Breastfeeding can be a source of stress and anxiety for you, as well as your partner, family, and friends. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, it’s important to have the help of a lactation consultant. A consultant is any registered nurse who has undergone specialized training in lactation support. They can provide you with valuable guidance on how to get your baby latched properly so that you and your baby don’t experience painful latch-on failure or soreness from extended breastfeeding sessions.
What Can a Lactation Consultant Do?
With the right counseling, advice, and techniques, a lactation consultant can provide you with the support you need to get your breastfeeding relationship off to a positive start and optimize your breastfeeding experience. A lactation consultant will likely ask you a series of questions about your medical history, your baby’s health and condition, your breastfeeding goals and obstacles, and other factors that may affect your breastfeeding experience. A lactation consultant will also discuss your baby’s dietary needs, including your baby’s formula preferences, calorie needs, and other formula additives. Your consultant will also ask you questions about how often you breastfeed, how often your baby eats, and how long it takes you to get your baby latched on.
Registered Nurses Are Allowed to Offer Consultations
Registered nurses can legally offer prenatal, breastfeeding, and postpartum consultations in most states. This means that a registered nurse can give advice about breastfeeding; however, they cannot prescribe medications or provide medical treatment. Registered nurses must have completed a certain amount of education in order to call themselves “registered.” Your state board of nursing can tell you what level of education is required to call yourself a registered nurse.
Find a Lactation Consultant Through Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations that provide a directory of certified lactation consultants. One such organization is La Leche League International. This organization was founded upon the belief that breastfeeding should be supported, promoted, and institutionalized. The organization teaches and supports breastfeeding by offering a lactation consultant program, support groups, and education to pregnant women, as well as to parents who choose to breastfeed, including information on how to find a lactation consultant.
Don’t Assume You Need to See a Consultant Right Away
Remember that many breastfeeding problems can be solved with basic troubleshooting and that some women are able to successfully breastfeed right away. Don’t be discouraged if you have difficulty breastfeeding right away. Others successfully breastfeed after just a few attempts. In addition, some women find that they have difficulty breastfeeding from one brand of bottle or cup and not another. If you are having difficulty, don’t be discouraged; do what you can to troubleshoot the problem. Make sure you are using the right nipple shape and have taken your baby to the right stage of development.
Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists Can Support Breastfeeding, Too
Registered dietitians have completed a dietetics program and may have completed an accredited nutrition education program, but they do not have the same legal permission to offer breastfeeding consultations as registered nurses. Nutritionists, on the other hand, have completed a doctorate or master’s degree in nutrition and may have completed an accredited dietetic program, but they do not have legal permission to offer breastfeeding consultations. Registered dietitians and nutritionists may be able to provide advice on breastfeeding, but they cannot prescribe medication.
Find a Good Lactation Consultant
Many women choose to work with a lactation consultant after their first few attempts at breastfeeding don’t go so smoothly. But it’s important to remember that a good lactation consultant can be useful before you experience any difficulties. In addition, you may want to consider working with a lactation consultant if you have other priorities in your life, like caring for a sick child, that make it difficult for you to attend breastfeeding classes regularly. If you are working with a lactation consultant for a short period of time, make sure you find one who can help you troubleshoot any issues you encounter so that you can continue to successfully breastfeed on your own. Make sure the consultant is licensed and has undergone appropriate training, and that the practice is accredited by a professional organization like La Leche League International.
Conclusion
You may be wondering what to expect from a lactation consultant, so we’ve compiled advice from the pros to help you get the most out of your visit. From how often to expect your first breastfeeding appointment, to what you should bring with you, we’ve got you covered.