If you are breastfeeding or hoping to breastfeed, accessinglactation support can help you navigate the early stages of nursing, troubleshoot issues, and establish a sustainable routine for your family. Lactation specialists offer techniques to help you meet your feeding goals while prioritizing the health of both parent and child. Working with a qualified professional early on can help you avoid common obstacles and build a foundation for feeding your child. Here is more information about lactation experts and what they can do:
Lactation Experts
An expert in lactation support specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and human lactation. These professionals help families reach their nursing goals by providing education and other support. These experts work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. A lactation specialist can assist with the baby’s latch or provide continual help and advice as nursing needs change.
Some parents seek help to determine if their baby is getting enough milk. A lactation expert evaluates the infant’s weight gain and feeding frequency to help achieve proper growth. They also offer guidance on the typical process of milk production and let-down. Professionals can get a person started with breastfeeding or help them troubleshoot issues that arise months later.
Problems Solved
Lactation specialists address a wide range of physical and mechanical nursing issues. They frequently help parents manage cracked or painful nipples caused by a poor latch. If a parent has inverted, flat, or large nipples, an expert may provide specialized tools and techniques for success. Specialists also answer questions about how to manage the nursing individual’s over-supply or under-supply of milk. For over-supply, they might recommend block feeding and ways to manage engorgement. In the case of low supply, the expert can advise you on your pumping or nursing schedule as well as discuss hydration and nutrition options.
Medical issues related to nursing often require professional intervention. While a specialist can help identify signs of blocked milk ducts, mastitis, or fungal infections, you may need to see your doctor for treatment of some issues. Proper management of these conditions may enable the parent to continue nursing comfortably once the issue is resolved.
Benefits Provided
Working with a lactation expert offers several practical advantages for the nursing parent. Here are some benefits of professional support:
- Specialists may know techniques to encourage infants to latch properly to improve milk transfer.
- Parents find comfortable breastfeeding holds that reduce back and neck strain.
- Families receive evidence-based answers to nursing questions.
Specialists often observe a feeding session to offer real-time advice, and this hands-on approach can help the parent and the baby to position themselves safely and comfortably. The lactation specialist can give advice on holding the baby or using pillows and a stool to help maintain a comfortable position during nursing sessions.
Learn More About Lactation Support
Accessing professional help can positively affect your breastfeeding experience. Lactation experts can help you navigate nursing challenges and meet your nursing goals. To learn more about lactation support and what it can offer you, consult a healthcare provider or a lactation expert.
