What To Expect From A Certified Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding may prove to be a difficult task for first-time mothers. That’s why consulting with a breastfeeding coach in Arlington, VA can be very helpful, allowing the new mother to get answers to questions that she may have and receive practical advice if they are currently experiencing problems or confusion.
Mothers that have done this before may still want to speak with a lactation consultant regarding feeding issues they are currently experiencing. These consultants are trained to provide useful information that can be extremely helpful for breastfeeding their babies.
What Do These Lactation Consultants Do
During the first half year of your child’s life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding should be done exclusively, followed by the introduction of food designed for babies and breastfeeding until the age of two. Lactation consultants can assist mothers in understanding the proper balance and pathway toward reaching healthy success with their children.
Well over 50% of all mothers in the United States stop much earlier than they should. Lactation consultants are there to help new parents and their babies overcome any challenges that they may encounter.
A lactation consultant can help with certain issues, including:
-Milk supply issues
-Sore nipples
-Latching problems
-Attaining comfortable nursing positions
-An inability to feed properly
-Absence of weight gain for the infant
-Falling asleep
-Problems pumping breastmilk
-Engorgement issues
There will always be a learning process that a mother must go through when breastfeeding, which is why a lactation consultant is so important for those that are struggling and want to know what procedures or steps must be done to overcome these challenges.
When Should You See A Lactation Consultant?
Throughout the pregnancy of the mother and even subsequent to the delivery, lactation consultants should be providing helpful information. Each mother will be different, and the challenges they face will often be difficult, which is why these professionals are so helpful when breastfeeding.
Prior To Giving Birth
One of the easiest ways to connect with a lactation consultant is to go to classes where they are providing instruction on what needs to be done. During these prenatal classes for breastfeeding, they will often present information on topics such as:
-Best ways to breastfeed
-Determining when a baby is hungry
-Hospital expectations
-Home expectations
-Determining whether or not your baby is getting enough milk
-Tips on maintaining healthy breast milk supplies
Choosing A Lactation Consultant
Choosing one of these professionals is a very important decision, especially because of the personal nature of this process. You need to be comfortable with the individual that you are working with, even outside of the hospital setting, which is why you need to properly assess each one of these potential candidates to find the one that works the best.
Lactation consultants are not required to have certifications from IBCLC or even CLC in most states, yet it is helpful to know that they have this type of training. Depending upon the state you are in, many of them will have met the certification mandates, which will ensure that you will get high-quality care from these professionals who know exactly what to do throughout this entire process.
Finding online reviews can be helpful, yet you will want to consult with people in the hospital, a physician, or even other parents you know who have also used a lactation past. It should begin with a simple phone call, followed by appointment, so that you can get to know these different professionals in your area and choose one that will work the best.