Background.

• International Board of Lactation Consultants co-ordinator 2007 - 2009.


• Registered Midwife.


• La Leche league Peer Support Trainer.


• Steering Group member of UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.


• State Registered Nurse.

My interest in breastfeeding started as a young child when I watched my mother feed her sixth baby. From start to finish I saw and felt the joy and togetherness that breastfeeding brought to both of them.

I experienced and overcame challenges during my own three breastfeeding experiences which has enabled me to have a wide ranging view of the problems mothers may encounter.

I have been a member of the NCT, La Leche League, The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, UNICEF and the Royal College of Midwives for many years.

After completing my midwifery training in 1991, I saw that some women did not have a satisfactory breastfeeding experience, so I set about trying to improve the situation for women in my local area.

Training.

• 1995 I undertook the Breastfeeding Practice & Policy Course at the Institute of Child Health, London.


• 1996 I trained as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and have maintained my qualification recertifying every 5 years to ensure my own quality and best practice in all current breastfeeding issues.


• 1997 I took the lead for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in my local maternity unit and took them through 3 accreditations over 10 years.


• 1999 I trained under Mervyn Griffiths Neonatal surgeon and Carolyn Westcott IBCLC at Southampton General Hospital to perform division of tongue tie and now run a weekly children's outpatient clinic at St Richard's Hospital Chichester for frenulotomy.

My Professional Indemnity Insurance is provided by Towergate Professional Risks.

I look forward to having informal and friendly talks with you and your breastfeeding baby.

Clare Meynell,
Lactation Consultant, Chichester, West Sussex.