Feeding Support Starts Now: Tips for Expectant Parents

Jenny Harmer, IBCLC, Image by Sarah Everett Photography

Hi, I'm Jenny Harmer—an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in North Essex. With a background in paediatric nursing and health visiting, I bring over a decade of experience supporting families through their feeding journeys. Helping parents feel informed, confident, and supported in the early days of parenting is at the heart of what I do.

Although I won’t be attending the Bump to What Now?! event in Colchester on 31st May in person this time, I’m still thrilled to be sponsoring this brilliant gathering hosted by Beautiful Bonds. This event is a fantastic opportunity for expectant and new parents to connect with local businesses offering support throughout the perinatal period—and to realise they’re not alone. There truly is a “village” ready to support you.

Look Out for My Resources at BTWN

Even though I can’t be there in person, you’ll find some of my most-requested resources at the event:

• My "Positively About Feeding" booklets

• Colostrum harvesting kits available for purchase

  
  

These are designed to empower you with evidence-based, supportive information—no judgment, no pressure, just guidance to help you start your feeding journey on the right foot.

Feeding Support Prep: More Than Just Crossing Your Fingers

Image by Sarah Everett Photography

There’s no shortage of advice online or in baby groups about choosing the right buggy, car seat, or nappy brand—but when it comes to infant feeding, the conversation often stalls at “breastfeeding is good and natural.” That message, while true, doesn’t always help parents prepare in a practical, realistic way.

At past BTWN events, I’ve often met expectant parents whose entire feeding plan was to "hope for the best" and pack a bottle and formula "just in case". This mindset isn't entirely their fault—there’s a lot of marketing masquerading as education, especially from companies that benefit from bottle or formula use.

Here’s the thing: while breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always intuitive. Think of it like learning to ride a bike. Watching others ride doesn’t mean you’ll hop on and take off with ease. You may wobble, fall, or need some guidance—and that’s okay.

Three Practical Tips for Feeding Prep

You can’t anticipate every challenge, but being familiar with key concepts can make a world of difference. Here are my top tips around latching, positioning, and knowing when to seek help:

1. Latching: It Starts with the Chin

A deep, comfortable latch is crucial—for your comfort and for your baby’s efficiency. You may have heard of the CHINS acronym for positioning (Close, Head free, In line, Nose to nipple, Sustainable), but ironically, it rarely mentions what I consider the key part: the chin!

Image by Sarah Everett Photography

Bring your baby’s chin into your breast/chest first. Aim for the little cleft between their lower lip and chin to meet the edge of your areola. This naturally positions their nose near the nipple and allows their head to tip back freely as they open wide.

Imagine I’m handing you a drink: if I hover the cup nearby, you’ll fumble. But if I place it gently against your lower lip, you’ll instinctively tilt your head back and sip—Diet Coke man style! Babies work the same way.

2. Positioning: Comfort First

One of the most common things I hear is, “It looked fine to the midwife” but from what they’ve told me, I can see that it hurts them, plus even I feel uncomfortable seeing how they’re contorted!

It’s vital that you’re comfortable first—just like the airplane safety message: put your oxygen mask on before helping someone else. Early feeds can take up to 40 minutes, so your position needs to be sustainable.

I often recommend laidback positions (including koala hold) in the early days. These positions allow your baby to follow their instincts, with their body fully supported against yours—feet, knees, hips, chest, and shoulders all in contact. This promotes a secure latch and sense of safety.

A rolled muslin or flannel under your breast can help with stability, especially if you have

larger breasts. And remember: the position that works best for you may not look like the pictures you’ve seen—and that’s okay.

You’ll find more guidance in my Instagram Top Tips reels, including visual support for latch and positions.

3. When to Get Help

Some feeding issues resolve quickly; others need more tailored support. If things feel painful, confusing, or like something’s not quite right, that’s your cue to reach out.

There’s local support available, including:

•  Colchester La Leche League meetings

•  Midwifery team and peer supporters

•  The National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (open 24/7, every day)

And of course, I’m here too—whether you need a one-off session, ongoing guidance, or just a quick check-in.

How I Can Support You

Image by Sarah Everett Photography

Over the past four years, I’ve supported hundreds of families—some needing a bit of reassurance, others needing structured support through complex challenges. Many return when they have their next child, and I’m incredibly honoured by that trust.

As an IBCLC, I offer evidence-based, compassionate support tailored to your situation.

Whether you're:

•  Struggling with latch or pain

•  Unsure about supply

•  Preparing to return to work

•  Navigating tongue tie concerns

•  Wondering if combo feeding might work for you

…I’m here to help.

Client Feedback

Here’s what some of the families I’ve worked with have said:

“I cannot recommend Jenny highly enough! Our breastfeeding journey got quite complex with various professionals giving conflicting advice. Jenny’s knowledge, experience, kindness, and compassion were evident. She assessed our situation and put a plan in place that helped us navigate a feeding issue others had failed to figure out.”

“Jenny has been a tremendous help in getting me off to a good start in breastfeeding. She helped us overcome tongue tie and latch issues. The WhatsApp support after our sessions has been super useful, as are the PDFs and videos Jenny prepares for referring back to.”

Services I Offer

Here’s how we can work together:

•  Streamline Appointments – 1-hour sessions to address specific issues

•  Virtual Consultations – Great for initial assessments or distance support

•  Antenatal & Postnatal Packages – Up to three visits plus ongoing WhatsApp support

•  “Buy Me a Coffee” – Quick WhatsApp or email guidance for small queries that don’t require a full consult

Stay Connected

Even if we don’t meet at BTWN, my resources and support are just a click away. Visit my website to learn more, book an appointment, or browse services. And don’t miss my Instagram where you’ll find my Top Tips reels and regular feeding advice.

Parenting can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. I hope to be part of your “village” in the months to come.