Rachel Dudfield - Lactation Consultant & Antenatal Classes

13/11/2025

I love this idea. Hands free pumping, with socks to hide the amount. Might reduce your stress, and make pumping more pleasant. You might pump longer, or more often. Might mean more milk!

For some, pumping can feel stressful. Placing baby socks over your collection containers is a simple trick that can shift your focus away from how much or how quickly milk is being expressed, helping you to relax more deeply.

Have you tried this 'hack'? Did it make a difference for you? Share your thoughts with us!

[Image Description] Photo of someone using a standard breast pump set up. Flanges are visible with collection containers covered by white baby socks. Text reads, " Using baby socks on your collection containers can help reduce stress and increase the amount of milk expressed." The La Leche League USA logo sits to the left of the text.

01/11/2025

Cats sharing kittens! Wet nursing?

28/10/2025

Lactation Consultants at Halloween.

22/10/2025

I have decided that I will not open today, Thursday 23rd October. Stay home and stay safe.

01/10/2025

Starting your breastfeeding journey by allowing baby to come to the breast and latch could improve your breastfeeding at 6 months.

Compared with the conventional skin‐to‐skin contact group, the breast crawl group had higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 24 h (65.1% vs. 15.8%), day 3 (58.4% vs.24.7%), and month 6 (47.0% vs. 11.6%)

Full study here. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mcn.70063?fbclid=IwY2xjawNKktJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4a0hLM1BwMEpndDJMZTFaAR6kyZMATCpqQ1roncqaVj6voVpBA3jbEw2w3KpfO9vgC2QUJLbrALral6cSew_aem_YWl_edNNdS5ZwenBmLgbhA

Does it matter if babies do the breast crawl at their first post-birth breastfeed? Yes, according to this 2025 randomized controlled trial, which found significantly more exclusive breastfeeding in the breast-crawl group at 24 hours, Day 3, 1 month, and 6 months when compared to the standard skin-to-skin contact group. And there’s much more. Read all about it here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mcn.70063

20/09/2025

This! I wish I'd known about this when my kids were younger.

31/08/2025

Looking after yourself with Te Whare Tapa Wha.

Te Whare Tapa Whā was developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984. The model describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui/meeting house with four walls.

When all these things are in balance, we thrive. When one or more of these is out of balance our wellbeing is impacted.

Consider all the aspects of your hauora - overall health. Think about what fills your cup. Make a plan and put it on your fridge. Here are some suggestions….

Taha Wairua: your spirit
• Meditation
• Read a book
• Watch TV
• Spend time on your hobby
• Knitting/ baking
• Attend church

Taha tinana: physical
• Drink water
• Eat something
• Go for a walk
• Go to the gym
• A quiet shower or bath
• Step outside and breathe
• Practise breathing exercises

Taha hinengaro: mental
• Talking: to friends or a professional
• Breathing exercises
• Mindfulness
• Watch a comedy
• Hugs!

27/08/2025

I'm all set up to help people with feeding their baby. If you are on maternity leave come along for some hands on practise.

20/08/2025

There is only THREE spaces left in my 2025 antenatal classes. So if you know anyone expecting their first baby January-March next year please let them know.

https://www.allyouneedislove.co.nz/antenatal-class

19/08/2025

Cheese products recalled due to possible presence of Listeria | NZ Government https://share.google/F4qPCv9jBFsXnrgw2

16/08/2025

If you are considering hiring a birth photographer I highly reccomend Debrin from Novabella Studio. You will never regret capturing those moments.

Birth Photography now available!

From the first of September, I will be booking in clients who want to document the birth process. Having studied photojournalism, I love to capture the moments and emotions.

If this is something that may interest you, please get in touch. There will be very limited spots available each month.

14/08/2025

Would you like to talk about mental health in pregnancy?

Victoria University is running a study to better understand risk factors present in pregnancy that might predict the experience of mental health difficulties during pregnancy.

They are looking for people to participate who have a history of diagnosed mental health problems who are currently in their third trimester. Primarily a history of depression, bipolar disorder and/or a psychotic disorder like Schizophrenia.

The study involves completing two time points, one during pregnancy and one after the birth of baby. Each time point has a survey and an interview. The team of interviewers are very friendly and kind and our main goal is knowing how to support parents better during pregnancy.

If you would like to know more please click here to complete a short interview: https://vuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAwCwWX49Wo2wvk?Q_CHL=qr