Lactation consultant benefits new moms
Becoming a new mom can sometimes be an overwhelming experience of exhilarating joy interrupted by first-time mom apprehensions. One new mom experience, breastfeeding, is not always as easy as anticipated. Contrary to popular belief, the experience can become frustrating rather than the cuddly bonding time with your new little one you hoped for. This is when a lactation consultant can be most helpful.
What is a lactation consultant?
Knighton: A lactation consultant is a certified, experienced and trained professional that can help new mothers and their babies avert a breastfeeding crisis. To ensure a high standard of training and expertise, look for the letters IBCLC after the consultant’s name. This means they have been certified by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants.
What questions are the most common for new moms?
Knighton: We help take the mystery out of understanding your baby’s needs. Top questions include sore nipples, infant sucking problems, excessive infant weight loss and delayed onset of the mother's milk supply and most immediately, how do I get started?
Experienced consultants are great resources for questions that perplex a new mom from how to store breast milk safely to how to hold your baby correctly while breastfeeding. Some want to know how long to feed their baby and how to read those nonverbal clues inherent to their child. Not all questions can be easily answered by looking on the internet. A lactation consultant will explain where to start, what to expect and helps troubleshoot situations before they become problems.
Does a lactation consultant prescribe medications?
Knighton: Some uncomfortable situations while breast feeding are alleviated with natural remedies. Tenderness, engorgement of the breasts or clogged ducts are not unusual when breastfeeding. Because caution is needed when prescribing medications that may pass to your baby through breast milk, your lactation consultant can explain some natural remedies that are safe for the baby and provide comfort for the mom. She can be the liaison with your physician for medication recommendations when necessary.
There may be times when specific problems require immediate attention from your lactation consultant such as: latch-on problems which can result in low weight gain, physical or developmental problems and preemies or multiples. Never be hesitant to ask any question of your physician or lactation consultant.
What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding?
Knighton: Though the beginning may be challenging, once it is figured out, breastfeeding is the easiest thing a mom can do for her new baby. The health benefits for both have been well established. For the baby a few of the benefits can include: less likely to spit up or to have allergies; decreases the risk for childhood obesity; and usually fewer ear infections. Reported benefits for moms include a decreased risk for ovarian or breast cancer; hormones released to help the uterus get back to normal faster; reduced post-partum bleeding; increased prolactin hormone for relaxing and a mom favorite-helps lose the pregnancy weight faster.
Why does a Mom need a lactation consultant?
Knighton: Every baby is different so whether it is your first or your third, a lactation consultant is trained and prepared to support moms and assist in the beginning to ensure breastfeeding is done correctly and easily. This is the person you can reach out to with questions and telephone follow-up support. Our goal is for as many women as possible to experience that magical bonding moment.
About the Author
Amy Knighton, RN, IBCLC, has over 50,000 hours of breast feeding direct care and has been assisting Moms for 12 years. Her role at Medical Center of South Arkansas as a lactation consultant includes educating mothers so they reach their personal goals with breastfeeding their new baby. Lactation services also include prenatal breastfeeding classes and inpatient and outpatient consultations. Free breastfeeding classes are held at the Medical Center of South Arkansas Women’s Center on the first Thursday every month. On the third Thursday every other month (next class is September 21), Getting to Know Your Newborn classes are available at the Women’s Center. For details go to theMedCenter.net event calendar or call 870-864-4176.