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7 Benefits of Hiring a
Professional Lactation Consultant - by Kristi Patrice Carter
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A lactation consultant is an
experienced professional that is specially trained to assist
breastfeeding mothers. She may or may not be certified and
will likely have varying experience working with mothers and
their infants. In addition, their training will vary
significantly. For instance, some Lactation Consultants are
also Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, and have successfully
completed nurse training. |
Whereas some Lactation Consultants are certified IBCLCs
(International Board Certified Lactation Consultants), who
have completed course work, clinical practice hours, and
passed an exam that covers breastfeeding, milk production,
management of breastfeeding complications, etc. Unlike a nurse
or physician, the IBCLC designation does not mean that they
have a certain amount of experience; it just means that they
have passed their exam and have been certified.
That said, if you’re a new or experienced mother that is
looking for support from a professionally trained person, then
a Lactation Consultant is the way to go. Here are 7 Benefits
of hiring your very own Lactation Consultant:
1. Your lactation consultant can help you with your
breastfeeding concerns, which can include breast infections
and clogged ducts, offer treatment suggestions, address milk
production issues, etc.
2. She can answer all of your breastfeeding questions. Just
consider her your real live breastfeeding guide.
3. She can show you proper positioning or “latch on”
techniques that can eliminate any physical discomfort.
4. She can help you diagnose signs of a breast infection and
offer recommendations. For instance, if you have any redness
or pain and/or have flu-like symptoms, she may conclude you
have mastitis and give you a regime of warm compress, rest,
more frequent breastfeeding, pain medication, etc.
5. She can provide general information about breastfeeding, as
well as how to successfully wean baby when you’re ready.
6. She can help you recognize signs that your baby is
“rooting” or ready to feed so that you can respond to baby’s
hunger cues.
7. Your lactation consultant can help you increase your milk
supply by suggesting you breastfeed more frequently, eliminate
all pacifiers, or recommend holistic remedies like Milk
Thistle, Fenugreek or other Galactogogues in order to increase
your milk supply.
In conclusion, a professional lactation consultant can be your
key to successful breastfeeding. By hiring the right person
and following her advice, you can receive the support you need
and handle any breastfeeding issues with strength, knowledge
and confidence.
Kristi Patrice Carter is a proud mother and professional
author. She created http://www.breastfeedingweaning.com to
provide other mothers with quality information and tips on
breastfeeding and weaning their children. Learn more about
Breast Feeding Weaning
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