06 Sep First Time Mom? What You Should Know About Hiring a Lactation Consultant
Most first-time moms have so many questions starting the moment that they get pregnant. Being a new mom can be very overwhelming and it is completely natural to have questions about everything from pregnancy cravings to childbirth and changing diapers to nursing. If you are planning on breast feeding, you may also be wondering about lactation consultants.
Here at Continuum Pediatrics, we are always dedicated to helping our new moms be as informed and as educated as possible on all things related to their new journey into breast feeding. And if you have never explored or heard about a lactation consultant before, here are a few things that you should know about the services they can offer.
Why Should You Hire a Lactation Consultant?
Nearly 2/3 of breastfeeding women face some type of difficulty when it comes to breastfeeding, especially in the first few weeks of their baby’s life. Issues can range from sore nipples to issues with the infant sucking or latching. Some mother struggle to maintain a healthy milk supply and some babies can struggle with excessive weight loss.
Breast feeding doesn’t always come easy for mom or baby, and a lactation consultant is professionally trained to help with these challenges so that everyone can stay happy and healthy.
What You Can Learn From a Lactation Consultant
Simply put, a lactation consultant can teach you anything and everything about breast feeding. Some of the most common services you will find with lactation consultants include:
- Teaching moms how to position their baby on the breast
- Tips to help entice babies to find the nipple and latch
- Strategies for mom to help increase milk supply
- Approaches to handling breast infection
- Strategies to get better milk flow
- Finding the right pump
- The best way to maintain feeding schedules
- Developing strategies for preemies or infants with medical conditions
If you have any questions about lactation consultants, breast feeding or any other health question related to your journey into motherhood—contact the experts at Continuum Pediatrics today. We are here to help answer your questions and make sur you and our baby are as healthy and safe as possible. If you would like to make an appointment, give us a call here at 817-617-8600 for your appointment.