My Story

Hi, I’m Dionne - welcome!

I live in South London with my partner and our three young children, so I understand how unique (and sometimes challenging) the feeding journey can be.

I’ve been supporting families with infant feeding since 2010, and as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I offer calm, compassionate, and evidence-based support from pregnancy and beyond.

I’m passionate about keeping my knowledge up to date and regularly attend study days and conferences to ensure the support I offer reflects current best practice.

Alongside my private practice, I also work within the NHS in an infant feeding strategic role and serve as a Trustee for a charity supporting community breastfeeding drop-in groups.

Outside of work, I love to crochet and have recently started gardening - very much a beginner and mostly winging it!

Antenatal Postnatal Breastfeeding Support Croydon Bromley Sutton IBCLC

THE ORIGIN OF DROPS OF GOLD

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THE ORIGIN OF DROPS OF GOLD *

My Early Journey

Early in my healthcare career, I worked as a nursery nurse on a postnatal ward and a special care baby unit. I supported new mothers at the start of their breastfeeding journey and witnessed firsthand how critical a good start can be for both mother and baby. It was during this time that I first learned about expressing colostrum during pregnancy.

Personal Experience Inspiring Drops of Gold

When I became pregnant with my first daughter in 2015, I wanted to breastfeed and prepare colostrum for her. Experiencing the benefits firsthand inspired me to launch Drops of Gold in 2020, helping women access feeding support and resources -especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when services were limited.

Professional Milestone

After years supporting families in infant feeding, I completed my IBCLC exam in September 2023 and was certified as a Lactation Consultant in January 2024. This formal certification complements my practical experience and personal insight, ensuring families receive confident, evidence-based support.

Antenatal Postnatal Breastfeeding Support Croydon Bromley Sutton IBCLC

Qualifications & Experience

  • IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

  • Paediatric nurse & health visitor, with a background in neonatal intensive care

  • Extensive experience supporting infant feeding both privately and in NHS services

  • Evidence-based, compassionate approach

  • Mother of three children - understanding the real-life ups and downs of feeding.

This combination of clinical experience, specialist training, and personal parenting insight allows me to support families confidently and empathetically.

My Approach

I take a calm, structured, and reassuring approach to every consultation, focusing on:

  • Empowering parents with comprehensive knowledge about breastfeeding and formula feeding

  • Providing practical guidance from antenatal preparation through postnatal support

  • Ensuring continuity of care with follow-up and guidance where needed

  • Instilling confidence and helping parents achieve their feeding goals

Why I Do This Work

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is meeting parents who have been struggling without adequate support, leading to premature cessation of breastfeeding before reaching their intended goals.

I aim to ensure every parent has access to evidence-based guidance, practical tools, and compassionate support to reach their feeding goals - whatever they may be.

Who I Support

I work with parents who may be:

  • Preparing for breastfeeding before their baby arrives

  • Facing early feeding challenges or difficulty with latch

  • Concerned about milk supply or baby’s weight gain

  • Seeking reassurance and practical strategies during the first weeks

  • Looking for ongoing follow-up or reflective support

Ready to Feel Confident in Feeding?

I provide calm, evidence-based guidance to help parents feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.

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

Antenatal Postnatal Breastfeeding Support Croydon Bromley Sutton IBCLC

FOLLOW MY CURRENT BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY

…& OVER ON INSTAGRAM @THETHIRDFEED

Antenatal Postnatal Breastfeeding Support Croydon Bromley Sutton IBCLC