What Is Honeysuckle Cafe?

Updated

Honeysuckle Cafe is the breastfeeding support practice of Clare Meynell, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). It offers one-to-one guidance for families who want to breastfeed, covering everything from antenatal preparation to postnatal support. The service suits expectant parents planning ahead, and parents already struggling with feeding, tongue tie, anxiety, or sleep questions.

Who runs it

Clare Meynell describes herself as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 20 years of certification. Her background includes:

  • Registered Midwife (retired), with more than 20 years as an integrated midwife supporting women and babies immediately after birth
  • State Registered Nurse
  • La Leche League Peer Support Trainer
  • Co-ordinator of Lactation Consultants of Great Britain for two years

She also states she is insured and that any information shared with her is strictly confidential.

What the service covers

The site describes support across the whole feeding journey rather than a single appointment type. Areas named include:

  • Antenatal preparation and birth plans
  • Tongue tie diagnosis
  • Postnatal support
  • Anxiety reassurance
  • Baby sleep reality

The framing is deliberately broad: Clare writes that breastfeeding is "so much more than just food," and that most women want to breastfeed but commonly face barriers. The stated aim is to accompany families "in whatever way you need," drawing on both professional training and her own three breastfeeding experiences.

What an IBCLC qualification means here

The site's FAQ explains the credential directly: an IBCLC is professionally qualified to provide support and advice to mothers and babies, and the international qualification must be recertified every five years so consultants use up-to-date, evidence-based practice. That recertification cycle is the main practical difference between an IBCLC and informal peer support — it signals a maintained, assessed standard rather than one-off training.

Beyond one-to-one support

Clare also describes policy work. She attended the first international breastfeeding conference, which set her vision — with three colleagues — on improving UK policies that support families, especially mothers, using the WBTi assessment tool. The first report was published in 2016.

How to decide if it fits

Your situation Likely relevant
Pregnant and planning how to feed Yes — antenatal preparation and birth plans are listed
Struggling in the first days or weeks after birth Yes — postnatal support is a core service
Concerned about tongue tie Yes — tongue tie diagnosis is named
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed Yes — anxiety reassurance is named
Wanting evidence-based, certified expertise Yes — IBCLC with a five-year recertification requirement
Looking for free peer group meetings only Not what the site describes; this is a professional consultation service

The site does not publish prices, session formats, or booking terms in the material available, so check those directly through the "Get in touch" section before committing. If your main need is a quick, free peer conversation, a volunteer breastfeeding group may be a better first step; if you want a certified consultant who can assess and advise on clinical feeding issues, this is the category of service to look for.