The following situations give you some examples of why you need to have a lactation consultant and why they are an essential part of learning to breastfeed in a society that does not support breastfeeding.
Reasons to Visit a Lactation Consultant
- you have had a less-than-desired breastfeeding experience in the past.
- you are just beginning breastfeeding and need to understand your baby's instincts and reflexes for finding the breast and latching.
- you have diabetes or gestational diabetes and do not want your baby to receive anything but human milk.
- you are experiencing damaged and painful nipples.
- your breasts are engorged or you are dealing with plugged ducts or breast infections or you are having breast pain of any kind while nursing.
- your baby is not latching or is having trouble feeding.
- you are concerned about your milk production.
- you have been told to supplement with formula or artificial infant milk (AIM).
- you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough to eat and you are not sure how to tell.
- your baby is not gaining at least 7-10 ounces every week.
- you are nursing twins, triplets or more.
- your baby is born before his due date and you wish to provide him with your own milk and breastfeed him directly.
- you need to start on a medication and you have questions about using it while nursing.
- you have been told that you must wean for any reason and you are not ready to.
- you need expertise in choosing a breastpump, pumping, and/or safely storing your milk.
- you need to return to work or school and need guidance on making this change work with continued breastfeeding.
- you are considering introducing solids to your baby and wonder how to integrate this with continued nursing.
- you have questions about your baby's sleeping patterns and how they relate to breastfeeding.
- your baby gets teeth and you are concerned about biting.
- you have some health issues and need to know more about breastfeeding and your special situation.
- you have questions about weaning and how to do it safely and make it as easy on yourself and baby as possible.
This is just a sampling of reasons to have a lactation consultant; the list could go on much longer. If you are experiencing any problems or breastfeeding is not 100% comfortable and enjoyable, please call us today. We would love to hear how breastfeeding is going for you.
978-422-9070 Debbie, Madeline and Dianna