How does a new mother know when she needs help with nursing? Where should she turn for breastfeeding assistance? A lactation consultant can quickly provide answers.
You came home from the hospital two days ago. Your baby nursed well while you were there…the nurse said things looked great! But today your nipples are bleeding, and your breasts feel like a couple of small boulders in your too-tight nursing bra. You feel like crying and don’t know what to do.
You probably need to call a lactation consultant. It sounds like you’re experiencing a little more than just normal fullness. A lactation consultant will be able to help you soften your breasts with a hospital-grade breastpump. Then she can look at the damage on your nipple and figure out what caused it. Most nipple damage is a result of either poor latch or poor positioning. However, it could also be caused by the baby’s disorganized suck. When she evaluates your baby’s suck, she’ll be able to tell right away if there is a problem. Better yet, she’ll be able to teach you how to train your baby to suck correctly!
Do You Really Need a Lactation Consultant?
So how do you know if you really need a lactation consultant? Ask yourself the following questions as you make that decision:
- Is breastfeeding painful, or are your nipples getting cracked? Are they bleeding?
- Are your breasts so painfully engorged that you can't get your baby to latch on?
- Are you worried that you baby isn't getting enough milk because he doesn't seem content after feeding?
- Is your one week old baby having fewer than 6 wet diapers and 4 poopy diapers in 24 hours?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, then you need to see a breastfeeding professional.
The ideal time for a lactation consultant to come to your home is the fourth or fifth day of your baby’s life…right when your milk is coming in. A baby who nurses like a champ in the hospital may suddenly struggle to nurse on a full breast. If you can find a lactation consultant who offers home visits, it is worth every penny! She will be able to observe you in your own environment and offer positioning suggestions based on where you regularly nurse. If you’re engorged, you can take a hot shower, and she will be there when you finish to help your baby latch on.
How Can You Find a Lactation Consultant
You can call your local hospital to find out if they offer breastfeeding support services. You can also look for a lactation consultant by typing in your zip code. You will get a list of local IBCLC’s with contact information. When you make that call, you are taking the first step toward breastfeeding success! So if in doubt, just pick up the phone…you’ll be glad you did!
