Hi I’m Dionne
I have been supporting families to breastfeed their babies since 2010. As an infant feeding specialist, I aim to support all mothers on their journey from pregnancy and beyond. I am a breastfeeding specialist in private practice and also work in the NHS in an infant feeding strategic role for children's community services. Additionally, I serve as a Trustee for a charity dedicated to community-based breastfeeding support drop-in groups.
As a registered paediatric nurse & health visitor, with a background in neonatal intensive care, I bring a wealth of experience to my role. I am also a mother of three children. Despite the inevitable ups and downs and initial difficulties, I have found breastfeeding to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my parenting journey.
One of the most challenging aspects of my job is meeting parents who have been struggling without adequate support, leading to the premature end of their breastfeeding journey before reaching their intended goals.
I aim to empower mothers with comprehensive knowledge about breastfeeding, starting from the antenatal period and continuing throughout their entire experience. My goal is to provide mothers with the information they need to make informed decisions and instil confidence in their choices. I assist mothers in achieving their feeding goals by offering continuous support and guidance, ensuring they have the necessary resources every step of the way.
THE ORIGIN OF DROPS OF GOLD
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THE ORIGIN OF DROPS OF GOLD *
Early in my healthcare career, before becoming a registered children's nurse, I worked as a nursery nurse on a postnatal ward and a special care baby unit. In this role, I helped new mothers at the beginning of their breastfeeding journey and was inspired to become an advocate for breastfeeding. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the significance of getting off to a good start with breastfeeding for both the mother and baby. It was during this time that I first learned about expressing colostrum during pregnancy.
Fast forward to 2015 when I became pregnant with my first daughter. I had always known that I wanted to breastfeed, and, aware of the numerous benefits of breast milk, I wanted to have colostrum ready for my baby once she was born. To my surprise, the colostrum I had expressed proved to be extremely useful not only for my daughter but also for me after giving birth.
Having successfully harvested and used colostrum in challenging circumstances, Drops of Gold was launched in 2020 when I realised that not all women had access to feeding support and resources. This need became even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic when women had limited access to healthcare services.
After many years working in infant feeding I completed my IBCLC exam in September 2023 and certified as a Lactation Consultant in January 2024.
WHAT IS AN IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) holds the highest-regarded professional qualification in specialised breastfeeding knowledge, supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding. IBCLCs are knowledgeable in all areas of lactation and provide evidence-based information to support both basic and complex breastfeeding challenges. They assist mothers and families with issues such as latch difficulties, milk supply concerns, and infant feeding problems, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
IBCLCs are regulated by The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and are required to re-certify every five years, working within a code of professional conduct. For more information, visit IBLCE
