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 mums in their journey to help their baby breastfeed or latch successfully, while also fostering restful sleep.
Help where you need it most
As many of you know, 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 about breastfeeding and lactation, the general health of your baby, Colic or reflux issues, trouble latching and feeding, low milk supply or questions around mix and formula feeding. Similarly you may be looking for guidance around the sleep patterns of you baby or toddler.
I support parents to address any feeding concerns that you are experiencing with your baby.
I also work with parents to put strategies in place to alleviate the sleepless nights that can start to negatively impact the day-to-day lives of families.
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.
I practiced as an LMC midwife for 15 years . This experience, 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. I am also more than happy to work
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. Baby sleep requirements and patterns evolve with time and so it can sometimes be a case of me helping you to adjust to what is a realistic sleep expectation for your baby or child at their current age and stage. I will always tailor my support to your wishes. Information is power and this works both ways. By listening to your unique set of circumstances and therefore being informed, I will be able to provide you with the information necessary to support you in the early days of parenting.
Claire Shatford
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
International Certified Baby and Child Sleep Consultant
Bachelor of Midwifery
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
Struggling with getting baby to latch or feed correctly?
I can help you work through any breastfeeding / chestfeeding 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
Is your baby or young child not sleeping through the night? Whatever your sleep concerns, I'd love to help you work through these issues to have your child sleeping soundly.
I can offer in-home consultations in Christchurch, or over-the-phone/zoom consults for parents living elsewhere.