Do You Need a Lactation Consultant? 4 Tips to Know!

As soon as you hear the news that you are expecting, your mind goes buzzing with so many thoughts. What if something unusual happens? What if my baby is born premature? What if my baby doesn’t latch on to my breast and starts losing weight? Or what if I am unable to produce enough milk for my child? These are just a few questions that pop up in any new mother’s mind. As a new mother, it is quite natural to go through different emotions at different times. You’ll feel happy one moment, anxious the next, and frightened after that. Some first-time mothers might struggle with breastfeeding and may want to get a lactation consultant to help them through it. But how do you know whether you need one or not?

Why do you need a lactation consultant?

Many women wonder if they even need a lactation consultant if they’re breastfeeding. The truth is that you can benefit from any breastfeeding help and support you can get. A lactation consultant can not only help you with breastfeeding but can also assist you with any emotional issues that you may be facing.

A lactation consultant can help you by watching you breastfeed your baby to see what your technique is and check to see if you’re making any mistakes. They can also help identify whether you have any underlying issues that are causing you to have trouble breastfeeding, such as low milk supply. A lactation consultant can support you emotionally while breastfeeding. They can help you feel relaxed and offer suggestions to help you overcome any issues you may be facing.

How to find the right lactation consultant?

Finding the right lactation consultant can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to look. You can start by asking your doctor or midwife for a recommendation. Another way to find a lactation consultant is to do an online search for lactation consultants in your area. You can also look up lactation consultants in your area by using a website like the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCBE). When you find a lactation consultant, make sure to ask them a few questions before you make an appointment. You should ask them how many new mothers they see each month, whether they have a certified lactation consultant, and if they accept insurance.

What will happen during your first appointment?

What happens at a lactation consultant appointment can vary depending on the person you see. Some lactation consultants will do an examination of your breasts and your baby’s mouth to see if there are any issues. Others may not do an examination but will still be able to see if you or your baby are having any issues with breastfeeding. Your lactation consultant will also ask you a few questions about how breastfeeding is going. They’ll ask how long you’ve been breastfeeding and how often you’re doing it. Your lactation consultant may also ask you if you’re experiencing any pain while breastfeeding.

Are lactation consultants and lactation counselors the same thing?

Lactation consultants and lactation counselors often work in different capacities. While a lactation consultant typically works with breastfeeding mothers, a lactation counselor is more likely to work with women who’ve had issues breastfeeding in the past. Lactation consultants provide a range of services including breastfeeding education, breastfeeding assistance, and assistance with infant feeding issues. They typically work in hospitals, birth centers, and private practices.

Lactation counselors, on the other hand, typically work in public health settings. While both lactation consultants and counselors provide services to breastfeeding mothers, they go about it in different ways. Lactation consultants typically provide one-on-one services and are often certified. Lactation counselors, on the other hand, may have training in breastfeeding, but they don’t typically have certification.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best things you can do for them. It has tons of health benefits and is best when done for as long as possible. While most new mothers breastfeed just fine, others struggle with it. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, it is best to get help as soon as you can. Breastfeeding can be challenging and it can be hard to know where to go for help. Your doctor or midwife can provide you with a referral to a lactation consultant. You can also look online for lactation consultants in your area. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, it’s best to get help as soon as possible. A lactation consultant can help you with breastfeeding and can also assist you with any emotional issues that you may be facing.