Why a lactation consultant?

Why a lactation consultant?

Before we can answer why a lactation consultant is needed, we need to define what a lactation consultant is. Thereafter we can discuss what you can expect from a lactation consultation and where to find a consultant.

WHO (World Health Organization) defines a lactation consultant as a person who specializes in breastfeeding and in offering human milk to infants.

Lactation consultants are highly trained.

Getting lactation support can improve your chances of breastfeeding for as long as you choose.

Lactation consultants offer:

A lactation consultant helps the nursing mother to navigate the rewarding but often challenging breastfeeding journey and it is important to know that each breastfeeding journey is different therefore advice given will differ from nursing mother to nursing mother.

It is also important to understand that there is no set of defined rules and advice will be given according to the specific nursing mother’s journey and that you will be allowed to make your own choice with the information given to you and your choice will be respected.

Lactation consultants provide information, and support and help you to find solutions so that you can continue breastfeeding as long as you choose.

The supported breastfeeding journey helps nursing mothers build their confidence.

In-person assessment is important to be able to recognize the breastfeeding needs and concerns of the mother-baby pair.

A lactation consultation service includes:

An observation of a breastfeeding session during a consultation with attention to the latch on your breast, and also the suck, swallow and breath pattern. Therefore limited advice via a phone call.

Lactation consultants offer prenatal breastfeeding classes. It is advisable to gather information regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy to assist you with the start of your breastfeeding journey. This way you also build a relationship with a consultant and she forms part of your back-up support.

Adjusting feeding positions and latching on to the baby where needed.
General breastfeeding information and support from consultants.

Assist nursing mothers in overcoming breastfeeding difficulties with education, support, encouragement and offering reassurance.

What to expect during a consultation:

The lactation consultant needs to identify herself.

Take records and review your and your baby’s medical history.

The consultant needs to ask permission to touch you and your baby.

Examination of the breast and the baby will be done.

The lactation consultant will explain what she is doing and why.

You as the client also need to say when you are uncomfortable and your wishes will be respected.

The consultant will observe a breastfeeding session and attention will be on how you position your baby, latch your baby onto the breast and the suck, swallow, and breathing pattern of the baby.