Lactation Consultant

What is a lactation Consultant?

Lactation consultants are professionals who are experts in the field of breastfeeding. Lactation consultants cover all aspects of the breastfeeding process and provide various different services to educate and inform mothers on how to breastfeed successfully.

Many women experience trouble in establishing breastfeeding and although friends and family often willing to offer sound advice some women feel more comfortable seeking advice from a professional. Lactation consultants provide services which educate mothers on breastfeeding through specially run classes and postpartum support groups, and learning how to use breast pumps and other breastfeeding related products.

Lactation consultants are responsible for creating specialised breastfeeding programs which cater for support groups run through the hospital. Lactation consultants are highly qualified in their field and hold a certificate by the governing lactation board; you can be assured that their advice is reliable and sound.

How can I find a lactation consultant?

If you are having trouble breastfeeding and have had no success when visiting a breastfeeding support group then you may wish to turn to a lactation consultant, whom you can get in with at your local hospital. A paediatrician may be able to give you details on a suitable lactation consultant to help with your breastfeeding concerns. 

You could alternatively ring your doctor’s surgery and speak to the midwife who was in charge of your pregnancy care. Your midwife or doctor may be able to put you in touch with a lactation consultant. Alternatively, you could try contacting the International Lactation Consultant Directory.

If you are looking for a lactation consultant in the UK you can try the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain who can put you in touch with a consultant; you may be able to find a consultant in your local area and can arrange an appointment for them to come and see you.

What could I discuss with my lactation consultant?

If you see a lactation consultant, you may wish to ask questions regarding your breastfeeding problems.  Here are some common questions that mothers ask when they visit a lactation consultant:

  • How can I establish breastfeeding successfully?
  • Why won’t my baby breastfeed?
  • What should I do to help my baby latch on?
  • What can I do about engorged breasts?
  • How can I promote healthy milk flow?
  • How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
  • Why do my breasts hurt when I breastfeed?
  • What should I be eating to increase milk flow?
  • If I have too much breast milk how do I express it?
  • What should I do about leaking breasts?
  • How do I use a breast pump to express milk?

Do lactation consultants make home visits?

If you have had a newborn baby and are finding it increasingly difficult to breastfeed but do want to go to the hospital then a home visit can be arranged. Many lactation consultants will prioritise their home visits to new mothers as it is vital to try to establish correct breastfeeding at the earliest possible time. Every mother will usually find it takes time to get used to the art of breastfeeding; however, with a little perseverance and help from a lactation consultant you can be on the right track.

How long can I see a lactation consultant for?

Lactation consultants can help you throughout your breastfeeding time as they are specialised in the sector of breastfeeding and will be happy to offer ongoing assistance. Sometimes you may not be able to see the same lactation consultant but if you do have a preference you can arrange a date and time when it is suitable to see the same consultant.

Breastfeeding:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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