Breastfeeding is healthy for moms and babies — but a lot more challenging than many women expect. That's one of the reasons why many women give up on breastfeeding in the first month, though experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing to breastfeed for at least the first year and as long as is beneficial.
But even if you're not making enough milk, have sore nipples or a baby who refuses to latch on, you don’t have to call it quits just yet. Lactation consultants — health care professionals who specialize in breastfeeding and hold a special certification — can help.
What is a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants or lactation specialists are nursing professionals who help new moms in their efforts to breastfeed. They also provide prenatal education and preparation for expecting parents. Anyone can call themselves a "lactation consultant", but it's best to find one who is certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
How effective are these pros at helping new moms with nursing? Very. Enlisting the help of breastfeeding consultants measurably increased the number of women initiating breastfeeding, boosted breastfeeding rates and helped more women exclusively breastfeed their newborns, a review of 16 studies found.
What does a lactation consultant do?
A lactation consultant can help you navigate any number of new baby feeding challenges, including:
- Poor milk supply
- Trouble hitting weight milestones
- Struggles with finding the right nursing position, especially after a C-section
- Baby falling asleep at the breast
- Baby refusing to breastfeed
- Marathon breastfeeding sessions that leave you feeling drained
- Emotional and physical barriers to breastfeeding, including postpartum depression
- Pain while breastfeeding
A lactation specialist can also help with feeding premature babies (some preemies lack the coordination to suck, breath and swallow) or infants with physical or neurological disabilities. No matter your setback, your consultant can work directly with you to develop a personalized solution.
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When to call a lactation consultant
The best time to call a lactation consultant is while you're expecting, as your counselor can help you mentally and physically prepare for breastfeeding. You’ll practice holding your baby for optimal feeding, and receive tips on everything from the best pump to how to enlist your partner in breastfeeding.
That said, you can alway ask for help after your baby is born. Hospital staff, your pediatrician or your OB/GYN can connect you with a lactation consultant.
Questions to ask a lactation consultant
Before hiring a lactation specialist, you’ll want to ask:
- How much experience they’ve had with moms like you. Make sure you choose one who supports your family's breastfeeding goals
- How they’ve handled difficult situations. If the going gets tough, what can you expect?
- Their philosophy on formula feeding and supplementation. While every lactation consultant believes in the benefits of breastmilk, some are more flexible than others. You don't want to feel even a whiff of shame if you decide to stop nursing early. Ensure ahead of time that your lactation consultant will be supportive if you ultimately make that decision.
- How accessible they’ll be when you need help. Tech-friendliness is another factor worth considering. Some moms prefer to communicate with consultants through text messaging or video chat.
Some moms feel more comfortable with a lactation consultant who has had real-life experience with nursing, so you may want to ask if she has breastfed her own children.
Just as importantly, assess the consultant’s style and "breastside" manner, because this is a person who's going to be with you when you're at your most vulnerable. Some moms want a "just the facts" type who takes a clinical approach. Others will prefer a lactation consultant with a nurturing, compassionate style.
Working with a lactation consultant
Your relationship with your lactation consultant is about as intimate as it gets. These tips can help you get the most out of the relationship.
Don't be modest
Like many health professionals, lactation consultants are amazingly comfortable with the human body and its various shapes, smells and excretions. You should be too, no matter how "ewww" you feel. Once baby arrives, your consultant will be quite hands on — literally — as you transition to regular nursing.
Expect to have your breasts squeezed or manipulated to ensure baby has the best feeding position, and don't be surprised if the consultant dabs a little salve on your swollen, chapped nipples. Trust the expert, and don't feel embarrassed. It's a lactation specialist’s job to help.
Disclose everything
While your lactation consultant isn't a doctor, it's important to share the aspects of your life that could affect your milk supply or general health. This includes diet and exercise habits, sleep, conflicts with others, dark thoughts and any supplements or medication you might be taking.
How to find a lactation consultant near you
While many lactation consultants work independently, some work with doctors, nurses, midwives, or on staff or contract with hospitals or lactation centers. Many hospitals and birthing centers provide one for all moms-to-be, so check if yours does when you take your pre-birth tour.
But even if your facility doesn’t, it’s easy enough to find one. Ask your obstetrician or your mom friends for a trusted recommendation, or locate a lactation consultant on your own. Just use the International Lactation Consultant Association online directory.
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