastfeeding with a host of issues and felt really let down by the lack of support. I contacted Sally and she did a home visit the next morning and really turned things around for me"

    Jane

  • "Our post partum consultation with Sally was so helpful. Sally was calm and supportive and the insights shared with us made a big difference in our breastfeeding journey. Sally was so gentle and very knowledgeable."

    Regina

  • "Her extensive knowledge and gentle, caring nature got me through the first few weeks feeding my daughter. I'm happy to say that I truly enjoy feeding her, thank you Sally for taking me through this journey, I couldn't have done it without you".

    Natasha

  • "Really wish I’d met Sally earlier. The practical advice she offered really helped to demystify breast feeding and offered a supportive space for me to figure out how to move forward. She was great at explaining things and backed up what she said with research".

    Emma

  • "Seeing Sally was some of the best money we spent when baby arrived. I saw Sally before birth… I left that session feeling very calm and clued up. Then when baby arrived Sally came over the morning after we left hospital to help us get a latch (as the hospital hadn't been able to help us), and also to assess and make a plan to resolve his tongue tie. We were so well supported all the way through, with ongoing advice, encouragement and helpful tips. I am now nearly 4 months into my breastfeeding journey and it's honestly been a joy."

    Isabelle

  • "Sally has been invaluable to our breastfeeding journey having helped us through numerous issues. Her breastfeeding cafe is a wonderful resource for local mums and the home visits we have had have helped us to continue breastfeeding far longer than I imagined possible"!

    Charlotte

  • "She was so kind and lovely, and really listened to me. She made me feel like I was doing a good job, which was everything I needed to hear after feeling like a such failure with the midwives, where I couldn’t stop crying at those constant weigh ins. I felt empowered and back in control thanks to her".

    Fiona

  • "Sally was a great help to our family and supported us with some challenges breastfeeding our twins. She is a great listener and very knowledgeable".

    Thomas

All Central London + Croydon | Lambeth | Southwark | Bromley | Wandsworth | SW4, SW8, SW11, SW12, SW16, SW17, SE5, SE11, SE15, SE19, SE20, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE25, SE26, CR4, CR7…and other areas

View fullsize 🤱🏽Introducing the wonderful resource - @spectrumlactation 🤱🏾An open access image library of breast conditions relating to breast/chestfeeding (like mastitis, nipple eczema, thrush and abscess), with an emphasis on what these conditions look lik
View fullsize Here's the audience of breastfeeding supporters I presented this information to at the recent Breastfeeding Network Lambeth study day I’m organising a “Return to work while breastfeeding” group session for some of the Mums from my
View fullsize Here's a taster of what we'll be discussing at the return to work group next week: Why breastfeed beyond 6m? Negotiating with your employer. Childcare choices. Expressing-How? What? When? Times? Volumes? How to avoid mastitis-. How do solids f
View fullsize Do you know what your rights are regarding flexible working? Are pumping breaks protected by law? Is it your responsibility or your employers to broach the subject? These questions are answered in the Baby-thrive return to work group. I’m or
View fullsize Here's some lovely feedback from a client: I’m organising a “Return to work while breastfeeding” group session for some of the Mums from my breastfeeding cafe- 💻 It’s going to be on Google meet (like zoom) late April/Early
View fullsize Are you wondering what would be useful to consider as your parental leave comes to an end? I’m organising a “Return to work while breastfeeding” group session for some of the Mums from my breastfeeding cafe- 💻 It’s going
View fullsize
View fullsize
View fullsize My client recently asked me if I thought this bottle would be a good choice for her mixed-fed baby to avoid “nipple confusion” Here is what I shared; 🍼This bottle claims to “Create a personal bond between you and your baby, wi
View fullsize Booking now (link in bio) 💻 It’s going to be on Google meet (like zoom) I’ll record to too incase anyone needs to pop in & out to deal with their baby. 🤱🏽It will be something where you are able to join whilst playing with or fe