Dr Kelsey O'Reilly

Hi, my name is Dr Kelsey O’Reilly and I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have worked as a psychological therapist in the NHS for over 10 years, and set up Breastfeeding Psychology after my own challenging experiences with feeding my two children. I was inspired to combine my expertise in evidence-based psychological therapies and my commitment to helping mums who are struggling with their breastfeeding experiences.

I am a passionate supporter of a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body and how she feeds her baby, and am pro-feeding choices and support, rather than pro-breastfeeding. However, I have met so many mums, both personally and professionally, who haven’t had the support they desperately needed when they have struggled with breastfeeding. And I understand the legacy that can leave – Of trauma, grief, feeling a failure, feeling let down, angry and anxious. Those close to us can sometimes not understand and expect us to move on, and when this doesn’t feel possible, we can then feel alone and not good enough.

At Breastfeeding Psychology, my colleagues and I understand what it is like to be a mum trying to feed her baby. We are also experienced Clinical Psychologists and can help you to better understand your emotional distress and to move forwards with your baby to process and heal from your experiences.

I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and have completed further training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, reference PYL37308 and have demonstrated the high standards of CBT practice and training required to be accredited with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP Reference 00001027358).