What is a Lactation Consultant?
Help for Breastfeeding Moms
• Some of my friends "tried" to nurse and weren't successful.
• No one in my family has breastfed.
• My mom fed me formula and said I was just fine.
• I have to return to work in 12 weeks.
If any of these statements sound familiar, you would benefit from speaking with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant (LC) is a professional, often with a medical background who has taken course work to become an LC. They are often board certified (IBCLC). This certification requires extensive, documented, hands on experience with breastfeeding moms and their babies, and then taking the international board exam.
Lactation consultants provide education, guidance, counseling, assessment, support, nurturing, and hands-on help after your baby is born. Their goal is to work with you and your baby and assist you in having a positive and successful breastfeeding experience.
Lactation consultants teach prenatal breastfeeding classes to help you learn about and prepare for breastfeeding. Many hospitals have lactation consultants on staff to provide support and hands on guidance after the baby's birth. Lactation consultants can provide home based support-coming to your home and working with you and your baby during a feeding, sometimes to help with specific problems and other times to just provide reassurance that "you're doing things right".
Home visits may include weight checks on the baby, assessment of the baby's latch and feeding effort, a written care plan, report to the baby's doctor, and phone follow-up.
Issues that may arise where the assistance of an LC would be helpful are: the baby doesn't breastfeed during the first 12-24 hrs of life; the baby has difficulty latching to the breast; your baby does not seem to be satisfied after feeding; weight gains are slow; positioning is awkward or difficult; you have nipple pain or damage or persistent engorgement; you're concerned about low milk volume; you want to know how and when to use your breastpump or are returning to work.
The transition to new parenthood is a very exciting time. You have this
beautiful new baby who is going through adjustments to life outside the
womb. Your body is recovering from the birth of the baby. You're excited and
want to share your excitement with friends and family. But, the baby's
schedule doesn't fit into your "Blackberry", you are tired, a bit uncertain
of what you are doing, and at times overwhelmed. The postpartum period may be
more difficult than you expected. Lactation consultants are experienced in identifying moms
who may be having postpartum blues or depression and provide support and
referral to appropriate resources.
And then there's the dad...how does he fit into this picture? He wants to be involved and helpful. But, he's not "equipped" to breastfeed. So how do lactation consultants help new dads feel a part of this experience? The same information, support, guidance, etc. that is directed at moms is also important for new fathers. They need to know the same "basics" as mom. The lactation consultant is there to support both of you as your being your journey into parenthood.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful and important gift that you give to your baby. It provides many health benefits to both mom and baby. Remember that this is a learned skill for all of you. If you find yourself struggling, ask for help. Wishing you a wonderful start to new parenthood.
