Breastfeeding Support
How Can a Lactation Consultant Help
Me?
Breastfeeding is important to parents and their infants. Most women attempt to breastfeed, but many wean earlier than they want or need to due to situations that are either avoidable or manageable with the help of a good breastfeeding support specialist. IBCLC’S have the knowledge to meet these women’s needs. IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Lactation consultants work to prevent and solve breastfeeding difficulties and to encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding.
A Lactation Consultant can help you get off to a great start breastfeeding your baby. It is an excellent idea to attend a prenatal class before baby is born to hear all about the most perfect food for baby and how to get started. It is recommended that you feed baby in the first hour after delivery because baby is wide awake and ready. The next most important information is to breastfeed your baby frequently and exclusively. Skin to skin care means baby is next to mom on chest warm and happy with easy access to nurse. Your body knows how much milk to make for your baby from how much baby nurses. Don’t give bottles or use pacifiers.
Let your confidence grow and keep nursing your baby often. Keep baby with you. Some hospitals call that rooming in or no separation.
Lactation Consultants may provide some or all of the following services: Private consultations, assistance in the hospital, telephone consultations, prenatal and postnatal education classes and support groups, advice on breast pumps, sales and rental of lactation equipment.
You may seek the assistance of a Lactation Consultant on your own or you may be referred by your physician or midwife.
A Lactation Consultant can help you every step of the way. You may get to know your Lactation Consultant from your prenatal education classes and then you can consult again any time you have a question or concern.
If you want information about pumping, a Lactation Consultant can provide that for you. A mom who will be home with baby can choose a different pump than a mom who is going back to a 40 hour work week.
Some women are very fortunate. As new moms they have a lot of support to breastfeed. They may have their mom, sister, or friend who breastfed and can offer encouragement and advice. Even if you have many supportive breastfeeding advocates around, you may still need the help of a Lactation Consultant for a specific question or concern.
Unfortunately, some moms are the first to breastfeed among their circle of friends and family. In our country, in the last couple of generations, more babies were bottle fed than breastfed because we did not have a good understanding of the health benefit breastfeeding provides. Also, we are such a transient society that a career move may find you many miles from family support. A Lactation Consultant can provide the education, support, and encouragement that you need.
With the support of Lactation Consultants, pediatricians, La Leche League or other support groups, breastfeeding friendly hospitals, and family and friends, more and more women in the United States are breastfeeding, and breastfeeding longer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants breastfeed in their first year and beyond. Women in most countries, except the United States, breastfeed much longer. The World Health Organization recommends babies breastfeed more than two years.
Breastfeeding is the healthy choice for mom and baby. Breast milk has precious antibodies that prevent many diseases. Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. It is natural to breastfeed, but sometimes moms have questions and need help. A Lactation Consultant can provide the support, help, and encouragement that you need.
The most important thing a new couple can do through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding/baby care is to self advocate. Ask questions. No one will know your new baby like you, and you want the best for your baby.