Jenny Charles IBCLC

29/01/2026

So excited to be offering my postnatal workshops to parents locally...

Exciting new postnatal workshops coming to little bean in March ✨

Book now at littlebeanplaycafe.co.uk to secure your spot for a postnatal workshop with the amazing Jenny Charles💕

Jenny is an international board certified lactation consultant who has been supporting breastfeeding parents and their families since 2017.

From March 5th Jenny is going to be carrying out a range of postnatal group workshops every other Thursday at 930am - 11am

To see more information about what each workshop includes head over to littlebeanplaycafe.co.uk and click ‘BOOK NOW‼️

£30 per workshop
Or use the codes below to get an early bird ticket for £25 and save £5!

‼️EARLY BIRD CODES‼️
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(Early bird tickets are valid until 2 weeks before each individual workshop date)

26/01/2026

'Do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?'

This is something that I get asked all the time. After all, our breasts and babies don't have little measuring scales on the side of them.

So if you are unsure, have a look out for these signs to hopefully reassure you that things are going well:

* 6+ wet nappies and at least 2 yellow poos in 24 hours
* swallowing regularly during a feed (one or two sucks per swallow)
* satisfied after MOST feeds (all babies have unsettled periods and sometimes won't be settled after a feed)
* steady weight gain of around 30g per day

If your baby isn't meeting these or if you are struggling with nipple/breast pain, engorgement etc, please reach out for support.

20/01/2026

Fact or myth? "You should feed a baby every 3 hours"

I often hear parents tell me that they've been told to feed their baby every three hours either by a health care professional or a book.

This often comes from being told that babies need to have 8 feeds in 24 hours and 24 divided by 8 is 3.

However, there are a few things wrong with this...

Firstly, 8 feeds in 24 hours is the absolute bare minimum and often not enough for most newborns. Many babies feed 10-12+ times in 24 hours.

Secondly it assumes baby is like a machine with each feed being like clockwork. We know that babies can feed differently at different times a day, sometimes cluster feed with frequent feeds through the evenings and whilst possibly having slightly longer stretches between feeds at other times. Some feeds might be quick thirsty quenching snacks and others may be three course meals. Sometimes babies want to feed for comfort, reassurance, pain relief, to get to sleep... the list is endless; it's not just to get milk.

Finally, we know that milk supply thrives on frequent stimulation and milk removal. Leaving breasts full for hours at a time can lead to issues with milk supply.

So how often should you feed a baby? How long is a piece of string? Every baby and every parent's breasts are different. Look for feeding cues (which if they are a newborn means if they are awake or even starting to stir in their sleep) and offer the breast regularly. If baby is under two weeks of age, hasn't yet regained their birth weight or has ongoing weight issues, you can use 3 hours as a time not to exceed between feeds, but expect to be needing to feed more often!

16/01/2026

I've spent some time this afternoon with my laptop, diary and notebook, planning something exciting that I'll soon be offering local families - watch this space!

05/01/2026

Sometimes I'm able to support parents to see a huge improvement during a consultation and they don't need me again, but other times it's a more gradual improvement with small tweaks over the coming weeks. This is why my consultations include two weeks follow up support as standard.

To read other testimonials like this, please visit my website: www.jennycharlesibclc.com

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's this time of year again already? Were any of you feeding as the clock ticked over to 2026?

I'm looking forward to another year of supporting parents to achieve their feeding goals!

#2026

30/12/2025

This or that? Cold cup of tea or reheat it again?

Managing to drink a hot drink while it's still hot can be a challenge while surviving those early weeks with a newborn. You make make a drink, sit down and before you have chance to drink it, baby wakes and needs a feed. With a newborn breastfeeding often takes both hands and drinking a hot drink over babies head is not recommended even if you do have a hand free. By the time the feed is finished you are left with a cold cup.

For me I just gulped it down cold (I don't own a microwave) but I've heard some parents say they've reheated hot drinks multiple times before giving up and having water instead. A thermos mug or flask can help (and can be a great baby shower gift), or if not, just know this is a phase that will pass and at some point you'll be drinking hot drinks again!

27/12/2025

It is totally possible to feed two (or more) children of different ages at the same time. For milk supply it's simply supply and demand, so if two children are putting in the demand for milk your breasts will increase the supply they produce.

If you are still feeding your toddler when your new baby is born, you will need to take care that your newborn is accessing the breast frequently and transferring milk effectively. This may take some navigating as your toddler may change their feeding patterns and behaviours as your milk changes post birth. It's also important to make sure that you are looking after yourself with food, fluid and rest (where possible) as feeding one is hard enough!

Feeding during pregnancy and tandem feeding are times that I love to support parents with, so if you are in this position or are considering trying for another baby while still feeding a child then do reach out for support.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you have an enjoyable time, especially if you have a little one celebrating their very first Christmas.

Although I am having a day or two off this week, I do have some availability for both video consultations and home visits. So please do contact me if you need some support.

Don't forget that the National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) is open 24 hours a day, including tomorrow if you need support too.

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20/12/2025

Fact or myth? "You have to stop feeding if you are ill or need medication"

Unfortunately many parents are told that they have to stop breastfeeding when they are given medication or told they need to delay treatment until they have stopped breastfeeding altogether.

Although for a few cases this is true, the vast majority of medications are compatible with breastfeeding and if the medication is contraindicated (should not be used when breastfeeding), then fortunately there is often a suitable alternative.

If you find yourself needing to take medication while breastfeeding and want to check then visit The Breastfeeding Network's website for their Drugs In Breastmilk factsheets or contact their Drugs in Breastmilk Service team by Facebook or email.

16/12/2025

A sneaky peek at the place where I store my breastfeeding books. A huge range of books covering general breastfeeding through to specific topics such as tandem feeding and breastfeeding multiples. Some books are super parent friendly, while others are chunky beasts full of scientific detail. And when you are an IBCLC who also loves books, there's always more being added to the wishlist!

14/12/2025

This or that? Nap while baby naps or power on with snacks?

Lack of sleep, especially during the newborn stage, can be hard. Many people suggest 'sleeping while the baby sleeps', which can work for some but isn't always practical, especially if this isn't your first baby! Others simply can't nap during the day no matter how hard they try. Even if you can't nap, rest as much as possible (no cleaning the skirting boards - that can wait!). Regular snacks may also help you power on.

If you know me at all you'll know I was in the power on with snacks camp 😋 How did you survive those early weeks?