About Rene

I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Midwife, and Breastfeeding Counsellor.

Whilst working with families as a midwife for over 10 years, I realized I was so passionate about the importance of breastfeeding and how difficult it can be for some mothers and babies.

I’ve since had the honour of working with many families over the years to help them overcome the many different challenges breastfeeding can present.

My experience ranges from antenatal education and expressing through to all other aspects of breastfeeding issues such as damaged nipples, engorgement, low supply, low weight gain, oversupply, nipple shields, tongue tie, mastitis, blocked ducts, vasospasm, blebs, thrush, breast refusal, re-lactation, and the list goes on!

I’ve extended my passion to my volunteer role within the community as co-leader for Casey-Cardinia Group with The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA).

I’ve completed my Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Counselling, allowing me to volunteer at group meetings, Breastfeeding Education Classes, on the National Helpline, and at the ‘Drop in and Chat’ weekly session.

I’m also a member of the National ABA Breastfeeding Multiples Workgroup and co-moderator of the National ABA Breastfeeding Multiples Facebook group.

I’m extremely grateful for the skills I have gained from being part of ABA. It has enhanced my work as a Midwife and Lactation Consultant, and the friendships I have made with other volunteers, mothers, and their families are something I will treasure forever. 

My Parenting Experiences

Personally, I have been lucky enough to have breastfed all six of my wonderful children, each one unique!

With my first two lovely boys, I found it easy and a very natural process. I still had a short time adjusting to my nipples being sucked on so much! But with correct attachment, this was easily overcome in time, and they both continued to breastfeed for the first year of their life.

Then I had two baby boys at the same time! Yes, twins! Juggling two babies at the same time proved much harder however my determination showed me I could overcome anything, and the three of us worked together and continued until they were one.

My second last little boy (yes, five boys so far!) was born with a crooked jaw due to torticollis. This made breastfeeding painful for me for roughly three weeks; however, again, with determination and the right support, I was able to continue and feed until he was around 15 months!

Lastly, my darling (ahem!) little girl is still breastfeeding at four years of age, which has taught me so much about breastfeeding that I didn’t even realise I didn’t know!

My goal in life is to use all of my experience as a mother, volunteer, and health professional to educate, promote and support mothers breastfeeding one, two, or more babies at the same time.

I love my work and find it very rewarding to help a mother and her baby share a positive breastfeeding journey together.