A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding. They can provide support and guidance to women throughout their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy to postpartum.
Why Consult a Lactation Consultant Before Birth?
You want to understand how breastfeeding works and how to breastfeed your baby.
You have tried to breastfeed before and it didn't work.
You are expecting twins.
You have had breast surgery or feel that your breasts are not like other women's.
You have health problems that may interfere with your breastfeeding.
Why Consult a Lactation Consultant After Birth?
Your baby is not latching properly.
You are experiencing pain (cracks, thrush, engorgement, mastitis...).
Your baby is not gaining enough weight and you want to continue to breastfeed 100%.
You are not sure if your baby is getting enough milk.
Your baby is crying all the time and you don't know what to do.
You or your baby need to be hospitalized and you want to continue breastfeeding.
You want to track your baby's weight and height curves.
You are going back to work and you want to continue breastfeeding confidently.
You simply have questions about breastfeeding. You are looking for advice on breastfeeding, caring for your baby, and meeting their needs.
What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?
A lactation consultant can provide a variety of services, including:
Prenatal breastfeeding classes: These classes can teach you about the basics of breastfeeding, such as how to latch your baby and how to increase your milk supply.
In-home visits: A lactation consultant can come to your home to help you with breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties or pain.
Support and counseling: A lactation consultant can provide support and counseling to women who are struggling with breastfeeding.
Referral to other healthcare professionals: If a lactation consultant believes that you or your baby has a medical problem that is interfering with breastfeeding, they can refer you to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant
If you are interested in working with a lactation consultant, there are a few things you can do to find one:
Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral.
Contact your local hospital or birthing center to see if they have a lactation consultant on staff.
Search for a lactation consultant online.
When to Consult a Lactation Consultant
If you are experiencing any problems with breastfeeding, it is a good idea to consult a lactation consultant as soon as possible. They can help you identify the problem and develop a plan to resolve it.
Conclusion
Lactation consultants can be a valuable resource for women who are breastfeeding. They can provide support, guidance, and counseling to help women overcome breastfeeding challenges and achieve their breastfeeding goals.
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