Even though breastfeeding is normal, some people find it hard to do. New moms and dads can have a lot of problems, like having trouble getting on or not having enough milk. This is where a lactation consultant, who is a trained expert in breastfeeding, comes in.
What does a Lactation Consultant do?
Lactation consultants (LCs) are health care workers who have been trained and certified to help women breastfeed. Some of them are nurses, midwives, and licenced dietitians, among other things. They know a lot about how nursing works, what babies are trying to tell you when they are hungry, and how to fix common breastfeeding problems.
What can a lactation consultant do to help you?
A lactation consultant does more for you than just show you how to breastfeed. They take a whole-person approach to breastfeeding, taking care of both the physical and emotional parts of your trip. Here is a list of the main places where LCs can be very helpful:
Prenatal Support: Talking to an LC during pregnancy can make all the difference. They can tell you about the benefits of nursing, answer any questions you have, and show you how to get your breasts ready to feed. This can include nipple stretches (if they are safe for you) and talking about any body issues you have.
Starting to Breastfeed: The first few hours after giving birth are very important for starting to breastfeed. During this time, an LC can be there to help you place and latch your baby. They can make sure that both you and your baby are relaxed and that you can feed them well.
Positioning and Latching: For nursing to work, the latch must be done right. It makes sure that your baby can pass milk well and keeps your nipple from hurting. LCs are trained to look at latch and positioning and will show you different holds (cradle, football, etc.) to help you and your baby find the best one.
Concerns About Your Milk Supply: An LC can help if you’re worried about not having enough milk (low supply) or being too full (engorgement). They can check how much milk you’re making, give you advice on how to boost or control your supply, and take care of any underlying problems that are making it hard for you to breastfeed.
Weight Gain and Growth Monitoring: LCs can help you figure out when your baby is ready to eat and make sure they are getting enough milk to gain the right amount of weight. They can also help you keep track of wet and dirty diapers, which are signs that your baby is getting enough milk.
Common Problems When Breastfeeding: Some of the things that can make nursing hard are sore nipples, clogged ducts, and mastitis (a breast infection). LCs are trained to deal with these issues and can offer answers and treatment suggestions if needed.
Unique cases: Lactation consultants (LCs) can be very helpful in cases where breastfeeding might seem harder. This includes moms who have twins, kids with birth defects like tongue-tie or cleft lip, or health problems that could make it hard to breastfeed.
Going Back to Work or School: A lot of moms worry about how they will be able to continue breastfeeding when they go back to work or school. LCs can give you useful tips on how to pump, store, and set up a feeding plan that works with your new schedule.
Weaning: When it’s time to stop breastfeeding your baby, LCs can help you do it in a way that is safe and easy for both you and your child. They can help with the mental parts of weaning and make sure the process goes smoothly.
Supportive emotions: breastfeeding is hard work, and it’s normal to feel frustrated or unsure at times. LCs know how hard it is for new moms to deal with their feelings. They give you a safe place to talk about your worries, get support, and enjoy your breastfeeding achievements.
Why talking to a lactation consultant is a good idea
There are many reasons why working with a lactation expert can help you with breastfeeding:
Increased Success Rates: Mothers are more likely to reach their breastfeeding goals when they get help from professionals, whether that’s breastfeeding only for a certain amount of time or finding a good way to combine breastfeeding and pumping.
Less Frustration and worry: LCs can deal with problems quickly and effectively, which reduces the frustration and worry that come with breastfeeding problems.
Increased Confidence in the Mother: Being able to breastfeed successfully can make a mother feel much more confident in her ability to take care of her child.
Better Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact, which happens when breastfeeding works, helps mothers and babies form a strong emotional link.
Ideal Nutrition for Babies: Breast milk is the best food for babies because it has antibodies that are good for their immune systems.
Price and Coverage by Insurance
How much it costs to talk to a lactation expert depends on how experienced they are, where they work, and what kind of appointment you have. Some LCs come to your home, while others only see clients in their offices. A lot of insurance plans cover breastfeeding consultations, so call your plan to find out if they do.
In conclusion
Breastfeeding is a beautiful process that has huge benefits for both mum and baby. However, things aren’t always easy. A lactation consultant is an expert who can help you through this process and give you support, advice, and motivation. They give you the information you need to make smart choices and get through tough times, which will help you reach your nursing goals and build a strong bond with your child.