Have any Questions
Recently Asked Questions
A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional with specialized expertise in breastfeeding and lactation, providing support, education, and guidance to mothers who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. They assist with common challenges such as latching difficulties, milk supply concerns, nipple pain, and infant feeding issues.
While many lactation professionals may offer support after completing a certificate course, only an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) holds a recognized registration number. This certification requires extensive training, clinical experience, and passing a rigorous exam. IBCLCs often work in hospitals, clinics, paediatric offices, and also provide private consultations, with the goal of helping mothers and babies achieve successful and comfortable breastfeeding experiences.
Typically, a consultation lasts around 90 minutes, depending on your needs and concerns.
This depends on your situation. Some issues are resolved with one session, while others may require follow-up consultations.
Yes, if he can! Having your partner involved in your breastfeeding journey can make a world of difference. It’s great for them to understand the process, learn how to support you, and ask any questions they might have.
The class covers a range of topics, including:
- How breastfeeding works
- Proper latch and positioning techniques
- How to know if your baby is getting enough milk
- Milk supply management
- Addressing common breastfeeding problems like nipple pain and engorgement
- Tips for breastfeeding in different environments
There are several things you can do to prepare for breastfeeding before your baby is born. These include attending a breastfeeding class, talking to a lactation consultant, finding a breastfeeding support group, and learning about proper latch and positioning
It is entirely up to you. The World Health Organization recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding before introducing solids. Thereafter, infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
Newborns typically need to breastfeed at least 8-12 times per day. As your baby gets older, you may need to breastfeed on demand. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feed them whenever they are hungry.
There are several signs that your baby is getting enough milk, including producing six to eight wet diapers per day, having regular bowel movements, gaining weight, and appearing content after feedings. Additionally, you may notice that your breasts feel softer and less full after a feeding.
Feed your baby more often – the more you feed, the more you make
Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids
Take lactation consultants help to identify the reason for low milk supply
No, it shouldn’t be. You can certainly feel your baby feeding in the first few days to weeks when you start, but it shouldn’t be painful. If it is painful, your baby’s latch may be incorrect.
Absolutely! It’s the amount of fatty tissue that determines breast size, but the fatty tissue has no correlation with the amount of milk mom can produce and provide for her baby. Small and large breasts produce an equal amount of milk over a 24-hour period.
This really depends on the medication. There are many medications that is consider safe to be taken while breastfeeding. There are also some that are not considered safe at all, though there are alternatives to these medications. Talk to your prescribing doctor and your paediatrician to find a specific answer for you and your medications.
A baby’s tummy cannot hold much milk so your baby will ask to breastfeed often. Night feeds help boost your milk supply and prevent engorged breasts. There’s no set age at which a breastfed baby will stop wanting to feed at night. Each baby is an individual with individual needs. Research suggests that breastfeeding mums get better quality sleep at night than mums who don’t breastfeed, even if they are woken several times.
New mothers may face challenges such as difficulty with latch or positioning, low milk supply, engorgement, nipple pain or sensitivity, mastitis, or a baby who is not gaining weight. Seeking help from a lactation consultant can help address these issues.
Yes, you can breastfeed with inverted nipples. However, it may require some extra patience and support to get your baby to latch properly. A lactation consultant can provide guidance on techniques and tools to help with breastfeeding if you have inverted nipples.
It depends on the type of surgery you have had. Some breast surgeries, such as breast reduction or augmentation, may affect your ability to breastfeed. However, many women who have had breast surgery are still able to breastfeed successfully. A lactation consultant can help you determine your options and develop a breastfeeding plan.
Yes, you can still breastfeed if you have a cold or other illness. In fact, breastfeeding can help protect your baby from getting sick. However, you should take precautions to avoid spreading germs to your baby, such as washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask if necessary.
Yes, it’s okay. The most important thing is that you’re making an informed decision that works best for your family. Formula feeding can also support healthy growth and bonding.
Breastfeeding for any amount of time provides benefits! Three months of breastfeeding will have given your baby important antibodies and nutrients.
Maternal mental health can impact breastfeeding in a variety of ways. For example, postpartum depression or anxiety can cause stress or difficulty bonding with the baby, which can affect milk production. Seeking support and treatment for mental health concerns can help improve the breastfeeding relationship.
