We know that breastfeeding makes a huge difference for your baby and you, but sometimes breastfeeding isn’t always easy. For example, your milk may not come in quickly, or you may be having latching issues with your baby. Unfortunately, these are all common problems that can stop even the most determined mother from continuing to breastfeed.
Here are the reasons why you need a lactation consultant.
Latch Problems
One of the most common problems moms have with breastfeeding is a bad latch. If your baby’s mouth is too wide, your nipple is pointed the wrong way, or the baby has a tongue-tie, it can make breastfeeding difficult. These are all common issues that should be addressed by a lactation consultant at an early stage to ensure that they don’t worsen over time and make breastfeeding more difficult. You can also hire a lactation specialist before the baby has even arrived to help prepare you and give you peace of mind!
Low Milk Supply
If you’ve been breastfeeding for a few days and your baby is still hungry and not gaining weight, your milk supply might be low. It can take a few days for your body to get into breastfeeding mode and produce enough milk. If you have a low milk supply, it may help pump after breastfeeding to see if that will stimulate your body for more milk production. You could also eat smaller meals so that your body has an easier time producing the hormones needed for lactation.
You’re Tired of Nursing
Breastfeeding is a commitment, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself feeling exhausted after a long day. And while the benefits of breastfeeding are huge, it can be tough to do while multitasking.
You could easily get frustrated with breastfeeding and stop right away when you’re tired. But that doesn’t mean you should give up! What you can do instead is get help from a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants specialize in helping mothers overcome any challenges with breastfeeding. They’ll also show you how to position your baby, so they latch on better and stimulate your milk production if your milk supply isn’t coming in as fast as you would like.
You’re Experiencing Breast Pain or Discomfort
If the pain is too much or becomes unbearable and makes you want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to get help. Breastfeeding problems that make your experience painful can be fixed by a lactation consultant who will advise how to fix the problem.
Your baby is not gaining enough weight.
If you find that your baby is not gaining enough weight, you might need to find another solution for feeding your baby. You can’t just expect breast milk alone to do the trick. Talk with a lactation consultant about how much formula you should be giving your baby and when and how often. A lactation consultant can help assess what’s going on and make recommendations to help.
When you’re breastfeeding—particularly if you’re exclusively breastfeeding—you’ll want to ensure that you get all the support and help you need. And while a lactation consultant can’t take the place of a doctor, they can offer the guidance and encouragement you need to get breastfeeding off to the right start.
