What is a Lactation Consultant?
Support for Breastfeeding Moms
You
would like to breastfeed, but...
• Your mother had difficulty and you wonder if you’ll have
the same problem...
• Your baby is six days old and you don’t feel that breastfeeding is going well...
• You are ready to go back to work and you aren’t sure if you’ll be able to continue breastfeeding...
These, and other concerns, are encountered every day by a group of professionals
called lactation consultants.
A lactation consultant is a health care professional who is knowledgeable,
skilled, and experienced in lactation (breastfeeding). The lactation consultant’s
primary focus is to provide education, assistance and support to breastfeeding
women.
Breastfeeding has proven benefits for mothers and infants. With breastfeeding comes a reduced risk of asthma, childhood diabetes, ear infections, respiratory, and digestive problems for babies. Women who breastfeed also receive health benefits, including reduced risk of osteoporosis as well as breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. In spite of all these benefits, mothers who experience problems in the first few days or weeks of breastfeeding may not receive accurate information or support to help them continue breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can provide that support and information, helping to manage a large number of breastfeeding circumstances.
Lactation consultants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians offices, and private practices. Many consultants are Board Certified, using the initials IBCLC (International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants) after their name. This designation is a valuable credential for identifying a member of the health care team who has demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience and who can provide breastfeeding assistance and skilled technical management of breastfeeding problems.
Your first encounter with a lactation consultant may be during a prenatal breastfeeding class, where you will learn benefits of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, proper positioning and latch-on, prevention and management of potential problems, and more.
A class is a great way to begin your breastfeeding experience. Pay close attention in class, ask lots of questions, and take home all the written information to review at a later date. Ask the instructor if there is a lactation consultant on staff at the hospital or birthing center where you will deliver. Find out how to contact the lactation consultant. Some mothers-to-be have specific medical or personal circumstances, and will need to make a prenatal appointment with a lactation consultant. At some hospitals, lactation consultants see every breastfeeding mother before discharge. At others, mothers may make an appointment, or can be referred by their physician. Phone and/or personal consultations are generally available. Many hospitals offer these services to their patients free-of-charge while others charge a fee. Still other hospitals do not have a consultant on staff, but will refer to a lactation consultant in private practice.
Many mothers have no problems at all while breastfeeding; others have common questions that can be answered quite simply. Mothers often have their own network of support and utilize the experience of family, friends, and neighbors. But for those mothers who have no such network, and for those with more complex breastfeeding situations, phone contact or an appointment with a lactation consultant can be the first step towards resolving such difficulties.
The following situations may increase the need for assistance by a lactation consultant:
During a consultation, the lactation consultant will gather information, which may include a medical history of the mother and baby, a breastfeeding history, and an observation of a nursing. This information will be used to formulate a plan of action. Depending on the situation, the consultant may also communicate with the primary health care provider or make referrals to other health professionals, community services, and support groups. With certain breastfeeding situations, a hospital-grade breast pump may be recommended as part of the mother’s plan of care.
Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most important things you can do as a new mother! And while it is one of the most natural experiences in life, it is also a learned art. Prenatal preparation can get you off to a good start. Try to read a variety of materials on breastfeeding and sign up for a class. Contact a breastfeeding support group such as the La Leche League. Ask your physician or hospital for contact information for local lactation consultants. Know the phone number of local breastfeeding help-lines, such as the Allegheny County Health Department Breastfeeding Helpline Consult your baby’s pediatrician or other health care provider to discuss your concerns and questions. And most importantly, remember to seek early help with any breastfeeding questions or problems!