A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding expert who has earned the credentials IBCLC. These lactation specialists assess and treat both common and serious nursing problems. They most often support mothers in how to increase milk supply, find the best nursing position, and manage breastfeeding pain. Women who deliver in a hospital will typically be seen by a staff lactation specialists as part of routine care, and this visit is usually covered by insurance. Lactation specialists also treat patients at home.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is a lactation consultant?
- How can a lactation specialist help me?
- Working with a lactation consultant
- How can I find a lactation consultant?
What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation specialists is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for breastfeeding moms. Lactation specialists are breastfeeding advocates who can help from before your baby is born until the final weeks of weaning. They’re qualified to treat common nursing problems along with more serious condition such as mastitis and clogged milk ducts. Lactation consultants most often support mothers in how to increase milk supply, find the best nursing position, and manage breastfeeding pain.
How can a lactation specialist help me?
Whether this is your first time breastfeeding or not, a lactation specialists can help you stay on track and reach your breastfeeding goals. Unfortunately, breastfeeding doesn’t come easy – it can be painful, laborious, and even fraught with shame if problems do arise. One study found that 60 percent of mothers don’t breastfeed for as long as they want to.
Here are other reasons moms stop breastfeeding early:
- Problems with milk production
- Problems with latching
- Concerns about infant nutrition and weight
- Taking medications while breastfeeding
- Unsupportive work policies or lack of parental leave
- Inequitable access to healthcare
- Lack of breastfeeding support at hospitals
Research shows that when a lactation specialists is part of a healthcare team, moms are able to breastfeed longer and are more likely to breastfeed exclusively. One study found that women were more than two times more likely to initiate breastfeeding when they delivered at a facility with a lactation consultant compared to women who delivered at a facility without one. Another study found that at four to six months post-delivery, 23 percent of mothers not seen by a lactation consultant were still breastfeeding, whereas 53 percent of those who received care from a lactation consultant were breastfeeding.
A lactation consultant can help to:
- Determine the best breastfeeding positions
- Improve your baby’s latch
- Develop feeding schedules, especially for premature infants
- Treat nipple soreness and breastfeeding pain
- Treat mastitis, plugged ducts, and engorgement
- Boost your milk production
- Select, set up, and start using a breast pump
- Put you on a pumping schedule
- Increase your baby’s weight gain
Working with a lactation consultant
Your lactation consultant will likely be very hands on, and will see and touch your breasts to help evaluate and treat problems. That may seem odd, but it will feel more normal in the moment, especially if you’re struggling to help your baby nurse.
The first two weeks of lactation is the most critical time to establish successful breastfeeding. If you know that your hospital or birth center won’t provide a lactation specialists, or you want more support, you may want to find your own lactation specialist to work with. You can connect over the phone or in person – at your home, in her office, or at a clinic – for the initial meeting. Be sure to share your medical history, breastfeeding goals, and any concerns.
Ideally you will see a lactation specialists within the first three days of giving birth. If part of the hospital staff, the lactation specialists may spend around 20 minutes with you as she makes her rounds. Visits with a consultant in private practice typically last 60 to 90 minutes. If possible, plan to breastfeed or pump during the visit. This may mean refraining from feeding an hour or two beforehand, which can be easier said than done, since newborns eat on their own schedule.
The lactation consultant will likely weigh your baby before and after a feeding. She will watch you breastfeed or pump, help with latching and positioning, answer your questions, troubleshoot any issues, and give you a boost in confidence.
Many women find that one session is all that’s needed to resolve an issue. However, for ongoing or serious concerns, or for milestones like returning to work or weaning, you may want to have additional sessions with a lactation consultant. (Three sessions during the breastfeeding span is typical.)
How can I find a lactation consultant?
To find a certified lactation consultant, visit the our website for human resource or ask around in your community. Childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, obstetricians, and pediatricians usually know experienced lactation consultants. Your hospital or birthing center will likely have referrals as well.
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