Why hire a Lactation Counselor or Consultant?
There are many reasons to hire a lactation professional. Lactation professionals are not only the hospital staff that help you right after delivering a baby. Some of us like to expand past the hospital to offer our services to moms that may need more than one or two days of support. While the skills learned in the hospital are extremely valuable, they are easy to forget. I know this because not only do I have two children, but I am one of the hospital professionals that help after you delivery your baby! I know the value of both inpatient and out patient lactation services, and here are just a few reasons to hire someone out patient.
#1: Support
First and foremost, your lactation professional can offer you support you did not realize you needed. There is no reason to be on this journey by yourself. Family is a wonderful asset and so is a supportive partner, however, not always do they understand the depths of feeding your infant. Not always do they understand the worries of a new mom. When it feels like everything has fallen to you, having help and reassurance when it comes to feeding your baby is also an asset to you.
#2: Latching/Positioning
Usually, this is regarded as either extremely easy or extremely hard. Thanks to social media, many moms have a false sense of security when it comes to latching. “Well that influencer said its natural so my baby will get it right away.”
Sadly, that is not always the case. Babies are learning just like you are. Yes, they know they are hungry. Yes, they know how to swallow and suck. But did you know those are only reflexes at first? You baby is not doing those things because they know how to eat. They only suck because it is an automatic response to having something in their mouth. That means that baby does not just come out and know all the ways of breastfeeding.
#3: Milk Supply Issues
Lactation professionals can also assist with milk supply issues! Did you accidentally create an oversupply? Are you wondering why your supply dropped after going back to work? Are you trying to produce more but have other health issues that may be hindering that? Are you trying to wean you baby or toddler? All of these things and more fall under supply issues that a lactation professional can help you with.
#4: Do not only help with breastfeeding!
On common misconception is that as a CLC I will only care about breastfeeding, push it on people that do not want to breastfeed even. That is not true in my case! Every lactation professional is entitled to their own opinion, however my main purpose to make sure mom and baby are happy and healthy. That is not just for exclusive breast babies. If you are looking for help with a preemie that just does not take the bottle well, I can help with that. If you are looking for information on formula feeding, I can help with that. If you are thinking of doing both breast and bottle, I can help with that.
My job is to support first! Pushing or trying to sway parents in anyway is not something I will be doing in this practice. I am here to assist and teach in anyway that you may need. Since I am proficient in both breast and bottle feeding, I am more than willing to help with either or both!
