What is a lactation consultant? A lactation consultant is a person specialized in infant feeding. They can assist with low weight gain, poor latch, sore nipples, prenatal breastfeeding education, pumping, and many other needs. Here is a list of a few reasons to see a lactation consultant!
Early Breastfeeding Education
Prenatal breastfeeding classes are always a helpful tool. They are good about teaching you what to expect in the first few days, which helps with breastfeeding success. Prenatal classes are good tools to learn hand expression, The Golden Hour, skin to skin, rooming in, and early expectations of newborn behaviors. I have seen increased breastfeeding success in parents who took prenatal classes. Hand expression is a helpful tool for sleepy babies in the first 24 hours to ensure your baby gets your breast milk, even if they're too sleepy to latch!
Sore and/or Damaged Nipples
Breastfeeding should not be painful.. Some parents do have sensitive nipples, but it is more of a discomfort versus pain. Pain is generally a sign of a poor latch. It is important to make sure that your baby has a deep latch with every feeding. Remember to make sure the baby is opening wide before latching, and getting the nipple and part of the areola in the mouth. If you exclusively pump, check flange sizing, suction power, and how often you are pumping! For damaged nipples, it's important to practice nipple care. I always recommend to rub some colostrum or breast milk on the nipple, let it air dry, and then put nipple cream on top. If it is very damaged, you can use hydrogel pads for healing. Lactation consultants can assist with latch assessment and flange fittings for pumps!
Tethered Oral Ties
If you think your baby has a tongue, lip, or cheek tie; a lactation consultant can assist with an oral assessment. Lactation consultants are not able to diagnose, but they can point you in the direction of someone who can. Tethered oral ties can lead to a shallow latch; which can cause many different issues with parent and baby. A lactation consultant can also assist with proper latching until the tie can be addressed by a professional who can address the tie. Lactation consultants can also assist with after procedures. They can help with exercises and feeding assistance post procedure. It is helpful to work with a pediatric provider specialized in frenectomies and a lactation consultant to improve healing outcomes.
Low Milk Supply
Low milk supply can be caused by many different issues. A lactation consultant can help you figure out what is happening. A low milk supply can lead to low weight gain and a decrease in wet/dirty diapers; which can lead to dehydration. A low milk supply can be caused by many different things, so a lactation consultant can help assess your situation and narrow down what may be happening. Easiest causes would include a poor latch, improper flange sizing, or suction too high with pumping. Low milk supply may be evident by a decrease in wet/dirty diapers, slow/no weight gain, and signs of dehydration.
Breast Pumping Assistance
Lactation consultants can help to make sure you are using the correct flange size. They can also help with making sure the suction is not too high. It is important to make sure the flange fits correctly, and the suction isn't too high. Both of these can cause a decrease in milk supply and damage to the nipples. Lactation consultants can also assist with a pumping plan for maximum output.
Do you need a lactation consultant?
If you are having any of these issues I urge you to reach out and get some assistance. Breastfeeding should not be painful. Pumping should not be painful. Reach out today and get to the bottom of your feeding difficulties!
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