A mother should seek professional help if she is experiencing pain or discomfort during breastfeeding, her baby is not gaining weight, or she has concerns about her mental health. It’s important to seek help early to address any issues and prevent them from worsening.
The class is perfect for parents who are undecided or plan to try breastfeeding. It will give you a foundation of knowledge, allowing you to make informed decisions about your feeding journey and explore both breastfeeding and formula-feeding options.
Ensure that the lactation consultant is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Only IBCLCs have completed rigorous training, clinical hours, and passed an exam to earn a registration number, guaranteeing expertise in the field. Other professionals may have done certificate courses, but an IBCLC is the gold standard.
Look for a consultant with experience in addressing your specific concerns. For instance, if you’re dealing with tongue-tie, low milk supply, or preterm baby feeding, find someone who has experience in these areas.
Yes! I offer online consultations, which are just as effective as in-person sessions, allowing you to get expert help from the comfort of your home
Bring any questions or concerns you have, and if possible, plan to breastfeed during the session so I can observe and assist you with real-time feedback.
Breastfeeding classes help you understand the basics, troubleshoot potential issues, and boost your confidence, making the early days of breastfeeding smoother.
Yes, I can provide detailed guidance on pumping techniques, creating a pumping schedule, and how to store breastmilk safely. We can also discuss strategies for maintaining your milk supply while balancing work and breastfeeding.
If your baby is not gaining weight as expected, a lactation consultation can help identify the root cause. This might be due to a poor latch, insufficient milk transfer, or feeding frequency. We’ll work together to develop a plan to improve your baby’s weight gain, ensuring they get the nourishment they need.
Concerns about low milk supply are common, but often, milk supply issues can be resolved with proper guidance. During the consultation, I will assess factors affecting your supply and suggest proven techniques to boost milk production.
Sore and cracked nipples are often a sign of an improper latch or incorrect feeding position. A lactation consultant will observe your baby’s latch and offer techniques to help relieve pain, prevent further damage, and make breastfeeding more comfortable.
If your baby is refusing to breastfeed, this could be due to a variety of factors like nipple confusion, a difficult birth, or even stress. In a lactation consultation, we will explore the possible reasons and provide personalized strategies to gently guide your baby back to the breast.
Yes, if your baby has tongue-tie or other oral dysfunction, a lactation consultant can assess how this affects breastfeeding. I will work on positioning, latch techniques, and other strategies to improve feeding, and if necessary, discuss referrals to specialists for further treatment.
Absolutely! Whether you’re exclusively bottle-feeding or combining it with breastfeeding, I can guide you on proper techniques, pacing, and selecting the right bottle for your baby.
There’s no hard rule! The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least 2 years, but it’s up to you and your baby to decide when it’s time to wean.
Breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months is recommended. After that, continuing breastfeeding alongside solid foods is ideal for as long as you and your baby wish.
If you go 12 hours without breastfeeding or pumping, you might feel engorged, and it could temporarily decrease your milk supply. Regular feeding or pumping helps maintain your supply.
Yes, you can! Pumping is only necessary if you plan to be away from your baby or if you’re trying to increase your milk supply.
You can stop pumping when you decide to wean your baby or when you’re no longer separated from your baby during feedings. It’s entirely up to your situation and breastfeeding goals.
Breastfeeding can be time-consuming and physically demanding, but the emotional and health benefits often outweigh these challenges.
Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing pain, it’s often a sign of an improper latch or another issue, which a lactation consultant can help address.
Your breast will feel softer and lighter after feeding. It’s never truly ’empty,’ but a well-fed baby and a softer breast are good signs that feeding is complete.
Some mothers experience breast engorgement, mood changes, or a dip in hormones when they stop breastfeeding. Gradually weaning can help ease the transition.
Before feeding, try massaging your breast or using warm compresses to help stimulate milk flow. A good latch will naturally allow your baby to nurse effectively.
Yes, the breastfeeding class will equip you with practical strategies to overcome past challenges. We’ll cover solutions for common issues like latch problems, nipple pain, or milk supply concerns, and provide you with personalized guidance to set you up for success this time around.
Ideally, you should book a consultation within the first few days of your baby’s birth if you’re experiencing challenges. Early intervention can help prevent bigger issues and set you up for successful breastfeeding. However, consultations can be helpful at any stage of breastfeeding.
Many insurance providers cover lactation consultations. Check with your provider to confirm.