The early days with your newborn can be so hard. That's why having an expert on your side from the beginning can make all the difference to you, your baby and your family.
I’m passionate about supporting parents in their journey to help their baby feed successfully, while also fostering restful sleep.
Help where you need it most
The 'Early Days' of a newborn’s life can be challenging as we grapple with the steep learning curve that is parenting.
You might have questions relating to your supply, pain with breast feeding, latching difficulties, mixed feeding, weaning, starting solids, colic or reflux issues. Similarly you may be looking for guidance around the sleep patterns of your baby or toddler.
As an IBCLC and certified sleep consultant with 15 years of previous experience as an LMC midwife, I support parents to address a wide range of issues you may be experiencing with your baby.
Claire Shatford
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
International Certified Baby and Child Sleep Consultant
Bachelor of Midwifery
About Me
Kia Ora and Welcome
My name is Claire and I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and an Internationally Certified Baby Sleep Consultant.
My previous experience of practicing as an LMC midwife, along with my personal experience of mothering four children, further fortifies my IBCLC and Sleep Consultancy qualifications. I enjoy working with families to ensure a smooth adjustment to parenting in the early days of their baby's life.
Working in collaboration with your midwife, GP, Plunket nurse and paediatrician, we will achieve the best outcome for you and your baby.
My goal is to give you the information so that you can then feed and care for your baby in the way that is best for you and your family. Similarly, I am able to support you to achieve your goals in terms of baby and toddler sleep routines and habits.
Each and every woman’s experience of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period and every newborn’s experience of 'the early days' is different.
How I can help
Home Visits
Living in Christchurch and needing support?
I can assist you in all things postnatal.
Based in Christchurch, I will come to see you in your own home and work through any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your baby or parenting journey. This is your opportunity to ask all of those questions you've been searching at 2am and be supported by a specialist postnatal consultant.
Lactation Consultant
Perhaps you have a previous difficult experience with breastfeeding, or just need some guidance to feel more confident with feeding your baby. Or perhaps you are suffering breast or nipple pain.
I can help you work through any breastfeeding / chest feeding concerns that you have.
During our home visit I will observe you feeding your baby, offer suggestions and, with your consent, work in with other health professionals as required.
Sleep Consultant
What is normal? Everyone seems to have different stories and ideas about how much sleep their baby or child has or what their routine should be.
I listen to what you want and support you to achieve sleep habits for your baby or toddler that fit with who you are.
I can offer in-home consultations in Christchurch, or over-the-phone/zoom consults for parents living elsewhere.