Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially if you’ve never done it before, and asking for help might be intimidating. Lactation consultants can provide comfort at a potentially stressful period by answering questions, providing guidance, and assisting with the resolution of breastfeeding issues. Even if you’re an experienced mom, having a lactation consultant weigh in on feeding concerns can benefit. Finding a lactation consultant who is a good fit for you and your baby can help you achieve the most significant potential nursing results.
A Lactation Consultant’s Role
Exclusive nursing throughout the first six months of a baby’s life is recommended by the WHO , followed by continuing breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods until the baby is at least a year old.
Lactation consultants can assist you in determining the optimum method of breastfeeding for both you and your baby, increasing your chances of success.
According to one survey, 60 percent of people who breastfeed in the United States stop sooner than they intend.
Lactation consultants are educated individuals who assist new parents and their infants in overcoming breastfeeding difficulties.
A lactation consultant can help with concerns such as a shortage of milk
- Breast discomfort and painful nipples
- Trouble latching
- Getting a job as a nurse that you enjoy is a challenge.
- Infant weight gain is poor due to refusal to eat.
- At the breasts, I’m falling asleep
- Breastmilk pumping issues
Because breastfeeding has its ups and downs as both you and baby learn, a lactation consultant can be a valuable source of emotional support for new parents with difficulties.
When Should You Consult a Lactation Consultant?
You can see lactation consultants at various times during their pregnancy, after delivery, and during their baby’s breastfeeding period. The number of visits you make to a lactation consultant will depend on your specific needs, but studies show that meeting with one can help you nurse for longer.
Prior to Childbirth
If you intend to breastfeed, prenatal breastfeeding classes offered by lactation consultants are recommended to assist build confidence and gathering understanding about what to expect after birth. During the lesson, topics such as determining when your baby is hungry and wants to breastfeed are discussed in depth. A prenatal breastfeeding lesson should cover the following topics:
- How to Breastfeed a Child
- In the hospital, what to expect
- At home, what to expect
- What to look for to see if your baby is getting enough breast milk
- How to keep a healthy flow of breast milk
- How to avoid the most common breastfeeding issues
- When should you seek assistance?
- Returning to work while breastfeeding
- Solid food feeding for a baby
- Storage of breastmilk
- In the Hospital, Weaning
While you’re in the hospital, you may or may not see a lactation consultant. It is dependent on your circumstances and the specific facility. For example, some hospitals have a sizable breastfeeding staff, while others have none at all.
Some persons are automatically seen by a consultant daily during their stay, while others must request a visit if they have problems. If breastfeeding visits aren’t part of your hospital’s regular schedule, your nurse can request on your behalf.
You can also hire a private lactation consultant to come visit you while you are in the hospital. If your hospital does not have a lactation staff and you do not have the financial means to hire one, labour and delivery nurses can aid with the early stages of breastfeeding.
When Problems Arise
People sometimes seek the advice of a lactation consultant after they leave the hospital to ensure that they are breastfeeding properly. A lactation consultant can help you figure out whether any changes are needed and handle any issues you have about breastfeeding.
Even if you saw a lactation consultant in the hospital, difficulties that weren’t present at the start of nursing can arise at any moment. So, when you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding, it’s crucial to have someone to talk to, and a lactation consultant is the best person to call in these situations.
Be sure to get in touch with your lactation consultant as soon as possible. If you’re having problems that aren’t going away or getting better, you should contact them right immediately so that your concerns may be handled. The sooner you can diagnose and address any breastfeeding problems, the better for you and your baby.
During a Lactation Consultation, what Happens?
A lactation consultant will ask about your and your baby’s health, as well as your pregnancy and birth, at your first meeting. In addition, they’ll want to know your baby’s birth weight, as well as any weight fluctuations since then, as well as your family’s medical history.
They’ll want to know how your kid is doing with nursing, how many wet diapers they have per day, details about your baby’s bowel movements, and any specific concerns you have.
In terms of clinical practice, the lactation consultant will:
- Keep an eye on your child’s appearance and conduct.
- Examine your nipples and breasts.
- While your baby is breastfeeding, keep an eye on them and modify your breastfeeding posture if necessary.
- Check to see if the infant is appropriately latching on, sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
- Resolve any breastfeeding issues that may exist.
- Provide you with written instructions or protocols that you must follow.
- Explain how to contact them if you need any extra assistance or have any questions.
- Provide you with information about breastfeeding support groups in your area.
It is critical that you feel at ease during your visit, whether it is at a hospital, clinic, office, or private home. You have rights as a patient or client, just as you have when visiting a doctor. Therefore, the lactation consultant should do the following:
- meet with you in private.
- Provide you with an optimistic outlook on the situation
- Empathy is important.
- Tell you exactly what she’s doing with each section of the exam.
What to Look for When Choosing a Lactation Consultant
Because breastfeeding is such a personal experience, it’s critical that you feel at ease with your lactation consultant. If you’re looking for a consultant outside of a hospital setting, you might want to interview a few before selecting who’s the most excellent fit for your needs.
Many professional lactation consultants have International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) certifications, even though most jurisdictions do not need them. Finding a lactation consultant with IBCLC or CLC credentials will assist ensure that you receive a high-quality standard of care because these certifications have particular training requirements.
You can discover reviews online, but asking other parents, your doctor, or the hospital for advice can also be beneficial. An initial phone contact and meeting with your consultant should also assist you in getting to know one another.
