Support for every feeding journey
“In what was a really stressful time, Abigail gave me the confidence and skills to continue. I will always be grateful to her — I truly believe she saved our breastfeeding journey.”
Finding the right breastfeeding support in Kent can feel overwhelming, especially in those early days when you're exhausted and looking for answers. As an IBCLC-qualified Lactation Consultant and registered Midwife, I'm here to provide the kind of expert, unhurried support that makes a real difference.
I'm Abigail Ruffy — a Mother, Midwife, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The IBCLC is the highest qualification in breastfeeding support available anywhere in the world. It requires thousands of hours of clinical experience and a rigorous international exam. When you book with me, you are getting the very highest standard of lactation care.
I'm also currently training as a Birth Trauma Resolution Practitioner, which means I bring an understanding of the emotional as well as the physical experience of new parenthood to every consultation.
I provide home visits across Thanet and wider Kent, including Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Dover, Deal, Ashford, Folkestone, and Medway. Online consultations are available for families across the UK. Home visits are included within 20 miles of Margate, with a mileage fee beyond that.
I support families with every aspect of infant feeding — latch and positioning, milk supply, tongue tie assessment, expressing, combination feeding, bottle feeding, and returning to work. My approach is gentle, practical, and always led by your goals, not mine.
I also complement the work of your NHS midwife and health visitor. If you're not getting the support you need through NHS services, private lactation support can bridge the gap and give you the detailed, one-to-one time that busy NHS teams often can't provide.
Here for You If you’d like to talk about how I can support you, please reach out — I’m happy to answer questions before booking- abigailruffyibclc@gmail.com
Why Choose Home Visits
Support in the comfort of your own home
Tailored, personalised guidance for you and your baby
Flexible scheduling to suit your family life
Holistic support that considers feeding, wellbeing, and confidence
Specialist care for complex feeding challenges and oral restrictions
What is an IBCLC?
IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It is the highest level of qualification in breastfeeding and human lactation support worldwide.
To become an IBCLC, practitioners complete extensive training in lactation science, clinical practice, and ethics, followed by a rigorous international exam. IBCLCs must also keep their certification up to date with ongoing education and re-certification every 5 years.
As an IBCLC, I provide expert, evidence-based support for all aspects of infant feeding — from getting started with breastfeeding, to overcoming challenges, to supporting parents who choose to express or bottle-feed.
Most importantly, an IBCLC is trained to listen, guide, and work alongside families in a way that respects their goals and circumstances.
My Approach
My own experiences as both a midwife and a mother have shaped the way I work:
a blend of evidence-based knowledge with empathy, calm, and reassurance.
I support every feeding journey, with respect for your choices and your family’s needs:
Gentle and baby-led care
LGBTQ+ inclusive
Trauma-informed support
No judgement — ever
Your goals at the centre
Whether you’re breastfeeding, combination feeding, expressing, bottle-feeding, or figuring out what works best for you — I will walk alongside you with practical guidance and compassionate encouragement.
My role is to help you feel confident, heard, and supported, so you can focus on what matters most:
connecting with and nurturing your baby.
Antenatal Home Preparation for Breastfeeding
Preparing for breastfeeding before your baby arrives can make a huge difference. During antenatal visits, we cover:
Practical guidance on positioning and latch
Strategies for establishing milk supply
Understanding your baby’s feeding cues
Preparing your home and mindset for breastfeeding
These sessions are tailored to your goals and birth plan, ensuring you feel confident and supported before your baby arrives.
Postnatal Support
The early days and weeks after birth can be joyful but also challenging. I offer home visits and ongoing guidance for:
Establishing breastfeeding and resolving feeding difficulties
Expressing and combination feeding support
Comfort, reassurance, and emotional support
Winding, settling, and routines to support both parent and baby
Complex feeding issues, including difficulties with latch, tongue tie, oral restrictions, or slow weight gain
I provide calm, practical, and judgement-free advice, helping you build confidence in feeding and caring for your newborn.
Community Support
I believe that every family deserves access to support, regardless of circumstances.
Through community support sessions, I offer discounted or pay-what-you-can support, so all parents have access to guidance and reassurance in a safe and welcoming environment.
Flexible Pricing
I understand that every family’s situation is different, so prices are negotiable to ensure support is accessible.
Whether it’s a one-off consultation or ongoing support, I work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Qualifications & Memberships
Registered Midwife — NMC
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Member
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Lactation Consultants of Great Britain Member
Birth Trauma Resolution Practitioner — in training
