practical · postpartum · support

Lactation consultant & postpartum support that comes to you.

Home visits, feeding support and a helping hand around the home, across Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Midwife, Nurse and Mum of three

Jane walking barefoot along the shoreline holding her baby close
Call Jane
Jane Ippolito, registered midwife, nurse and IBCLC, seated in a bright studio
About me

Hi, I'm Jane.

I'm a lactation consultant (IBCLC), registered nurse, midwife and a mum of three. At The Natal Nook I offer personalised, evidence based support to help you navigate the beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming early days of parenthood.

Whether you need support feeding your baby, guidance on understanding your newborn, practical help around the home or simply a compassionate ear. I'm here every step of the way.

Let's make this journey a little easier, together.

What I offer

How I can help

  • A small hand resting on a pregnant belly, representing antenatal feeding preparation

    Antenatal Lactation Consult

    60 MINUTES · IN YOUR HOME OR ONLINE

    This session provides an overview of newborn feeding fundamentals, including the hormonal and physiological processes that support milk production, It also covers the benefits of breastfeeding, common challenges parents may encounter and practical tips for successfully establishing breastfeeding.  

    • Antenatal expressing- what it is, how to do it safety, storage of breastmilk and when to use it. 
    • Medical conditions that may need a tailored plan, such as diabetes, PCOS, previous breast surgery, flat or inverted nipples or a history of low supply
    • How to enter the postpartum period informed, prepared and supported
    $220 INITIAL CONSULT$180 FOLLOW UP CONSULT
  • Baby in a knitted romper held in parent's arms, representing gentle postnatal home visit support

    Postnatal Lactation Visit

    90 MINUTES · IN YOUR HOME

    You're home with your baby and it's harder than you expected. These visits are tailored to you, with space to talk about your birth, the early days, and how you're actually feeling.

    • Newborn settling techniques
    • Lactation support, refining the latch, positioning and attachment to make breastfeeding more comfortable
    • Reading sleep cues and understanding your baby's behaviour at their age, weight gain and feeding patterns
    • Practical advice on baby care 
    • Babywearing guidance and safe carrier use
    $280 INITIAL CONSULT$200 FOLLOW UP CONSULT
  • A newborn being gently bathed in a bubble bath, supported by a parent

    Practical Support

    60 MINUTES · IN YOUR HOME

    Some days the most useful thing isn't advice, it's someone folding the washing so you can sleep.

    • General household help, so you have more time to rest and bond with your baby
    • Meal preparation and organising food for you and your family
    • Errands, including grocery shopping
    • Making your bed and getting household reset
    ENQUIRE FOR PRICING
  • A mother carrying her baby over her shoulder looking out toward the beach

    Telehealth Consultation

    30 MINUTES · ONLINE

    For when you need reassurance or a plan, without anyone coming to the house.

    • Creating a personalised feeding plan
    • Troubleshooting breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
    • Reassurance and guidance on any concerns
    • Talking through your baby's progress and where you need extra support
    $100 INITIAL CONSULT$70 FOLLOW UP CONSULT
  • A mother holding her baby over her shoulder at the beach

    Text support

    DAILY · 7AM–8PM

    For the 7am question you don't want to sit on until your next appointment.

    • Quick advice on feeding, sleep or settling
    • Reassurance when you're second guessing yourself
    • Someone to talk to, on a schedule that fits your life
    $100 PER WEEK
Why The Natal Nook

Care you can trust

  • IBCLC

    International Certified Lactation Consultant

  • Registered Midwife

    Trained in postnatal care and recovery

  • Registered Nurse

    Clinical experience behind every visit

  • Mum of three

    I've done these early days myself, I know the support you need and deserve

Contact

Get in touch

Tell me a little about where you're at and I'll get back to you within one business day.

I reply to every enquiry within one business day.

Service area

Where I travel

Where I travel

I travel free of charge within 10 km of North Manly — including Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Seaforth, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Brookvale, Narraweena, Beacon Hill, Cromer and Collaroy. Between 10 km and 20 km — covering Narrabeen, Elanora Heights, Warriewood, Mona Vale, Bayview, Newport, Bilgola and Avalon — a travel fee applies, and I will always tell you the exact figure before you commit to anything. If you are not sure whether you are inside the area, put your suburb in the enquiry form and I will confirm.

  • Within 10km — no travel fee
  • 10–20km — travel fee applies
Questions

Questions I'm often asked

How soon can you come?
Most visits happen within a week of your enquiry, and I keep some space each week for families in the first fortnight after birth. If things feel urgent, call or text me on 0434 612 483 rather than using the form and I will tell you straight away what I have available.
What happens during a postnatal home visit?
The visit runs for 90 minutes in your home. We start with a conversation about your birth, how you are recovering and what is worrying you most. From there I work through whatever you need, which is usually a feed together, a mouth assessment and breastfeeding assessment to see where you are at and what needs refining, settling and sleep cues, weighing and checking your baby, and practical things like babywearing or bathing. You do not need to prepare anything or have a list ready. I will follow what comes up.
Can I book before my baby arrives?
Yes, and a lot of families do. An antenatal visit covers what to expect in the first two weeks, how feeding actually starts, and how to set your home up so those early days are easier. Booking ahead also means I have you in my diary for a visit once your baby is here.
Do I have to be breastfeeding to book?
No. I support families who are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, mixed feeding, expressing and weaning. The goal is a feeding plan that works for your family and your body, not a particular method.
Is my baby too old for this?
No. I see families from pregnancy onwards, at any age. Feeding, sleep and settling questions do not stop at six weeks, and a visit is just as useful at four months as at four days.
Can I claim this on Medicare or private health?
There is no Medicare rebate for these visits. Some private health funds cover lactation consultation under extras cover, but it varies a great deal between funds and policies, so please check with your fund before you book. I will give you an itemised invoice with my IBCLC registration number on it, which is what most funds ask for.
Can my partner, my mum or my other children be there?
Yes to all of it. Partners are very welcome and often get as much out of the visit as anyone. Other children being in the room is completely normal and does not disrupt anything.
What if I need to change or cancel?
Life with a newborn does not run to a schedule, and I plan for that. Let me know as early as you can and I will move you to another time at no cost. I ask for 24 hours' notice where possible, and there is no cancellation fee.
What if I need help urgently or after hours?
I answer texts between 7am and 8pm. Outside those hours, the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline runs 24 hours on 1800 686 268, and your local hospital's maternity unit will take a call about your baby at any time. If you are worried about your baby's breathing, colour or responsiveness, call 000. If you are struggling with how you are feeling rather than with feeding, PANDA is on 1300 726 306.
Are you registered and insured?
I am a registered nurse and registered midwife with AHPRA, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I hold professional indemnity insurance and a current NSW Working With Children Check. My registration numbers are on every receipt and you are welcome to ask for them at any point.