Ellen Gulson IBCLC

Ellen Gulson IBCLC Lactation Consultant in Sydney, Australia. Passionate Advocate for Women's Health and postnatal care.

To all my lovely patients, I’m heading away for 10 days with my gorgeous little humans for a much needed break. Message ...
11/04/2025

To all my lovely patients, I’m heading away for 10 days with my gorgeous little humans for a much needed break. Message me if it’s urgent, otherwise I’ll see everyone when I’m back xx

Happy Halloween!!! Everyone has heard horror stories of cracked ni***es, mastitis, biting, pain etc. But I promise that ...
30/10/2024

Happy Halloween!!! Everyone has heard horror stories of cracked ni***es, mastitis, biting, pain etc. But I promise that Breastfeeding doesn't have to include any of these things. A good IBCLC can help you to make sure that your journey is as smooth as possible for you and your baby.

Everyone who starts breastfeeding (or pumping) will eventually have to wean. Some breastfeeding journeys are long, some ...
27/10/2024

Everyone who starts breastfeeding (or pumping) will eventually have to wean. Some breastfeeding journeys are long, some are short, some end beautifully when both are ready and sometimes its forced upon us by circumstance. Whatever your situation, a good IBCLC should help you with unconditional support and zero judgement. Anyone who comes to see me is met with empathy and kindness no matter how long they choose to feed for, whether it be 1 feed, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year or well into the toddler years.

Mammary Hypoplasia, hypoplastic breasts or insufficient glandular tissue basically means that a woman does not have suff...
18/09/2024

Mammary Hypoplasia, hypoplastic breasts or insufficient glandular tissue basically means that a woman does not have sufficient glands in her breasts to be able to produce a full milk supply. This can range from absolutely no milk production to only a minor reduction in supply. It is very rare and the signs can include:
Widely spaced breasts
Breast asymmetry
Tubular breast shape (“empty sac” appearance)
Breasts that experience no change at all during pregnancy

The ways I support a mum with this condition can include the use of supply lines, supplementation, strategies to increase milk supply etc. Sometimes all i can do is hold mum's hand whilst she grieves the loss of her breastfeeding journey. Whilst it is so hard, it is so important that women are not gaslit into thinking they could have had milk if they just worked harder at their supply. Whilst it is very rare, some with this condition will never be able to breastfeed. These women deserve support, understanding and endless kindness, in the same way that women who experience birth trauma deserve better support and care. If you think this is you, please reach out to an IBCLC or Breast Specialist for support.

Oversupply!! I probably see 4 patients with oversupply for everyone with undersupply. Our bodies are so keen to feed our...
14/09/2024

Oversupply!! I probably see 4 patients with oversupply for everyone with undersupply. Our bodies are so keen to feed our babies that they can often overdo it in the early postpartum weeks. This isn't helped by current online trends encouraging mums to express and build a "freezer stash". If you are removing extra milk, you will be encouraging your body to make more milk - this includes with silicone milk extractors. Be careful with pumping/expressing/'catching let downs' in the early weeks postpartum as it can tell your body to up supply when it's not necessary. The aim of the game is to have the right amount of milk for your baby, not too much and not too little. Mums with oversupply are at a significantly increased risk of developing mastitis and babies are more likely to be uncomfortable and unsettled. The Australian Breastfeeding Association advises against pumping in the first 6 weeks post partum, unless medically indicated, in order to avoid oversupply.

This one might be controversial, but my advice is: Any breastmilk that your baby gets is amazing. Breastfeeding does not...
10/09/2024

This one might be controversial, but my advice is: Any breastmilk that your baby gets is amazing. Breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing. Whilst I have worked with many twin mums to achieve exclusive breastfeeding, this isn't the reality or the goal for everyone. Mixed feeding is always an option, supplementing with EBM or formula is something many mums of multiples will explore. If you want to exclusively breastfeed you probably can with the right help - b***s are amazing and will almost always be able to produce a supply big enough for two with the right help and support. Otherwise an IBCLC can help you to find the right balance of bottles, expressing, formula and direct feeding. No one should every make you feel bad about your feeding choices.

Get good information and stay off google!!! 🤣 Not all breastfeeding information is created equally. When you read someth...
06/09/2024

Get good information and stay off google!!! 🤣 Not all breastfeeding information is created equally. When you read something online, ask yourself "is this trying to sell me anything?". If it is, I would take it with a grain of salt. Stick to places like The Australian Breastfeeding Association website for good, reliable information backed by science. Go to a breastfeeding class run by the ABA or your hospital or get advice from an IBCLC prior to birth.

The two most common reasons people come to see me are"1)Antenatal education. Women will come to see me in the last trime...
01/09/2024

The two most common reasons people come to see me are"
1)Antenatal education. Women will come to see me in the last trimester of their pregnancy because they want to learn skills to help them have a smooth breastfeeding experience. I LOVE these sessions. I love the enthusiasm and joy that new parents have. It is an absolute privilege to get to be a part of your antenatal team.
2)Attachment problems. Something that we discuss during our antenatal sessions is how positioning and attachment are the key to successful breastfeeding. A baby who is attached well at the breast will get milk effectively, causing little or no pain to mum. BUT this is a learnt skill. Just like walking, breastfeeding is natural, but it is learnt. This takes time, patience and the support of your care team.

This is a tricky one. The most commonly reported reason that women stop exclusive breastfeeding in Australia is "perceiv...
26/08/2024

This is a tricky one. The most commonly reported reason that women stop exclusive breastfeeding in Australia is "perceived" low supply. Which is when a mum believes that she doesn't have enough breastmilk for her baby. The reason that it's tricky, is that often times mums do have enough milk, but have been given bad information or a complete lack of support. Make sure that if you think you have low supply, that you seek support from an ibclc before you make decisions about bottle feeding, pumping, topping up etc. Sometimes these are necessary, and sometimes they aren't. Find a provider who will listen to you and support your choices.

This one is an oldy but a goodie. Knowledge is power and women are not always empowered with good information about thei...
15/08/2024

This one is an oldy but a goodie. Knowledge is power and women are not always empowered with good information about their own bodies. A good IBCLC will empower you with great information and then support you to make the best choices for you, your baby and your body. Whether that be breastfeeding, mixed feeding or exclusive bottle feeding I support all mums in feeding their babies in the way they choose.

My kids named my last demo baby 'Steve' (God only knows why), but I'm yet to decide what name to give this one. Come see...
11/08/2024

My kids named my last demo baby 'Steve' (God only knows why), but I'm yet to decide what name to give this one. Come see me and we can talk all things b***s and babies.

Clinic and home visits now available on the north side of the bridge. Reach out if you need any help with feeding your b...
07/08/2024

Clinic and home visits now available on the north side of the bridge. Reach out if you need any help with feeding your bub or planning for a new arrival.

Address

Coogee, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+61296655438

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