Hello

Hi there, I am Michelle, a certified lactation counsellor who has completed an advanced lactation course. 

 

I am also a certified aromatherapist with a natural skincare diploma.

My combination of knowledge allows me to provide more wholistic care via lactation services as well as various ailments via natural means.

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Finally, I  am a mum of two based in Singapore!

 

In my own breastfeeding journey with my first baby, I encountered various sources of stress, pain, discomfort, comments that made me upset, angry, hurt. Many comments that would potentially have made me give up breastfeeding. Reading medical sources widely and deciding early on what I wanted to do allowed me to persevere on, eventually pumping for 18 months and weaning off my kids at 3 years old each.

 

Along the way I met many other mums who needed help and faced issues with little support. Sharing my own experiences and seeing how it helped them in little ways set me on this path to become a lactation counsellor. I am also on the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Counsellor) pathway, the highest level of accreditation possible in the field. Currently under the mentorship of 2 other experienced IBCLC s', I am also exposed to various different possible situations that helps to broaden my knowledge, allowing me to more effectively help mums in various situations.

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The breastfeeding journey is different for everyone. Enjoying your own journey with your little one without interference from others or comparing to others is crucial in maintaining these precious moments!

 

I am also a trained textile conservator (helping to extend the life of textile based treasures/artefacts/heirlooms for passing on to generations or safe display) and have been working in preventive and textiles conservation for almost 20 years.

 

When my first baby arrived I studied to have myself certified as an aromatherapist and supplemented  that with a Diploma in natural skincare formulation. My encounter with essential oils started also over 20 years ago when painkillers no longer had any effect on monthly cramps and while looking around for natural methods of pain relief, I found that in essential oils. When my baby developed a nasty case of diaper rash, the doctor prescribed fungicides and steroids, with awareness of TEWL, I looked for various natural skin care diaper rash brands but none worked well and so I had to create my own diaper balm to rid the rash. That worked well and it pushed me to become certified as an aromatherapist and armed with my Natural skin care formulation diploma my natural skin care brand was founded - Jules Garden.

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Aromatherapy, textile conservation and lactation counselling seem like an odd mix with nothing in common, however, conservation is a mix of art and science and the knowledge of chemistry in conservation came into good use for aromatherapy. Reading academic journals for conservation is a norm and steers me to look towards medical journals and reliable sources in my lactation studies. 

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Supporting you in your lactation journey and your family through Jules garden is something that gives me much joy!