Carla Corral Lactation Consultant • IBCLC, London (2025)

01/06/2025

When a baby struggles with feeding, experiences excessive gas, or suffers from reflux, it can be an overwhelming and exhausting time for parents. During my consultations, when I’m seeing babies that are struggling to establish an effective latch, or babies whose mothers report they can’t open their mouths wide enough, it’s crucial to observe and assess positioning and attachment.

However, it’s equally important to assess the baby’s posture, look for any tension around the neck and jaw, and check tongue mobility to rule out a tongue tie. A restrictive tongue can limit movement and force babies to compensate by using other parts of the body, like the lips, jaw, cheeks and neck.

In many of these cases, I find that collaborating with an osteopath provides a more complete picture and more effective support for both baby and family. That’s why in this occasion I’ve teamed up with Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy, to co-author this blog.

In this blog, we’ll explore together the benefits of combining an IBCLC lactation consultation and a paediatric osteopathy session care for babies, and answer the 5 WH-questions:

❓Who we are.

❓What we do.

❓When to seek our help.

❓How often to book sessions.

❓Why this collaboration can be so beneficial for both babies and parents.

⬇️⬇️

🌐www.londonlactation.co.uk/breastfeeding-and-cranial-osteopathy-a-holistic-approach-for-babies-with-feeding-difficulties-gas-or-reflux/

14/05/2025

There’s still a lot of controversy surrounding the use of ni**le shields, and the most important thing to remember is that, like everything in life, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

What prompted me to write this post was a visit I had with a mother last week. She was in absolutely agony while feeding, with deep cracked ni**les. The professionals at the hospital had checked the latch and told her it was fine, and that she should “just get used to it”. I was appalled when I heard this. For anyone reading this blog, you should know that you do not need to get used to pain. Listen to your body. How can anyone say that to a mother in tears while trying to breastfeed? I’ll save the full story for another blog post, but needless to say, the situation left me feeling sad, frustrated, and disappointed.

The point is that ni**le shields can literally be a lifesaver on the breastfeeding journey. This mother was able to continue breastfeeding her baby directly from the breast using the shields. But of course, ni**le shields can also cause issues and completely ruin the experience if they’re not used properly. That’s why it’s so important to use them with the guidance of an IBCLC lactation consultant to avoid any further problems like ni**le pain or a drop in milk supply.

In this blog, I’ll answer the five WH-questions about ni**le shields:

❓What is a ni**le shield.

❓When it should be used.

❓Who can benefit from it.

❓How to place one.

❓Which size should I choose.

❗And as usual, I will share my top 5 tips for weaning off ni**le shields.
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/ni**le-shields-what-every-breastfeeding-mother-should-know/

**leshields -questions

08/04/2025

✨Another lovely message that I received a few days ago about the 3-months breastfeeding crisis.

💬 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, you’re not alone. If something doesn’t sound right for you, trust your instincts and look somewhere else.

💪🏻 You’re doing an incredible job and you’re doing what your baby needs.

🙏🏻 Thank you to the amazing mama who took the time to reach out, and share her situation.

If you’re also struggling with the 3-months brrastfeeding crisis, go and check my blog:
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/the-3-month-breastfeeding-crisis/

26/03/2025

✨ I received this beautiful message a few days ago, and honestly, words like these mean the world to me.

Sometimes, even after years of writing blogs to support mothers, I wonder if my words are making a difference. It can be easy to feel demotivated and question whether to keep going. But messages like this remind me exactly why I do what I do🫶🏻

To the amazing mama who took the time to reach out, thank you🙏🏻 Your words have given me the energy to keep sharing, writing, and helping others mothers navigate the beautiful (and sometimes challenging) breastfeeding journey. You are not alone, and I am so grateful to be a small part of your experience.

If you’re struggling, know that what you’re feeling is valid, and you are doing an incredible job.

If you’re also struggling with the 3-months breastfeeding crisis, go and check the blog:
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/the-3-month-breastfeeding-crisis/

15/02/2025

One of the most common concerns I hear from breastfeeding mothers during my consultations is, “Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?” My answer is always the same: It’s a very interesting question to ask, but not always easy to answer. As a mother, understanding your baby’s needs can bring peace of mind. It may take a sometime before you feel confident that your baby is getting what they need, but as you continue your breastfeeding journey, you’ll learn to trust your body and your maternal instincts.

Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the first few days and particularly for first-time parents. The beginning of your breastfeeding journey is often filled with doubt. In this blog, I’ll delve into:

❓How to recognise the signs of adequate milk intake.

❓When to seek help.

❗I will dispel some common myths. And, as usual, I’ll provide my top 5 practical tips to ensure your baby is getting enough milk.
⬇️⬇️

🌐https://www.londonlactation.co.uk/is-my-baby-getting-enough-milk/

26/01/2025

🚬 A while ago, I wrote a blog about alcohol and breastfeeding. This time I’d like to address another important topic: smoking and breastfeeding. I was inspired to write this after a close friend, who recently had a baby, asked me about the rules regarding smoking and breastfeeding. She also wondered whether ni****ne could pass to the baby through breast milk.

If she had these questions, I thought other mothers might too. So, this blog is here to provide clear, evidence-based information to help mothers make informed choices.

❓The effects of smoking while breastfeeding.
❓The health risks for babies exposed to smoking.
❓The benefits of breastfeeding despite smoking.

