Why Use a Lactation Consultant?
Are you having troubles breastfeeding your newborn? Have you been wondering whether hiring a lactation consultant is the right choice for you? In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, we’ve broken down why you may want to work with a lactation consultant to make your breastfeeding experience as easy as possible.
What is a Lactation Consultant?
Before you determine if it’s right for you, it’s important to know exactly what a lactation consultant does. Someone in this role has been specially trained to help breastfeeding mothers and can identify a variety of issues that can lead to difficulty nursing. Ideally you’ll want to find someone who has been certified by the IBCLC, or International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants. This certification means they have completed many hours of training in sociology, counseling, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, child development, and more.
How Can She Help Me?
Lactation consultants help moms with a variety of problems or general concerns about breastfeeding. Not only can she answer your general questions about breastfeeding, but she can also:
- Address issues with milk production
- Help identify and diagnose breast infections
- Provide suggestions for treatment
- Show you how to help your baby properly latch on
- Help you wean your baby when the time comes
- Assist you in recognizing your little one’s specific hunger signs
How Do I Find a Lactation Consultant in My Area?
Once you’ve decided you want to hire a lactation consultant, you’ll want to find one in your area that you feel comfortable with. You can speak with your doctor directly for recommendations, or you can use the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website to find consultants in their directory. Search by name, location, certification and credential, or practice setting, and you’ll find all the information you need to make an appointment. Don’t hesitate to meet with multiple consultants in order to find the one that you feel meets your needs the best.
Talk to your doctor today for personalized recommendations about breastfeeding and how to find a lactation consultant.