About Siobhan O Shea - Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Expert, Tongue Tie Practitioner & Newborn Specialist

The Baby Stages helps mums discover a feeding journey that works for them - so they can feel more joy and confidence in their early motherhood journey.

"Siobhan is an extremely knowledgeable, lovely, welcoming and reassuring presence on breastfeeding, newborn care and post-partum care for the Mammy."

— Daniella Phelan, Google Review

 

Arriving home with your newborn can be one of the most joyous days of your life.

However, the days ahead can be challenging. As a mother, it is your fundamental instinct to want to feed your baby. So, when your baby is struggling to latch, you're worried your milk hasn't come in, or any other breastfeeding challenges arise, you can feel desperate.

 

“Hello, I'm Siobhan O Shea”

A qualified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) & Tongue Tie Specialist. I help mums navigate this foggy newborn period with practical, kind, sensitive and evidence-based feeding support.”

 
 

"My goal is to help you achieve your feeding goal, and enjoy your feeding journey. Whether it's exclusively breastfeeding, combi-feeding, pumping, bottle-feeding, or any other variation, I am here to make sure both you and your baby are thriving.”

 

Why I do what I do

Growing up as a little girl, I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. So it was no surprise when I started my nursing career in London 25 years ago..

 

I became a mother

As the years rolled by, I found myself feeling so passionate about breastfeeding and supporting mums in Ireland. I had become a mother too - and with each baby born, I experienced different postpartum challenges.

My 4th baby & tongue tie

After a month of self-doubt and exhaustion, our breastfeeding journey was struggling - and I needed help. My baby was assessed for tongue tie - and having a tongue tie release carried out transformed our breastfeeding journey. My sanity was restored. It was life-changing.

 

I want to see mums & babies thrive

I realised first-hand how evidence-based support could transform a feeding journey and motherhood experience.

So, in 2019, I studied to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Drawing on my new qualification, Public Health Nurse experience and my own motherhood and breastfeeding journeys, I decided to launch The Baby Stages. Now, I could empower mums in my community and see their babies thrive - through evidence-based guidance and empathy as a mum who knows how hard it can be.

 
 

"I believe every woman deserves to breastfeed their baby - if they want to, and on their terms. Mothers need evidence-based, genuine and compassionate support to achieve this." 

 Why work with me?

Here is how I support my mums & babies - as both a lactation consultant (IBCLC) & tongue tie practitioner.

  • I give you the time you really need

    Sadly, mums don't always get the time they need to fully explore their breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges. I am here to listen to you, giving you the time and space to offload - so we can be thorough, and get you the physical and emotional support you need.

  • I treat mums and babies as individuals

    It's true that mums may share common concerns. However, I know that every mum, every baby and every family is different - with different goals, backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles. My approach is always personal, helping you with your unique challenges, and your unique goals.

  • I have an evidence-based but holistic approach

    As a qualified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and tongue tie practitioner, my infant feeding support is rooted in evidence and trusted certification. However, I am also a Public Health Nurse in the HSE and a mum of 4 - so I look at you and your baby as the whole picture (this is what 'holistic' means). I draw on my experience as a nurse and my experience as a mum to support you.

  • I am a tongue tie specialist

    Unfortunately, not every trained professional who supports you with your baby's feeding will be trained to know or understand tongue tie - which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, I have undergone significant tongue tie and frenulotomy training and certification to ensure I can assess tongue tie and perform tongue tie releases to help you move forward when it is present, while also giving you feeding support as an IBCLC.

  • I’m a mum who understands

    Having a baby can be incredibly daunting. And with so much advice out there - from social media to well-meaning family members - you can feel exasperated, lost and anxious. I treat all my mums with kindness and compassion. I am empathetic, supportive and will empower you, whatever your choices. There is no space for judgement here. Remember, I have been in a similar position to you, with my babies.

  • I know after-care is vital

    Whether it's a tongue tie release or simply general breastfeeding support, your journey after our consultation is so important. All my mums get the after-care they need - a detailed individual care plan and follow-up support. You're not alone - and I'm just a call or text away.

Professional Qualifications & Training

  • Registered General Nurse (RGN)

  • Public Health Nurse (PHN)

  • International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

  • Triple P Practitioner In Child Behaviour

  • OCN level 3 Reflux Course

Tongue Tie Practitioner

  • Specialising In The Clinical Management Of Tongue Tie

  • Fully certified at Master’s level to perform tongue tie release (Frenotomy) in babies up to 6 months old

  • Mentored by Mr M. Choo, ENT Consultant Sligo, Dr Sinead Gavin, Galway and Caroline Thunder, infant feeding specialist and tongue tie specialist for the Dudley Group (NHS, UK)

Coming to me about your baby's tongue tie means you'll also get after-care to support your feeding journey - as I'm a qualified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

What the families I’ve supported say

  • "Siobhan was a great help to me on my breastfeeding journey. She helped me get rid of shields. I followed the advice and did the exercises she showed me how to do. I was able to feed with no shields after 3 weeks. She sent me a great care plan and checked in afterwards to see how I was getting on."

    Denise Conefrey - Google Review

 My location in Connaught, Ireland

I offer breastfeeding, infant feeding & newborn care in and around Sligo and Leitrim - covering the northwest of Ireland. 

Tongue tie service in the Northwest of Ireland

As a registered Tongue Tie Specialist, I help mums with their baby's tongue tie in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon and Galway. I also welcome mums and babies from further afield, who are happy to travel to my clinic.

Clinic offers assessible parking | Fully Certified and Insured

 
 

 Wind? Reflux? Colic?

Breastfeeding pain? Blocked ducts? Cracked nipples? Need Bottle-feeding Support?

It's no surprise if you're worried. Being a mum is tough - especially when you're having feeding challenges. Book a free 15-minute call, and we'll discuss how I can support you.

“You're made to believe that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. However, with so many other elements contributing to breastfeeding struggles - from a lack of antenatal education to undiagnosed tongue tie - it's paramount that mothers have the support they need for this natural process to flourish. I am here to offer that support.”