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What Does Lactation Consulting Involve?

What Does Lactation Consulting Involve?

For nine months, your body took care of everything, but the moment your child enters the world, your role suddenly becomes far more active. This transition can be overwhelming, which is where a lactation consultant can help.

During your pregnancy, you marveled at how your baby grew and how your body took care of their every need. The moment you give birth, however, you realize that your passive role is about to become far more active as your newborn looks to you to fulfill their every need, starting with feeding.

This transition from passive participant to sole provider can be overwhelming, which is where a lactation consultant can play an invaluable role. 

At Bay Area Physicians for Women’s Health, the team of women’s health providers understands the importance of having all the support you need after you give birth. Our obstetrics department partners with hospitals that cater to the needs of new moms, including lactation consultation.

Here’s a look at the many ways in which you can benefit from lactation consultation.

Choosing breastfeeding

More than 83% of women in the United States turn to breastfeeding after birth, and more than 55% are still at it after six months. 

If you want to join these numbers, you may have a few questions about breastfeeding, and there’s plenty of wisdom from women who've gone before you. A lactation consultant not only imparts this wisdom, many are highly trained and certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Your first feeding

Where a lactation consultant can first be helpful is when you breastfeed your newborn for the first time. Whether it’s your first child or your third, this initial feeding is critical.

To get you started, the lactation consultant will show you how to position your baby and how to offer your nipple. If all goes well, your newborn will latch on easily and start to suckle. If your baby doesn’t readily feed, your lactation consultant can help with different positions and techniques to encourage the connection.

Ongoing feeding

Lactation consultants play roles far beyond the first feeding as they help you navigate the tricky world of breastfeeding, helping you with:

  • Schedules
  • Breast pain
  • Sore nipples
  • Milk supply issues
  • Optimal nursing positions for your body and the baby’s

Your lactation consultant can also help if you want to transition to pumping milk if you need to free up your nursing schedule.

Finally, a lactation consultant can help when the time comes to wean your child off breastfeeding. From recommending a good weaning schedule to caring for your breasts, your lactation expert can help you and your baby make this transition as smoothly as possible.

If you would like to learn more about how a lactation consultant can play a key role in your post-pregnancy team, please contact our staff in Mobile, Alabama, to set up an appointment.