They say it takes a village to raise a child – and we couldn’t agree more. There’s a lot that new mothers feel like they need to carry. But the good news is you don’t have to go through motherhood alone, including when you’re breastfeeding.
Lactation consultants are certified healthcare professionals who can assist mothers who are having difficulty with breastfeeding. Their sole job is to support you in reaching your breastfeeding goals.
If you haven’t considered working with a breastfeeding specialist before, here are several benefits of working with a lactation consultant that may change your mind.
- They Offer A Wealth Of Information
When it comes to breastfeeding, you’re inevitably going to have questions. Even if it’s your second, third, or fourth child, you may still be unsure how multiple pregnancies impact your ability to breastfeed.
Lactation consultants are always a great place to start when searching for answers. The Lactation Network, for instance, is a great resource for new mothers. TLN works with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth appointments with an IBCLC so you can address feeding challenges and make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
- They Want You To Succeed At Your Goals
One of the main reasons why many people work with a lactation consultant is because they’re looking for support. This comes in both the physical part of breastfeeding as well as the mental and emotional.
Lactation consultants are there to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals and they want you to succeed. They believe that each woman should be well supported throughout their journey.
- They Offer Holistic Approaches First
A great benefit to working with a lactation specialist is that they focus on holistic remedies first. They always opt for handling issues like clogged ducts, tender breasts, or other discomforts with a natural approach before anything medical.
The need for medication can potentially inhibit your breastfeeding experience as some medicines can not be taken while breastfeeding. Holistic approaches instead provide you and your child with the safest solutions to your problems.
- They Know The Best Techniques
Breastfeeding isn’t always the most fun activity. While it produces an incredible bond between the child and mother, some difficulties can take place that can sometimes make it less enjoyable.
Lactation consultants are filled with some of the most helpful breastfeeding tips. They can easily help provide insightful tactics to address anything from minor issues such as best positioning to more difficult issues like pain or discomfort.
- They Help With Milk Production
Breastfeeding isn’t just about handling the discomfort or getting your child to latch. Many other factors can greatly impact your milk production. This is where a lactation consultant can help.
IBCLCs can assess your lifestyle and see what might be causing issues. Things like your diet as well as any supplements or medications you might be taking could be having a negative effect on your hormone levels.
These professionals know lots of helpful advice that can help to promote healthy milk production as you work on breastfeeding your child.
- They’re Always Incredibly Patient
It’s easy to lose patience when you’re first starting to breastfeed. Your body has gone through a rigorous birth.
You’re having to heal and rest while taking care of a newborn that doesn’t want to sleep. The stress can take a toll, making patience the last thing on your mind. But with a lactation consultant, all they have is patience.
Their job is to help make breastfeeding easier for you and they know it can take some time. So if you’re looking for someone to guide you without pressure, a lactation consultant is the person you’ll want to contact.
Conclusion
You don’t have to wait until you’ve given birth to start working with a lactation consultant. If anything, it’s recommended that you find someone you want to work with well before the baby is born.
This way, you can build a relationship with an IBCLC and start asking questions early on. Once your baby is born, they’ll be able to come in with an open mind and heart to begin supporting both you and your child.
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