This article is all about How a lactation consultant can help in your breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding is considered a natural process and many people think that you do not need external help with it.
Well, that’s not the case!
Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding can be hard and you can require external help to solve your issues.
There is no better way to deal with nursing problems than consulting a lactation consultant.
According to research, those mothers who receive breastfeeding support from lactation consultants can breastfeed longer than those who don’t.
Today I will walk you through ways a lactation consultant can help you deal with your issues and make your breastfeeding journey easy.
What is a Lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who is specialized in helping nursing moms. Your lactation consultant can help you in breastfeeding before the baby has arrived till the last days of weaning.
They are experts and qualified to treat common nursing problems like, mastitis, clogged milk ducts, cracked nipples, and breast engorgement.
According to statistics 84.2 %of lactation consultants are females as compared to 6.8% are men.
When to see a lactation consultant?
People see lactation consultants at different times during pregnancy, initial days in the hospital, or when a problem arise.
The number of times you visit a lactation consultant depends on your individual needs and issues but mostly one meeting with the consultant is good enough.
Before birth
It is good to visit a lactation consultant before your child has arrived. You can gain knowledge about breastfeeding. A prenatal class can tell you things like
- Effective ways to nurse properly.
- Breastfeeding positions.
- Baby hunger cues.
- Breast milk storage and weaning.
Initial days in the hospital
Seeing a lactation consultant during the initial days in the hospital is your choice. Some hospitals have a huge lactation staff whereas others have few consultants.
You can always ask for a lactation consultant if he doesn’t visit you daily and you think you are having some issue with lactation.
You can also hire a private lactation consultant if your hospital doesn’t have any.
When issues arise:
Once you are home and feel like you need to see a lactation consultant because things are not going smooth, it is good to see one.
Even if you had prenatal classes and saw a lactation consultant during your hospital stay still there is no guarantee you will not need one in later days.
Some problems can arise with time and only a lactation consultant can solve them.
Please never hesitate to contact your lactation consultant and get your issue solved. The sooner you see a lactation consultant the better it is.
Things to do before going to a lactation consultant
Look for the best one
Looking for the best consultant is vital for your breastfeeding journey. You do not want to go wrong with it. A well-educated and experienced lactation consultant can solve your problems and cater to your concerns more efficiently.
- It is good to ask your fellow moms for a recommendation.
- You can also search for the best lactation consultant in your area and read reviews before booking an appointment.
Make a list of concerns and issue
It might sound basic but it is not, You will likely forget several things. It is good to make a list of all the problems and issues you are facing with breastfeeding.
Choose a way for meeting
Lactation consultants work both ways. They can either see you in their office or come to your house and check you personally.
You have to decide on a consultant based on your preferences. If you want more privacy and a one-to-one session with your consultant it is better to book an appointment and ask them to come home.
What to expect during the meeting?
The consultant will listen to your problems
Once you have warmed up with the consultant, he/she will ask you about your concerns and issues. You have to make sure to address all your problems even if it is the slightest one.
Please remember that you are talking to a professional and only he/she can help you with your problems.
So don’t hesitate and tell them everything you are feeling from pain to lumps (if any) or breast infection.
Breast examination
Once you have discussed all your issues with the lactation consultant he/she will examine your breasts and nipples. It is an essential part because a consultant can only figure out the real cause of your problem by touching your breast.
Examining the baby
Once the lactation consultant examines you, he/she will ask to observe the child. Mostly, children have fewer issues that makes nursing hard for them.
The consultants will examine your baby’s mouth /lips and tongue to see if everything is okay.
Practice feeding session
The consultant will ask you to feed your baby. He/she will walk you through some effective ways to improve your positions and latch.
He/she will also hold the baby during the feeding session to observe the problems in the child’s feeding position.
Pumping tips and techniques
If you pump, the lactation consultant can provide his/her expertise on breast pumping. He/she can advise you about how to choose your flange size? Ways to pump more efficiently and follow a good pumping schedule.
Helpful tips on different things
- The lactation consultant will also give you tips to increase your milk supply. He/she can recommend lactogenic food items and in some cases prescribe medicines for boosting the milk supply.
- If you are a working mom and planning to join back work, the consultant can guide you about time-permitting and back to work tips.
- Based on your health, baby’s weight, and your preferences the lactation consultant will design an achievable plan according to your breastfeeding goals. This plan will help you achieve small milestones one step at a time.
- If the consultant feels that you or your child needs a check-up, he/she will recommend you to the doctor.
- The lactation consultant will ask you for more visits if it is required.
