What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a health professional who specializes in breastfeeding (chestfeeding). Lactation consultants undergo specialized training and certification to offer support, advice, and guidance to people who choose to breastfeed. Lactation consultants can help with painful nipples, milk supply, breastfeeding positions, and other common nursing problems.
Lactation consultants are usually needed during the first few weeks of your baby's life when they're still learning how to feed from the breast. Lactation consultants can help anyone — first-time parents, surrogate mothers, or parents who've already breastfed several children. You can visit a lactation consultant while you are still pregnant, right after you give birth, or several months into breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision; however, studies show that challenges such as painful nipples and milk supply are factors in a person's choice to stop breastfeeding. A board-certified lactation consultant is trained to work with infants and their parents to solve any feeding challenges they are experiencing and improve a parent's chances of breastfeeding for as long as they choose.
How can a lactation consultant help me?
Breastfeeding can be difficult — both emotionally and physically. Sometimes a lactation consultant's best quality is being a source of emotional support and encouragement. The first few weeks of your baby's life are the most important time for establishing breastfeeding. Your lactation consultant can work with you and your baby to increase your chances of having a long and successful breastfeeding experience.
