The breastfeeding journey is a wonderful experience for new mothers and their babies. But the journey is not always easy and sometimes babies struggle to nurse, leaving mothers overwhelmed and concerned. When problems arise, a lactation consultation might just be the key to fixing the problem. At Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville (PAL) in Lawrenceville, GA, our team of providers and our in-house lactation consultant are here to help you overcome your breastfeeding struggles.
What Is a Lactation Consultant
A lactation consultant is a trained medical practitioner that specializes in breastfeeding. They provide education, guidance, and support to mothers and their babies to establish a healthy and pleasant experience for both. Many new mothers find relief from a lactation consultation, as they are learning how to feed their babies for the first time. However, veteran mothers also benefit from guidance because every child is different and may have different needs or struggles than their siblings. Lactation consultations are often scheduled in the first few weeks of the baby’s life but may be scheduled at any time throughout the nursing span. Many new mothers find it beneficial to schedule a visit before their baby is born to be educated in the process and ask any anticipatory questions they may have. At Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville (PAL), we make it convenient to find support by having an in-house lactation consultant on staff, ready to assist our patients.
Issues Addressed During a Lactation Consultation
There are many reasons why a mother should consider scheduling a lactation consultation aside from being educated. Some common breastfeeding struggles that a consultant can help with include:
- Painful nursing
- Latch issues
- Sore, cracked, bleeding nipples
- Supply issues--both over-supply and under-supply
- Nursing positions
- Clogged ducts
- Mastitis
What To Expect During an Appointment
During a lactation consultation, the consultant will observe the nursing process and identify any issues they see. They may also identify any other problems that could be hindering the process, such as tongue-tie or poor sucking. This is the time to ask any questions you may have and get hands-on help. Lactation consultants may also provide the emotional support that a mother needs. Breastfeeding is not always easy or enjoyable, but with proper guidance and support, feeding your baby can be.
Every mother, whether new or experienced, can benefit from assistance from a lactation consultant. At Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville (PAL), GA, Dr. Anu Sheth, Dr. Christian Messick, Dr. Annie Hoang, and Dr. Anna Lawson strive to help mothers and their babies have a peaceful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience and are ready to provide support and education they need in order to do so. If you would like to learn more or want to schedule an appointment, please call (770) 277-6725.
