Breastfeeding Support
in Liverpool, Wirral & Cheshire
Expert infant feeding and lactation support from experienced midwives and lactation consultants
Awarded "Best Infant Feeding Support Services 2025 - North West England"
Why breastfeeding support matters
Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn’t always straightforward. Many families encounter challenges in the early days and weeks - from pain and latch difficulties to concerns about milk supply, weight gain or unsettled feeding. Without timely, skilled support, these challenges can quickly feel overwhelming.
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Early, evidence-based breastfeeding support can make a significant difference. Prompt assessment and practical guidance can help protect milk supply, reduce pain and stress, and support feeding to feel calmer, more sustainable and more enjoyable for both parent and baby.
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Every feeding journey is unique. Birth experiences, medical history, infant anatomy, and family circumstances all play a role. Receiving personalised support from experienced midwives and lactation consultants ensures concerns are properly assessed - rather than dismissed - and that advice is tailored to your baby and your goals.
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Whether you are preparing to breastfeed, navigating early challenges, or seeking support later on, skilled breastfeeding support can help you make informed decisions, build confidence, and feel supported at every stage.
Who is breastfeeding support for?
Anyone who is planning to breastfeed, or currently breastfeeding and would benefit from additional support or guidance. This can include:​
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Expectant parents preparing to breastfeed
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Newborns or babies struggling with latch or feeding
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Babies who are unsettled, windy or feeding frequently
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Parents experiencing pain, nipple damage or supply concerns
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Families combination feeding or transitioning between breast and bottle
What our breastfeeding support includes
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Rapid access SOS support for latch, pumping and urgent feeding concerns
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Comprehensive breastfeeding and feeding assessments
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Support for slow weight gain or concerns about growth
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Oral function and tongue-tie assessment where indicated
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Latch optimisation and feeding rehabilitation
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Longer-term support packages available if needed
Expert care from midwives & lactation consultants
All breastfeeding support at Zita Maria is provided by experienced midwives and infant feeding specialists, with advanced training in lactation and oral function. Our care is evidence-based, non-judgemental and tailored to you and your baby.
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Registered Midwives
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IBCLC / IBCLC-trained Lactation Consultants
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Tongue-tie practitioners
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Prescribing qualifications (where relevant)
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CQC-registered Tongue tie service
OUR INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT OPTIONS
Private Breastfeeding & Lactation Consultation
Where:
• In-clinic or home visits available (within 20 miles)
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Length:
• Up to 90 minutes for initial consultations
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Who it’s for:
Anyone planning to breastfeed or currently breastfeeding who would like additional guidance or support. This may include families experiencing:
• Painful or ineffective latch
• Unsettled or prolonged feeds
• Supply concerns
• Slow or faltering weight gain
• Combination or bottle-feeding challenges
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What’s included:
• Full feeding and medical history
• Observed feed (breast and/or bottle)
• Comprehensive oral & functional assessment
• Practical, hands-on support
• Personalised feeding plan
• Written follow-up and aftercare advice
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Follow-up & additional support:
• Follow-up appointments available if needed
• Additional home or clinic visits can be arranged
• Tongue-tie division offered where clinically indicated
Cost:
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Initial consultation
• £160 (clinic) - £220 (Home)
Additional feeding support available
Mixed feeding support (Breast & Bottle)
One-to-one sessions
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Who is this session for?
Families who are combining breastfeeding, bottle feeding and/or expressing and are finding feeding challenging, including:
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Difficulty balancing breast and bottle feeding
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Concerns about milk supply when supplementing
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Expressing challenges or discomfort
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Pump use questions or poor output
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Flange sizing or pumping pain
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Baby struggling to move between breast and bottle
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Unsettled feeds with mixed feeding methods
This session includes:
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Full feeding and expressing history
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Observed breast and/or bottle feed
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Full oral/tongue tie assessment
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Pump assessment and flange sizing where needed
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Practical expressing and pumping guidance
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Personalised mixed-feeding plan
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Written advice and follow-up support
Bottle Feeding Support
One-to-one sessions
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Who is this session for?
