Support From the Start

The early weeks with a newborn are the hardest time to work things out. You’re exhausted, everything feels urgent, and advice comes from everywhere. Support From the Start gives you a plan before baby arrives, and someone in your corner afterwards.

Who it’s for
Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle feed or do a mix of both, planning ahead helps. It’s especially useful if:

• You want to breastfeed and feel nervous about it

• Something may make feeding harder, such as PCOS, previous breast surgery, a past low supply, IVF, thyroid or diabetes, a planned caesarean, or an early or small baby

• It’s your first baby, or you want things to go differently this time

• Your partner or support person wants to know how to help

Having a risk factor doesn’t mean feeding won’t work. It means a plan makes a difference.

What’s included

• Antenatal consult (Zoom): a relaxed conversation about your history, goals and what to expect in the first days and weeks. Evenings and weekends are available, and partners and support people are welcome.

• Full written summary and detailed plan: your personalised feeding plan, what to do and who to call.

• Entry into our community: a private WhatsApp community of families at the same or similar stage, from pregnancy through early parenthood.

• Weekly Q&A available: post your questions in the group community at any time and I provide my advice and responses too once per week.

• Your first consult with baby: Discounted rate as we have already met, reviewed history and made a plan before baby. Now that baby is here we can focus on what’s new and adjust our plan (90 minutes).

Care that doesn’t end after the appointment
Most support starts once there’s a problem. This starts before, so when you reach out you’re not explaining everything from scratch.

Meet Harriet
I’m a registered midwife (since 2009), IBCLC, and child and family health and gentle sleep clinician, and a mum of three boys. I run The Breast Help on the Central Coast and online, supporting families with all infant feeding from pregnancy to age four.

How it works

1. Book your consult online

2. Complete a consent form and short intake form

3. Meet over Zoom, or in person, at a time that suits you

4. Receive your summary and plan and invitation into the community for added support and access to advice

5. Join the community

6. When baby arrives, you’re able to reach out and we stay in touch - initial consultations after baby are discounted if you have had an Antenatal Consult (packages are available)

FAQ

• Is this only for breastfeeding? No. We plan for any feeding path, including bottle and combination feeding.

• When should I book? Most families book in the third trimester, but earlier is fine.

• Can my partner join? Yes, please bring them.

• Does this replace my midwife or doctor? No. It supports your feeding preparation alongside your maternity care.

Disclaimer: This service supports feeding and early parenting preparation. It doesn’t replace your maternity care provider. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, contact your doctor, midwife or hospital.