About Me
Emma O'Kane
Lactation, Sleep and Starting Solids Consultant
Hi, I’m Emma. I’ve been living in Munich since 2019. I know first-hand how scary it is to advocate for yourself and your precious little one in a second language at one of the most vulnerable times in your life.
The desire to make the right choices for you and your child is fierce but figuring out how to do that in the face of advice or even admonishments in a system not your own can feel impossible and add to the anxiety and fears that parenting can provoke.
I understand how frustrating it can be when you can’t express things exactly in the way you want to.
A native English speaker, I trained in Germany as a BFB bindungsorientierte Familienbegleiterin® on the topics of Lactation, Sleep and Starting Solids (for more on training, see below) and have a special interest in supporting international families with the challenges particular to them.
Ever felt lost trying to navigate the life as a parent in Germany?
My Approach
I provide evidence-based, judgment-free advice in English or German based on your individual and unique circumstances. My work is rooted in attachment theory, recognising how the primal need to attach shapes our children’s behaviour and the challenges this can pose in our modern (and globalised!) world.
With me you never have to feel afraid of being told off, misunderstood or not knowing what to do next. Together we’ll find the way that’s right for you and your family.
Training
I'm a certified BFB bindungsorientierte Familienbegleiterin®.
Translation?
Attachment-oriented family consultant (there really isn’t a good English word for Begleiterin!). The training is given by a German institute which arose out of a recognised need for quality and evidence-based lactation, sleep and weaning support in Germany.
Why this qualification?
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The BFB Institute are constantly revising and updating their training based on the latest scientific research.
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Combines the three areas (Lactation, Sleep and Starting Solids) allowing for a holistic approach
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Require Continuous Professional Development hours to maintain my certification.
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Training given in the context of the German system – up-to-date with national guidelines and so I can help you understand recommendations and advice you might be hearing.
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To bridge the gap between international families and the German system.
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Emphasise the individuality of families and children: no “one size fits all” approach. Analysis of the familial context and the realities of daily life plays a key part in the training and the work of their consultants
Continuous Professional Development
2026
Tongue Ties and Associated Oral Restrictions
Advanced
Zungenband & Co. Aufbau
Provider: BFB Institute (Heidi Heinig)
Managing the complete tongue-tie process from initial consultation and case history through post-procedure follow-up.
Practical exercises to support and assess oral function
Understanding surgical and laser release procedures, evidence-based wound care, and healing timelines.
Coordinating interprofessional collaboration across medical, speech-language, and lactation teams to support families throughout treatment.
Tongue Ties and Associated Oral Restrictions Foundations
Zungenband & Co. Grundlagen
Provider: BFB Institute (Heidi Heinig)
Screening for structural signs of tongue, lip, and cheek ties using visual and manual evaluation methods.
Assessing how oral restrictions functionally impact feeding mechanics and maternal comfort.
Guiding families through interdisciplinary care pathways, professional referral networks, and post-procedure support.
What To Do When The Laid-Back Breastfeeding Position Doesn't Work.
Self Attachment, The Flipple Technique & The Koala Hold - A "Hands Off" Approach
Provider: GOLD Learning / GOLD Lactation
Practical, "hands-off" positioning methods and clinical troubleshooting for complex latching issues.
2025
Weaning as the Foundation for a Healthy Diet
Beikostzeit als Grundstein für eine gesunde Ernährung
BFB Institut
Evidence-based guidance on introducing solids and establishing healthy early-childhood nutrition.
Culturally Sensitive Counselling: Muslim Families
Kultursensible Beratung: Muslimische Familien
BFB Institut
Developing culturally sensitive counseling frameworks to support Muslim families effectively.