There are so many situations in which a breastfeeding mother (or a mother-to-be) will need a lactation consultant. It goes without saying that breastfeeding is arguably the best beginning for a baby (and for Mom). However, questions or issues may arise, and problems that weren't there at the outset may suddenly appear. A new mother may feel overwhelmed and that she needs support from outside of the home. She should never feel alone in the process. A lactation consultant is the ideal person to call on in these cases.
A mother may be seen in various venues -- a pregnant woman might take a prenatal breastfeeding class with a consultant; a mother who has just delivered may be seen in the hospital; a new mother may go to a clinic/office or be seen privately in her own home.
Why Not Just Wait Until the Baby Is Born to Learn How to Breastfeed?
It is always recommended that mothers-to-be take a prenatal breastfeeding class so that they go into the process with the utmost confidence and the knowledge of what is expected once the baby is born. It is to her advantage to know, for example, how to tell when the baby wants to nurse.The following topics should be covered in a prenatal breastfeeding class:
- How to breastfeed (video)
- What to expect in the hospital
- What to expect at home
- How to tell if the baby is getting enough milk
- How to maintain a strong milk supply
- How to avoid problems
- Situations where lactation help is necessary
- Returning to work or school
- Feeding a baby solid foods
When Should a Lactation Consultant Be Seen in the Hospital?
This really depends on the situation and the hospital. Some hospitals have large lactation staffs, and others have none. Some mothers automatically are seen daily during their stay, and others have to request to be seen if they're having difficulty. In any case, labor and delivery nurses are wonderful at helping a mother start breastfeeding. If lactation visits are not part of the daily routine of a hospital, a nurse can request the mother be seen so that a consultant can help with a feeding, give a breastfeeding "checkup" and answer questions. If the hospital does not have one on staff, a mother can feel free to hire a private lactation consultant to visit with her during her stay.What About Clinic, Office, or Private Visits? What Is Expected?
In an initial phone call to the lactation consultant, she will give an overview of what to expect during the consultation. She will also ask for information about the mother and baby's health (including birth weight and any follow-up weight checks); family history; pregnancy and delivery; how the baby has been breastfeeding; how many times the baby urinates or has a bowel movement each day (including the color of the BMs); any specific concerns the mother has.Whether the visit is in a clinic, office, or private home, it is important that you feel comfortable with the visit. As a patient or client, you have rights just as you do when visiting a doctor. The lactation consultant should:
- Consult with you in privacy
- Give you a positive feeling about the situation
- Be empathetic
- Tell you exactly what she is doing with every part of the examination
- Ask you to remove your shirt
Clinically, the lactation consultant will:
- Observe the baby's appearance and behavior
- Examine the mother's breasts and nipples
- Observe the baby during a breastfeeding and adjust positioning if need be
- Assess whether or not the baby is latched and sucking, swallowing and breathing properly
- Correct any breastfeeding problems observed
- Give any written instructions or protocols necessary
- Explain how to get in touch with her for additional help or questions
Some may also give information regarding local breastfeeding support groups.
A breastfeeding mother should not hesitate to contact her lactation consultant for any reason. If problems persist or don't get better, she needs to get in touch immediately. Different problems may arise, and it is important to address them early on.
