5 Reasons to See a Lactation Consultant

Need to Talk to a Lactation Specialist? Here's What to Know

Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, if you’re a breastfeeding mom, you probably have questions. You may be wondering things like: “am I doing this right?”, “is my baby getting enough milk?”, and probably even “why are my breasts so sore?”

While breastfeeding is a natural process, sometimes it doesn’t come naturally to all moms and babies. This is when an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can help ease some of your worries, and assist with some of the difficulties you may be experiencing. You can find a Lactation Specialist on staff at the hospital where you gave birth, or one might be recommended by your pediatrician’s office.

Here are some situations in which it might be needed and helpful to reach out to a Lactation Specialist.

• You’re full of frustrations, questions, and doubts and need some encouragement!

Lactation Consultants have seen and heard it all – and many are moms themselves, so they can field any questions you throw at them. All International Board Certified Lactation Consultants have been through training and have many hours of practical, clinical experience with moms and babies. Sometimes all you may need is an experienced, patient cheerleader by your side to help you overcome whatever hurdle you’re facing in your breastfeeding journey.

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight.

It’s totally normal for babies to lose a few ounces after birth, but if your pediatrician is noticing a more alarming weight loss, it may be time to work with a Lactation Specialist. She can help pinpoint the problem and offer a solution – whether it’s an issue with low milk supply (uncommon) or a latching problem.

• Your breasts or nipples just hurt.

There are a few reasons why you might experience pain while breastfeeding: mastitis, engorgement, plugged ducts, or cracked nipples. An experienced Lactation Specialist will be able to assess and recommend a treatment plan to deal with these painful conditions safely without disrupting your breastfeeding routine.

• Your baby has special needs.

If you have a baby with conditions such as cleft palate or Down Syndrome, you can still feed them your breast milk! It may just take a bit more effort to work through the challenges your little one faces. There are products that your Lactation Consultant can find and instruct you to use that can help you achieve this goal.

• You have twins, triplets, or more!

You have a lot to think about when expecting multiples; contacting a Lactation Specialist should be one of them! Before the babies are born, she can help you prepare for what you’ll face when breastfeeding multiples. After your babies arrive, she can assist with showing you the correct way to support and feed two babies at once, and check to make sure your supply is keeping up with their nutritional needs.

Don’t feel like you have to struggle through your breastfeeding challenges by yourself. Lactation Consultants exist to give you advice and instruction that will help you and baby continue to breastfeed successfully!