Why see a lactation consultant BEFORE baby is born?
You can request to see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) while you're pregnant, ideally between 30-36 weeks, or if you plan to induce lactation (see "Frequently asked questions" below for definition). Lactation consultants work with families BEFORE baby is born to provide basic breastfeeding education and resolve many breastfeeding challenges, such as:
- First time breastfeeding
- Learning about feeding options
- Planning for unforeseen circumstances (maternal and/or fetal complications)
- Feeding difficulties with previous baby
- Breast concerns such as size, shape, growth
- Flat or inverted nipples
- History or concerns with previous breast surgery such as implants, reduction, lumpectomy and/or nipple piercing
- Proactively prepare for breastfeeding by discussing your individual needs
- Learn about breastfeeding basics and proper latch techniques
- Address potential concerns related to your medical history
- Gain confidence in your ability to breastfeed before baby arrives
- History of anxiety and/or depression
- Induced lactation (see frequently asked questions below)
Why see a lactation consultant AFTER baby is born?
You can request to see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) right after you give birth, or several months into your breastfeeding journey. You may also want to see a lactation consultant if you need assistance with breastfeeding after becoming pregnant again, or if you are interested in relactation (see "Frequently asked questions" below for definition). Lactation consultants work with families AFTER baby is born to provide basic breastfeeding education and resolve many breastfeeding challenges, such as:
- Latching difficulties
- Positioning difficulties
- Nipple and/or breast pain
- Low milk supply (maternal concerns of too little milk)
- Oversupply (maternal concerns of too much milk)
- Slow weight gain and/or no weight gain in infant
- Baby nurses for long periods of time (45+ minutes)
- Forceful letdown
- Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) tongue, lip and/or buccal ties
- Pumping and/or correct flange size
- Pumping and returning to work
- Plugged ducts/mastitis
- Weaning from breastfeeding and/or pumping
- Bottle feeding and/or bottle refusal
- Feeding multiples and/or tandem breastfeeding
- Feeding premature infants
- Feeding special-needs infants
- Relactation