What Happens at a Lactation Consult?
Nursing is integral in the postpartum period and is also extremely valuable to both the mother and the baby.
Even though it is a natural, physiological process, nursing comes with its own set of challenges for some. This is where the role of a lactation consultant comes in.
Lactation consultants play a crucial role in promoting successful nursing and enhancing the overall health and well-being of both mothers and babies. With the help of their guidance and expertise, they help make the experience more rewarding and nourishing.
What is the role of a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants are trained professionals who have received a proper certification in lactation support and breastfeeding education. They have a profound knowledge of the process, techniques, and common challenges faced during breastfeeding.
The primary responsibilities of a lactation consultant include:
- Assisting with nursing initiation: Lactation consultants help new mothers establish proper positioning and teach them the correct latch to ensure effective breastfeeding.
- Assessing nursing techniques: For mothers that are having trouble, they observe feeding to evaluate the latch and positioning to identify the problem and provide solutions accordingly.
- Providing education and information: They help educate mothers about the benefits of nursing, why exclusive nursing can be preferable, and how to proceed to weaning when the time comes.
- Addressing nursing challenges: They can offer solutions to common nursing challenges, such as sore or cracked nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, and mastitis.
- Supporting nursing with special circumstances: Mothers of premature infants, multiples (twins or more), and babies with special medical needs may face unique challenges in establishing feeding. Lactation experts assist in such cases.
- Assisting with pumping and milk storage: Lactation consultants can help teach mothers how to use breast pumps and store breast milk properly.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals: Lactation consultants may work alongside doctors, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare providers if needed, to ensure comprehensive care for both the mother and baby.
- Conducting breastfeeding classes: Some lactation consultants may lead group sessions or classes to educate expectant parents about breastfeeding before their baby’s arrival.
What happens at a lactation consultation?
During a lactation consultation, a lactation consultant will weigh your baby to ensure the weight loss or gain is appropriate for their age. They may conduct a breastfeeding session together to assess your technique. They can then provide guidance that might be helpful for the mother.
After the session, they weigh the baby again and compare the before and after weights. The difference between the two weights tells us how much milk the baby got, and whether that’s appropriate for the baby’s age.
This process can help reassure parents about their baby’s milk intake and their technique.
What is the difference between a lactation nurse and a lactation consultant?
A lactation nurse is a registered nurse with extra training in nursing support. They have a background in general nursing and may have had prior experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices.
While their primary role is to provide lactation support and education, they may also be involved in other aspects of care for the mother.
A lactation consultant is a specialized professional dedicated to helping mothers with breastfeeding challenges and education. In comparison, lactation nurses have broader responsibilities in patient care, while lactation consultants focus exclusively on lactation management.
You should see a lactation consultant if you are having any problems breastfeeding, such as:
- Difficulty getting your baby to latch on
- Pain while nursing
- Not producing enough milk
- Your baby is not gaining weight well
You can also see a lactation consultant for help with:
- Positioning and attachment
- Milk supply
- Weaning
- Expressing milk
- Nursing twins or more
Lactation consultants are an excellent resource for new and experienced mothers alike. They can provide support, education, and guidance to help you have a successful nursing experience.