Frequently Asked Questions

IBCLC is the “Gold Standard” for breastfeeding support and education. IBCLC’s have undergone extended training to learn in depth about complex aspects of breastfeeding. We offer more than a “position and latch” session and fully assess oral anatomy, function, supply, hormones that may impact supply.  All the IBCLC’s at Best Start are also Midwives and have an in depth understanding of pregnancy, labour and birth and challenges that may occur due to birth, and how these can impact feeding. Our sessions are 90 minutes long. Every consult is individualised to address your unique feeding challenges so time is required to fully assess.

We recommend having 2 sessions as a minimum for breastfeeding support. At the first session, we take a detailed history of hormone, gynae, pregnancy, labour, birth and breastfeeding. We then do a full assessment of oral anatomy, supply and observe a full feed. We will explain our findings and email you a plan. It is important to have a follow up to revise the plan as progress is made. Some babies take weeks to establish breastfeeding and having regular appointments provides continuity of information and support to help you establish a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

Breastfeeding is a journey and forever changing as you baby grows and develops! Many mums link in at developmental milestones through feeding (3-4 months, pre solids, return to work, subsequent pregnancy and weaning) – we support you and your baby from the very first breastfeed through to the very last feed!

There is also the option to book multi session packages where you have further support via unlimited phone/email for the duration of your booking block.

Not at all! We support all feeding challenges whether they be on the breast or bottle.

We are located inside FitRight HQ physiotherapy. The address is Unit 2/40 Ardross St, Applecross. We do not generally offer home visits as clinic is all set up with equipment to fully assess and support you with your feeding challenges.

Yes! Telehealth consultations are great! We are based in Perth and Western Australia is diverse geographically, so it’s fabulous to be able to provide a service to families in regional areas with limited services. We even have clients interstate and overseas! We will send you a pre telehealth questionnaire and request that you send photos and videos.

No, a referral is not required. However, if your GP, Obstetrician, or Paediatrician would like to send a referral, that is no problem, and we will reply to them with a summary and a care plan. Likewise, if there are some other challenges or concerns identified at your lactation consultation, we may refer back to your GP or Obstetrician ( with your verbal consent.

Unfortunately, The Australian Government does not recognize International Board Certified Lactation Consultants as Medicare providers. We (as a professional body) are actively advocating for change, so please join in the movement as request Medicare to be a fundamental right for breastfeeding families!

Many private health providers offer a rebate, depending on your level of cover. All consults are required to be paid in full, then you can submit the claim independently after the payment.