Latch On Lanarkshire

Latch On Lanarkshire is for parents needing breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or tongue-tie support for babies. The practice is run by Angela Chalmers in Airdrie.

Services include antenatal breastfeeding appointments, breastfeeding support, feeding review appointments after a previous appointment, and tongue-tie assessment and division. Angela sees babies up to 12 months, including breastfed and bottle-fed babies.

Feeding support covers positioning and attachment, mastitis, blocked ducts, recurrent blocked ducts, thrush and expressing. It also covers normal baby behaviour, babies with special needs, relactation, mixed feeding, faltering growth and starting solids. Support is also listed for colic and reflux issues.

Antenatal breastfeeding support is available for expectant mothers needing extra preparation. This includes previous breastfeeding difficulty, previous breast or nipple surgery, multiples, or worries about breastfeeding.

For tongue-tie assessment, Angela assesses the appearance and function of the baby's tongue in clinic. If tongue-tie is causing feeding problems, division can be done during the first clinic consultation. This is only with parental consent. If division is not chosen, feeding strategies can be discussed first. Online support is available after a clinic appointment.

Angela qualified as a nurse in 1984 and as a health visitor in 2005. She qualified as a Lactation Consultant in 2007. She worked as an NHS Infant Feeding Facilitator. She also worked as a Health Visitor and Infant Feeding Lead until October 2016. She trained as a tongue-tie practitioner in 2009. Angela is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. She is a member of the Association of Tongue-Tie Practitioners.