Co-founder & Director
Is an experienced breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant (IBCLC), with a passion for research and evidence based practice. Alongside private work, Charlotte continues to support mothers in a voluntary capacity, both online and via helplines.
Alongside years of analysing research pertaining to babies and young children, Charlotte is also co-founder of a parenting website (est 2004) and the award winning blogger aka Analytical Armadillo.
This experience including working closely alongside tongue tie specialist - has led Charlotte to helping not only breastfeeding mothers, but also expressing and formula feeding mothers who are having infant feeding problems.
Note from Charlotte:
I’m passionate about a holistic approach to infant feeding and parenting, ie exploring how each area impacts on another; searching to address the cause not the symptom. I feel many health systems fail to link intricate systems and processes, and thus do not recognise that a problem in one area can cause a symptom elsewhere – treating the latter will not resolve the cause. They also often fail to understand the significance of emotional and mental support alongside practical help for families who experience problems; the profound impact that the quality of care can have and underestimate the stregnth of maternal emotion. Many mothers use words such as “guilt” when describing problems involving their infant – processing feelings at this time is as significant as the hands on help.
I have a particular interest in the tongue and oral cavity and how pregnancy, birth and genetic variations such as Ankyloglossia (tongue tie) and palate variations can impact significantly on infant feeding (however the infant is fed!) and many other areas of infant health – from feeding, to reflux, solids and sleep!
This also in terms of the big picture encompasses gut health and how this can impact on breastmilk, baby and the health of both mum and baby – and so includes food allergies/intolerances, candida and antibiotic use, colic/reflux to name just a few; all are intricately linked with feeding and infant health, from minor infections to more severe conditions.
My other specialist areas are starting solids and prematurity – I am passionate about promoting evidence based care for our most vulnerable members of society. Currently many systems in place within the UK, do not reflect best practice as evidence suggests – as parts of Australia clearly demonstrate. I am in the processing of developing a UK campaign alongside Health Professionals from both the UK and New Zealand to raise awareness – more news coming soon!”
