Sarah Oakley BA (Hons), RGN, RHV, IBCLC, Cert HP (Open)

Nursing Nurture

928 Diabetes Care course. After two years with a district nursing team based in Fenland, I became a practice nurse in Downham Market and specialised in diabetes.

I became interested in health visiting after my son was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and I realised the important role health visitors can play in identifying children with developmental disorders and supporting their families. In 2003 I qualified as a health visitor gaining BA(Hons) in Primary and Community Care with Specialist Practitioner (Public Health Nursing) at Homerton School of Health Studies, Cambridge.

Upon qualifying I secured a post as a health visitor with the NHS in Ely, Cambridgeshire where I worked for almost 6 years. During this time, as well as developing my skills and interest in children with special needs, I also developed my knowledge and skills in breastfeeding. Having breastfed both of my own children I was able to access training with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) and qualified as a breastfeeding counsellor in 2005. I have since worked as a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor through the ABM and the National Breastfeeding Helplines. I set up and ran a breastfeeding support group called Breast Mates in Ely for 5 years. In July 2009 I sat the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants exam.

Part of a health visitor’s role is to promote positive parent/child relationships and parenting. The study of breastfeeding inevitably involves looking at relationships between mothers and babies and ways of parenting and how these factors, not only impact on the success of breastfeeding, but also on the long term mental well being of children. Having received training in attachment and the Solihull Approach (an early intervention model encompassing containment, reciprocity and behaviour management for children affected by emotional and behavioural difficulties) I have experience in supporting parents in building relationships with their children and particularly enjoy this aspect of my work.

As well as running Nursing Nurture I also currently work part time as a practice nurse. I enjoy making beaded jewellery for family and friends and spending time with my husband, children, our dogs and horse.

I am registered with and regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the IBCLE. I am a member of the Royal College of Nursing, Lactation Consultants of Great Britain and the International Lactation Consultant Association. I am insured by the Medical Defence Union.