Before delving too deeply into just how lactation consultants can help with breastfeeding issues, let’s start with the first question you may want answered: “What is a lactation consultant?”
An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare provider who has specialized training in breastfeeding and lactation management. IBCLCs possess in-depth knowledge of lactation-related anatomy and physiology, breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding, and the management of common breastfeeding challenges.
Lactation Is About Mom and Baby…
The role of IBCLCs in maternal and infant health is vital. Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both mother and baby, such as bonding, improved immune function, and long-term health outcomes, including a reduced risk of certain diseases.
However, many parents face challenges when breastfeeding, such as difficulty with latching, painful feedings, or milk supply issues. IBCLCs help families navigate these challenges by offering guidance, support, and practical solutions.
By assisting families in meeting their breastfeeding goals, IBCLCs contribute to the health and wellness of both children and mothers.
…And the Whole Family
Having an IBCLC in your corner promotes the overall wellness of your family. We provide emotional support, empowering you to build confidence in your ability to care for your baby and yourself, especially during the early days of parenthood. As an IBCLC, we offer personalized care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the families we work with.
Before the Baby Comes…
Prenatal care by an IBCLC is often overlooked in healthcare systems, which is a significant disservice to expecting parents who want to breastfeed. Learning about breastfeeding before delivery greatly increases your chances of meeting your breastfeeding goals. Prenatal support includes providing evidence-based information on the benefits of breastfeeding, potential challenges, and essential techniques like positioning and latch. An IBCLC will help you develop a realistic breastfeeding plan tailored to your family’s needs.
For those with special circumstances – such as a history of breast surgery or plans for a scheduled cesarean section – we can prepare you for the challenges these situations may present. Additionally, we can help you emotionally prepare by setting realistic expectations for your breastfeeding journey, acknowledging that it may take a few weeks or months to “master” breastfeeding.
…And After
Postpartum support includes hands-on assistance with latch and positioning. Early intervention is key to ensuring an effective latch, as poor latch can lead to nipple damage and pain. IBCLCs assist you in recognizing feeding cues, establishing feeding frequency, and ensuring that your baby is transferring milk effectively.
If your infant is not successfully transferring milk, we can identify the barriers and offer tailored solutions to improve the situation. If breastfeeding challenges persist after the first few days, ongoing lactation support is available. This includes advice on managing issues like nipple pain, poor latch, and low milk supply.
What to Expect During a Lactation Consultation
Lactation consultations may involve a weighed feeding to assess milk transfer, evaluating latch, and providing solutions to common breastfeeding problems. We can also teach milk expression techniques, such as hand expression and pumping, for those who need to build or maintain their milk supply or who may be separated from their infant.
Ongoing lactation support ensures you have the education and resources needed as your baby’s breastfeeding needs evolve. Many mothers may even find it helpful to have a consultation before returning to work, to develop a plan for maintaining their milk supply while pumping.
An IBCLC is a valuable resource for any parent with breastfeeding goals. Whether you have prenatal support or are seeking help after birth, we can assist you at any point in your breastfeeding journey to help you achieve success.
Before becoming an IBCLC, Caitlin spent over ten years as a postpartum and well-baby nursery nurse, where she discovered her passion for helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. Caitlin graduated from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in 2013 and went on to obtain her BSN in 2018. Caitlin is a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a passion for providing compassionate and expert care to mothers and their babies. She practices with the integrative team at Soleil Acupuncture and Naturopathic Wellness in Hamden, CT.
Connect with her at: www.soleilholistic.com or 203.871.3262.
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