A lactation consultant is a skilled professional, often also a healthcare professional, who specializes in the study of the science of human lactation (breastfeeding) and in the assessment of breastfeeding women and their children. Lactation consultants come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Many are also registered nurses. To ensure that the consultant has the minimum competence recognized in the field, see an individual who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Lactation Consultants work on the staff of hospitals or clinics or in private practice. They can provide one-on-one care for women with breastfeeding problems, serve as information recourses for healthcare providers and parents and may teach breastfeeding classes.
When should you see a lactation consultant?
Breastfeeding should be an enjoyable experience. The nutritional and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and baby is well documented including the statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics A mother may face obstacles while breastfeeding and a lactation consultant can help by showing her the tools she needs to overcome them. The following are some of the most common reasons a mother may want to see a lactation consultant.
• The most common reason mothers stop breastfeeding is sore nipples. It is common for a mother’s nipples to be sensitive for the first week of nursing. However, if a mother nipples are painful at anytime or has cracked or bleeding nipples, then there is probably something wrong with the baby latch. A lactation consultant can watch a baby nurse and work with the mother and help to adjust the latch.
• A lactation consultant should be called if a mother is feeling any burning pain in her nipples or breast. Often she will feel this pain between feedings. Her baby may also have white patches on her tongue, cheeks, or the roof of her mouth. This can result from yeast, which needs to be treated with medication. While a lactation consultant cannot prescribed medication, she can assess the situation and make a recommendation.
• In the first few days of a baby’s life, it is common for her to lose 5-10% of her body weight. If she has lost more than 10%, the baby’s doctor may refer the mother to a lactation consultant to develop a feeding plan for weight gain.
• If a mother has had a breast reduction or augmentation, she may want to talk with a lactation consultant prenatally. Since breast surgery can result in a decreased milk supply, it’s important for the baby to be followed by a lactation consultant to make sure the baby is gaining weight.
Most mothers can overcome minor obstacles without seeking professional help. A lactation consultant can help a mother overcome m more serious obstacles, enabling her to have a long and enjoyable breastfeeding relationship with her child.
Article written by me and published in Northwest Baby & Child in March,1998. Revised November, 2012