What does a Lactation consultant do to make the breastfeeding easy:
Breastfeeding is not always instinctive and not always easy at first, but with the right help and support it can be a valuable and enjoyable experience for you and your baby.
If you feel you need added support with breastfeeding in the early weeks, and indeed the early months, Nightingale can offer this service at your own home by our Lactation Consultant home visits.
The most important part of getting breastfeeding right at the start is the baby’s latch. A good latch prevents nipple soreness and ensures that the baby obtains the optimum amount of milk. A lactation consultation can assist by observing a feed and then offering advice to help perfect this.
Benefits of breastfeeding:
Early colostrum rich milk in the first few days after birth is full of protein and carbohydrates for your fast growing new-born. It is also easily digestible, reducing risk of colic.
Importance of breastfeeding:
- Breast milk is the ultimate personalised medicine, supporting growth of healthy bacteria in the baby’s intestines, the seat of their immunity. It helps prevent infection and obesity.
- Breast milk contains the right ingredients for growth in the first few months and no extra water is needed.
- Breastmilk doesn’t need to be prepared and it is at a constant temperature.
- Feeding in the early weeks helps the uterus return to its original size.
- Breastfeeding can enhance the bond between mother and baby.
The coolest thing about breast milk is that it is mother specific. Every woman produces slightly different breast milk, based on her personal biome, hormones and antibodies, but it is always made in exactly the right proportions of nutrients.
Our lactation consultant can help you with:
Nipple care: No specific nipple care is necessary but some women may find it is soothing to apply cream in the early days.
Breast pumps: There is an array of breast pumps available on the market but in the early weeks it is advisable not to use a mechanical pump if circumstances do not separate you and your baby. (i.e., NICU).
Hand expressing in the beginning will help with initial engorgement as the milk arrives, help soften the breast before latching the baby and can assist in avoiding mastitis. The consultation can help you master the technique of hand expression.
Tongue tie: In some instances a baby is born with tongue tie, a condition that can impede feeding and adequate draining of the breast. This can be checked for at your consultation and advice can be given about the simple procedure of releasing it.
Contact us for Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Support!
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Suggested reading :
How can a professional lactation consultant help you
Breastfeeding is the best, most natural way of feeding your baby, providing protection and the right amount of nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Mastitis and Lactation
Answers to the most common questions about Mastitis in lactating women. Q. Is it OK to breastfeed with mastitis? A. Yes, midwives and lactation consultants
10 Breastfeeding Questions Every Midwife Gets Asked
With World Breastfeeding Week coming up on the 1st to 7th August, we asked Nightingale’s Public Health Practitioner Julia Youll about some of the most common questions she gets asked