How a Lactation Consultant Can Help You Breastfeed

By Cindy Puppos | June 19, 2023

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According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health. Yet, less than halfof infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed. 

Breastfeeding is a natural process—but that does not mean it is not without challenges. New mothers often must navigate various issues, while being bombarded with conflicting advice (and opinions) from all sides. 

A lactation consultant can provide you with professional, unbiased breastfeeding guidance. They are there to give you the tools and advice you need to navigate this aspect of motherhood with confidence. 

Sit back and keep reading to find out in more detail how a lactation consultant can help. 

What Is a Lactation Consultant Exactly?

As the name suggests, a lactation consultant is an accredited professional who offers breastfeeding consultation sessions. 

The most highly qualified type of lactation consultant is an IBLC. This stands for International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. IBCLs have the highest level of credentials and breastfeeding training. They are also trained in:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Human development
• Psychology
• Nutrition

The purpose of a lactation consultant is to provide new and expecting mothers with all the guidance and support they need around breastfeeding.

A Lactation Consultant Can Allow You to Lay the Ground for Success

Lactation consultants are not just there to give breastfeeding guidance when you are experiencing problems. 

They are also there to help you prepare for breastfeeding. If you are an expecting mother, you might already have a million questions about breastfeeding. 

Should you feed on demand? Is it better to feed before you put a baby down, or afterward? Should you co-sleep to make breastfeeding easier? 

If you are already wondering about these things, chances are you have done some googling and ended up more confused than when you started. 

Everyone's baby and situation are different. What worked for one mother on a forum might not be the best solution for you.

The easiest way to sort through the noise is to book a session with a lactation consultant. They will be able to give you qualified guidance. 

They will also help you physically and mentally prepare for breastfeeding your newborn. Whether you want to learn about breast pump options, involving your partner in baby feeding, or anything else, the lactation consultant can help you pave the way for success. 

They are There to Answer All Your Questions

Unfortunately, babies do not come with manuals or a technical support department!

It is natural to have a lengthy list of questions, especially around breastfeeding. As we said above, a lactation consultant is there to answer any and all questions you have about how to breastfeed. 

They can also offer guidance on general infant nutrition. 

When you book a consultation with an IBLC, the time is yours. Do not be shy to ask those burning questions. 

They Can Help You Find Solutions as Problems Arise

Breastfeeding is one of those things that sounds simple to the uninitiated but can be full of complexities when you are the one doing it. 

If you suddenly run into a problem, a lactation consultant is the place to turn for breastfeeding help. 

Here are some examples of the things a lactation consultant can help you navigate:

• Low milk supply
• Overproduction of milk
• Breastfeeding pain
• Mastitis
• Sore nipples
• Emotional barriers to breastfeeding, such as postpartum depression
• Baby not wanting to feed
• Latching problems
• Baby falling asleep at the breast
• Cluster feeding
• Challenges around finding the right position (particularly common after a cesarian birth)
• Issues with hitting weight milestones
• Weaning
• Milk storage and pumping
• Going back to work while breastfeeding

Besides offering general breastfeeding help, lactation specialists can also assist with feeding premature babies. A certain percentage of premies struggle to suck and swallow. Infants with neurological or physical disabilities can also face feeding challenges. 

Having a Lactation Consultant Can Ease the Stress of New Motherhood

A lot of new moms feel inadequately prepared for the fourth trimester. Along with recovering from labor, you also have to figure out how to care for your newborn. 

Survey results reveal that roughly 90% of new mothers reported negative impacts to their mental health as a result of caring for their baby. And the biggest stress trigger turns out to be breastfeeding. 

To make matters worse, all this happens at a time when society expects you to be floating in maternal bliss. 

Ironically, stress is the number one factor that can affect milk supply—especially in the initial weeks after delivery.

Having a lactation consultant in your corner can ease fourth-trimester stress significantly. Instead of trying to figure out everything on your own and piece together conflicting advice, you can access professional help. 

Your Consultations Are a Judgement-Free Zone

It is a standing joke that the moment you become a parent, the entire world feels qualified to give you advice. Friends, family, and internet forum members might be well-meaning, but they are not professionals. 

Lactation specialists are. 

Besides the fact that you are getting qualified advice, another significant difference between consulting with an IBLC and speaking with a family member or friend is that it's a judgment-free situation.

You are dealing with a professional whose sole aim is to help you navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and make sure your baby has adequate nutrition. If you need to return to work, they can help you devise a solution. Whether it is through pumping, formula, or a mixture of the two. 

Or maybe breastfeeding is negatively impacting you to the point where you want to start weaning? A lactation consultant's job is to consider both your well-being and your baby's. They understand that it is not a matter of "selfishness" or "laziness".

The survey we cited earlier showed that 46% of new moms have lied about their feeding choices for fear of being judged. 

New moms face pressure from all corners. Your breastfeeding choices deserve professional support, not hit-and-miss advice, or criticism. 

Are You Looking for a Lactation Consultant?

A lactation consultant is there to give you professional help with breastfeeding, answer all your questions, and support you each step of the way. 

Are you thinking of booking a session with a lactation consultant but are worried about the cost? Many women qualify for 100% covered lactation consultations via their medical insurance. 

Here at 1 Natural Way, we offer online sessions with experienced and compassionate lactation consultants. Our consultants are all board-certified IBCLs and committed to helping you meet your breastfeeding goals. 

See if you qualify through insurance here, set up an account, or call (888) 977-2229 to get started. 

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