Everything You Need to Know About Working with a Lactation Consultant

lactation consultant

Although breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed your baby, it can be a lot more challenging than many women expect. This is where a lactation consultant can help. These trained professionals are experienced in the difficulties and problems that breastfeeding can bring some mothers. They are able to offer a variety of support to help overcome these challenges, allowing breastfeeding moms to enjoy this unique bonding experience and provide the best start to their newborn’s life.

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally to every new mom. It is a learned skill that requires practice, perseverance, and a fair amount of patience as you and your baby get to know each other. There can be a number of different reasons that can make breastfeeding challenging, including latching difficulties or poor milk supply, as well as other factors such as premature birth and mastitis. If you are planning to breastfeed or are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, a lactation consultant can help.

Lactation consultants have training, skills, and in-depth knowledge to support breastfeeding mothers. They can provide private one-on-one breastfeeding consultations, as well as breastfeeding classes. These dedicated healthcare professionals also help new moms navigate the ups and downs that can come with breastfeeding their newborns.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING?

Breastfeeding can offer many benefits to both you and your baby. Not only does it meet all of your baby’s nutritional needs and help protect them from infections and diseases, but it can also help build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby. Breastfeeding can also be a convenient cost-saving method and can provide the ideal start to life for your baby.

In addition to providing benefits for your baby, breastfeeding and making breast milk can provide many health benefits for you. Breastfeeding can lower your risk of many conditions, such as breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. It can also help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster than non-breastfeeding mothers.

HOW CAN WORK WITH A LACTATION CONSULTANT HELP?

Lactation consultants offer judgment-free support and are able to provide comprehensive breastfeeding guidance to meet your needs fully. In addition to supporting new mothers with newborns, lactation consultants can also provide prenatal education and preparation for expectant couples and help mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties as their baby gets older, as well as those in need of support as they return to work.

Prenatal Support

If you are expecting a baby, the prospect of breastfeeding your newborn may feel daunting and raise many questions. A lactation consultant can support and help you prepare for breastfeeding by letting you know what to expect and how to overcome specific problems that could arise. They can also offer guidance around the practicalities, such as how to hold your baby comfortably during breastfeeding, how to use devices such as a breast pump, and how to recognize the signs that your baby wants a feed.

Lactation consultants also offer breastfeeding classes, which aim to enhance your knowledge about infant nutrition and prepare you for your breastfeeding journey. The classes cover the basics of breastfeeding and where to access help if you need it.

Newborn Support

After your baby is born, there are many factors that can affect breastfeeding your newborn. A lactation consultant can work directly with you to develop a personalized solution to overcome any breastfeeding problems you may be experiencing. The most common breastfeeding issues include:

  • Difficulties with latching properly
  • Sore nipples
  • Poor or overabundant milk supply
  • Engorgement
  • Sucking abnormalities
  • Cluster-feeding (the baby feeds for prolonged periods)
  • Falling asleep during feeds
  • Flat or inverted nipples
  • Multiple births (twins, triplets)
  • Baby not gaining sufficient weight
  • Nursing positions, including following a C-section
  • Baby showing little interest in breastfeeding
  • Previous breast surgery
  • Returning to work

A lactation consultant can also help with complex breastfeeding problems and other emotional and physical barriers to breastfeeding, such as premature birth, postpartum depression, or difficulties with breastfeeding due to a physical, developmental, or neurological disability, which may affect a baby’s ability to suck, swallow, or breathe effectively.

A lactation consultant offers personalized care and can support new moms in many different ways. In addition to helping with breastfeeding complications, they can also help in other ways, like recommending equipment to help with feeding, such as nursing pillows, answering questions, and providing tips about bottle feeding, including the best types of bottles to suit your baby’s specific feeding requirements.

WHERE CAN I SEE A LACTATION CONSULTANT?

A lactation consultant can provide support in a range of settings, whether you are an inpatient needing assistance while breastfeeding your newborn or are looking for help on an outpatient basis either before or after the arrival of your baby. They offer one-to-one consultations and are often available at breastfeeding support groups. These can be accessed either in person or online and allow you to get accurate breastfeeding information, education, and social and emotional support at every meeting.

In many cases, lactation consultants also offer virtual visits, allowing you to access the support you need – day or evening, 7 days a week. These highly trained and dedicated providers will be available to work with you during your hospital stay and beyond to ensure you get the help and support you need to care for your baby.

LACTATION CONSULTANT IN WOOSTER, OHIO

At the Women’s Pavilion at Wooster Community Hospital, we understand how important it is to bond with your baby during breastfeeding, and we want to help make that experience as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Our maternity care center has been awarded recognition for its efforts to promote, protect, and support successful breastfeeding. We offer private, one-on-one breastfeeding consultations with our experienced and compassionate lactation consultants to help meet all your breastfeeding needs. These can take place while you are in the hospital or on an outpatient basis. We also offer a range of breastfeeding classes and a virtual support group to help you on your breastfeeding journey.

To learn more about this valuable service or to speak to a lactation consultant, call us today at (330) 202-5567.