Families and their babies who may be unsettled or fussy and are finding bottle feeding challenging, with symptoms including:
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Positioning on a bottle teat
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Clicking, gulping, coughing, spluttering or gagging
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Unable to latch to the bottle
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Bottle refusal or bottle aversion
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Lip blisters
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Dribbling or leaking milk
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Weight gain challenges
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Formula milk challenges
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CMPA
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Reflux or excessive wind
This session includes:
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Full evaluation of feeding history
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Observation of bottle feeding
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Full oral/tongue tie assessment
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Bottle, teat and flow assessment
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Plan to optimise feeds and reduce discomfort
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Practical, hands-on support
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Follow-up advice and support
Tongue-Tie & Oral Function Assessment
Who is this session for?
Parents who:
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Have been told their baby has a tongue-tie
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Suspect their baby may have a tongue-tie or oral restriction
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Are experiencing feeding difficulties despite support
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Would like a thorough, feeding-focused assessment before considering treatment
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Want calm, holistic support before and after tongue-tie division
About this session
This session provides a comprehensive assessment of your baby’s feeding and oral function, considering the whole feeding picture rather than tongue appearance alone. We assess how the tongue and surrounding structures function during feeding - whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combination feeding.
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Where appropriate, we will discuss whether a tongue-tie may be contributing to feeding difficulties and talk through all available options. Treatment is only recommended when clinically indicated, with no pressure to proceed.
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This session includes:
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Full feeding and medical history
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Observed feed (breast and/or bottle)
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Comprehensive oral and functional assessment
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Discussion of findings and management options
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Tongue tie Division (Frenulotomy) if indicated
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Personalised feeding plan and recommendations
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Written follow-up advice and support
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Ongoing guidance before and after division, if required
Reflux, Colic, Wind & Feeding Discomfort
Who is this session for?
Families whose baby is experiencing feeding-related discomfort or unsettled behaviour, including:
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Reflux-like symptoms (silent reflux or visible reflux)
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Excess air intake, gulping, clicking or gassiness during feeds
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Frequent crying or unsettled periods, particularly around feeding
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Vomiting or regular posseting
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Weight gain concerns (both slower or more rapid than expected)
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Suspected feeding-related sensitivities or allergy concerns
About this session
This session focuses on understanding how feeding, positioning, milk transfer and oral function may be contributing to your baby’s symptoms. We take a whole-baby, feeding-focused approach, recognising that reflux-like symptoms and unsettled behaviour often have multiple contributing factors.
Where appropriate, we will discuss feeding adjustments, strategies to reduce air intake, and when further medical input may be helpful.
This session includes:
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Pre-visit review of your and your baby’s feeding history
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In-depth feeding assessment (in clinic, at home or via video where appropriate)
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Observation of feeding where possible
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Practical, tailored strategies to support comfort and feeding
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Personalised feeding plan and recommendations
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Written follow-up advice
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Ongoing support and follow-up options if required
Antenatal Feeding Preparation
One-to-one sessions
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Who is this session for?
Expectant parents who would like to feel informed, prepared and confident about feeding their baby before birth, including those who:
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Want to understand feeding options before baby arrives
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Feel anxious about breastfeeding or feeding after birth
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Are planning breastfeeding, combination or bottle feeding
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Would like guidance around expressing and colostrum harvesting
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Want realistic, evidence-based preparation for the early days
About this session
This personalised antenatal session focuses on preparing you for feeding in the early hours, days and weeks after birth. We talk through what to expect when your baby arrives, how feeding works in real life, and how to recognise what is normal - helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
We debrief common myths around infant feeding, discuss your preferences and circumstances, and help you develop a feeding plan that feels right for you and your family.
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This session includes:
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✓ Understanding feeding in the first hours and days after birth
✓ Breastfeeding basics, positioning and latch preparation
✓ Expressing guidance and colostrum harvesting where appropriate
✓ Options for combination or bottle feeding
✓ Practical solutions to common early feeding challenges
✓ A personalised feeding plan based on your choices
✓ Guidance on support options once your baby arrives
Appointments & fees
Initial Feeding Consultation - All Feeding Methods
✓ Up to 90 minutes
✓ Clinic or home visit options
✓ Full feeding assessment and personalised plan
✓ Oral Assessment (tongue tie) included where clinically indicated
✓ Written follow-up and aftercare advice
Fee:
Home £250
Clinic £150
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Follow-up support
✓ Follow-up appointments available if needed
✓ Additional home or clinic visits can be arranged
✓ Ongoing support tailored to your family
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Fee:
Home £160
Clinic £80
Tongue-tie assessment & division
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✓ Division discussed and offered only if appropriate - additional £100