Thank you for visiting my website. I am currently taking time away from my private practice to focus on my NHS work and family, and I am not accepting new patients. Please scroll down for other sources of breastfeeding support and visit the Resources page for useful links.
About Us
What is a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
A lactation consultant is usually someone from a healthcare background (midwife, health visitor, doctor) who has undertaken many hours supporting breastfeeding parents and babies, has undertaken additional in-depth training in infant feeding, and has sat an IBCLC exam. The exam includes the following areas related to lactation: anatomy and physiology, anthropology, biochemistry, endocrinology, immunology and infectious disease, nutrition, pathology, pharmacology, psychology, sociology, research, and ethics. The IBCLC certification is the highest recognised qualification in breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is trained to support breastfeeding parents to reach their own goals, whatever those may be. We are not anti-formula or bottles; both are useful tools which can support parents to feed their babies. A lactation consultant will listen and gently encourage to help you and your baby to have the positive experience you deserve.
Why should I see a Lactation Consultant?
Parents are more likely to stop breastfeeding in the first month when they experience problems with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant has the knowledge and skills to help families to overcome these difficulties thereby enabling them to breastfeed for as long as they want.
Lactation Consultants have specialist skills to support mothers and babies with the more complex issues such as prematurity, twins and multiples, sick babies, poor weight gain, low milk supply, tongue-tie, cleft lip/palate, allergies, reflux, exclusive pumping and breastfeeding after breast surgery.
An Experienced Breastfeeding Professional You Can Trust
Dr Sofia Reynolds
I founded The Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic to provide a specialised service to parents in Bristol and the surrounding areas. While breastfeeding medicine is a growing speciality in the USA, in the UK very few doctors specialise in this area. I am proud to be Bristol’s first medical doctor with the Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification! In addition to being a part-time Emergency (A&E) doctor, I have over five years of experience in infant feeding and have completed additional training to provide comprehensive support to families.
I offer evidence-based guidance at every stage of your breastfeeding journey—whether it’s antenatal breastfeeding education, building confidence with your newborn, managing complex breastfeeding issues, continuing breastfeeding when returning to work, or addressing specific medical conditions.
My approach centres on supporting parents to achieve their own feeding goals, whatever those may be. I believe in inclusive breastfeeding—whether it’s through direct breastfeeding, expressed breast milk, or tube feeding. Your breastfeeding journey is unique, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
