All About Lactation Consultants
Lactation consultant in home, as the name implies, are health professionals who assist in breastfeeding. They are specially trained for this job and have the necessary certification in order to provide advice and support to persons who are breastfeeding. Some of the things that they can assist with include finding the best positions for breastfeeding, painful nipples, issues with milk supply, and other related issues.
These consultants are typically required within the first couple of weeks after giving birth when the baby is still figuring out how to breastfeed. They can help a variety of people, such as surrogates, new parents, or even parents who already have a couple of children. It is also possible to talk to a lactation consultant during pregnancy, after giving birth, and even a couple of months after birth and breastfeeding.
Ways in which a lactation consultant can help
It is no secret that breastfeeding is challenging in a physical and emotional way. In many cases, a lactation consultant can help the most by providing emotional and mental support as well as encouragement. It is important to note that the first couple of weeks after your baby has been born, this is a crucial time for breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can assist by ensuring that breastfeeding is actually successful.
A couple of reasons why you should talk to a lactation consultant include the following:
– Nipples that are sore or painful
– Engorgement of the breasts
– Issues with milk supply
– Breast infection, plugged ducts, etc.
– Baby isn’t getting bigger or gaining weight
– Issues with nursing and positioning
– Problems with sucking, latching, etc.
– Pumping due to having to go back to work and having to bottle feed.
Lactation consultants are well trained and fully certified to assist you in any issues you may have when it comes to breastfeeding your child. They can help by troubleshooting any problems you may have as well as provide much needed reassurance. A couple of things that you’ll be able to learn from them include:
– Ensuring the baby is latched.
– How to make more milk or ensure your milk supply doesn’t run out.
– Figuring out a feeding schedule for your baby.
– Becoming aware of when your child is hungry.
What to expect when seeing a lactation consultant
They can help you to fully understand what you’re trying to achieve with breastfeeding. They will answer any questions you may have about the process and help you to create a plan. They will have to touch your nipples and breasts in order to determine to latch. With that said, you can also do virtual consultations if you desire.
There are hospitals who have lactation consultants and there are also hospitals that don’t have these professionals on staff. So, if you are unsure whether your hospital has one or not, be sure to speak with a nurse or doctor. If they don’t have one you can simply find and hire one privately. They would be able to visit you at the hospital as well as stay as needed. The nurses who help with labor and delivery typically know a lot about breastfeeding and can give you the support you need until you can hire a lactation consultant.
Now, every consultant would differ, but there are a couple of standard things that are the same across the board.
Finding a good lactation consultant
There are lactation consultants that work with doctors, pediatricians, hospitals etc. They can visit you after you’ve given birth, as well as when you’re going to your pediatrician. In addition, there are many lactation consultants who are also nurse practitioners. In many cases, these consultants develop their own businesses and have a private practice that you can visit.