❗Also, I will dispel some common myths about smoking and breastfeeding, and, as usual, I will share my top 10 practical strategies to protect your baby if quitting smoking is not an option, or if you’d like to smoke a cigarette every now and then while breastfeeding your baby. ⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/smoking-and-breastfeeding/

****ne

19/01/2025

Plugged or clogged milk ducts are a common complication for breastfeeding mothers, often causing discomfort, pain, and anxiety. If your breasts become inflamed or swollen, it’s important to act quickly to relieve discomfort and avoid any further complications like mastitis or abscesses.

While they can be painful and uncomfortable, plugged ducts are generally manageable with the right approach and understanding. In this blog, I will explain:

❓What plugged milk ducts are.
❓Causes.
❓Symptoms.
❓Prevention strategies.

❗And, as usual, I will also share my top 10 tips for treating clogged ducts to empower mothers with the tools and knowledge to avoid further complications.
⬇️⬇️

🌐www.londonlactation.co.uk/understanding-and-managing-plugged-milk-ducts/

10/01/2025

I travelled to CES 2025 to check out the latest tech in the breastfeeding world, and today I wasn’t disappointed...

This morning I had the privilege of meeting the team from , and especially Kyra green who ran through their new products, including the ‘Stride 2 breast pump’ which takes portability to the next level, and their newly announced ‘Rise’ bassinet, designed to support restful sleep for both babies and parents.

Elvie continues to lead with innovation, creating solutions that empower mothers and families. As an advocate for maternal health and a collaborator in this space, I’m inspired by their dedication to combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design.

Stay tuned for more updates from CES 2025 as we witness the future of parenting tech!

05/01/2025

In some of my consultations, when I talk about breast compression technique, mothers often express concern. They’ve been told by some professionals that using this technique might make their baby lazier or less willing to work for milk. Hearing this always makes me feel disheartened. First, babies are not lazy. Second, breastfeeding is a teamwork effort between mother and baby. If the baby is having difficulty draining the breast, it’s perfectly fine for the mother to assist in getting the milk out.

Of course, it’s essential to check for any underlying reasons why the baby isn’t effectively draining the breast, such as prematurity, tongue-tie, or insufficient weight gain. However, the priority is to ensure milk is removed to prevent further issues like plugged ducts, mastitis, or abscesses.

In this blog, I’ll answer the 5 W-questions about breast compression:

❓What it is...

❓When to use it...

❓How to perform it effectively...

❓Who can benefit from it...

❓Why it is used...
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/the-5-w-questions-about-breast-compression-technique/

(Blog Link in Bio)

25/12/2024

🎄✨Merry Christmas✨🎄

I can’t believe that I’m celebrating the third Christmas of Carla Corral Lactation Consultant. It was a busy year with ups and downs, but I’m really happy to have helped so many mothers and babies during 2024.

I’m excited to help more mothers and babies throughout 2025 and look forward to sharing my incredible ongoing developments with all of you. Stay tuned as something new is coming🙈😊

Thank you for making it possible🫶🏻❤️

PS. I am still offering face-to-face and online consultations during the Christmas Period, so please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

🎄 #2025 #

23/12/2024

Understanding what we apply to our skin is essential, particularly during pregnancy or when caring for a newborn. Everything we apply to our skin can be absorbed into our body, which is why minimising exposure to harmful toxins is crucial. This is especially important for babies, as their skin is delicate, sensitive, and more permeable than an adult’s, making it easier for toxins to be absorbed.

❗When it comes to caring for a baby, parents often prioritise safety, health, and nurturing in every aspect of their baby’s life. However, many parents might not realise that it’s not the products directly applied to the baby’s skin when they are born that matters, but also the products used by the mother during the pregnancy. This is because toxins can pass from mother to baby through the umbilical cord, making it vital to choose safe, non-toxic skincare products. This is highlighted in a recent study which found traces of toxins in umbilical cord blood, emphasising the importance of using non-toxics products.

For all these reasons, in today’s blog I’d like to explore:

❓Why non-toxic skincare is crucial for both babies and mothers?
❓What are the benefits for you and for your baby’s skin?
❓How making informed choices can positively impact your family’s health?
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/the-importance-of-using-non-toxic-products-to-support-you-and-your-babys-health-before-and-after-birth/

(Blog link in Bio)

17/11/2024

In today’s blog, I wanted to address a question from a mother that I’ve recently been supporting. She asked if I had written a blog on paracetamol and breastfeeding, specifically about whether it could impact her milk supply. I realised this question has come up with other mothers too, so I thought it would be a great idea to cover it here as a resource for the breastfeeding community. Finding science-based information online can be challenging, so hopefully, this blog can help clarify things.

First thing to consider is that breastfeeding mothers can still take medications when they’re sick—they don’t have to suffer needlessly because they’re breastfeeding. Unfortunately, some healthcare providers may not be fully up to date, and might still recommend stopping breastfeeding when prescribing certain medications. Sometimes, the information provided with a medicine warns against breastfeeding, but this doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe. Often, it’s because the medicine hasn’t been tested in enough breastfeeding mothers to confirm its safety, or it’s because pharmaceutical companies have to cover their backs, therefore they write to the leaflet for legal reasons to speak with your doctor before taking meds.

Let's delve a bit deeper into:

❓Medications and milk supply.

❓Common and safe medications while breastfeeding.

❗My top 5 tips for maintaining your milk supply while taking medications.
⬇️⬇️

🌐 www.londonlactation.co.uk/breastfeeding-milk-supply-and-medications-what-every-breastfeeding-mother-should-know/

(Blog link in Bio)

Carla Corral Lactation Consultant • IBCLC

01/06/2025

14/05/2025

08/04/2025

26/03/2025

15/02/2025

26/01/2025

19/01/2025

10/01/2025

05/01/2025

25/12/2024

23/12/2024

17/11/2024

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