Lactation Consultation

Lactation consultation provides specialized support and guidance for breastfeeding mothers, addressing common challenges and ensuring successful establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding. This service is provided by certified lactation consultants who have extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of lactation, infant feeding behaviors, and problem-solving techniques for breastfeeding difficulties. Lactation support can begin during pregnancy with education and preparation, continue in the immediate postpartum period to establish breastfeeding, and extend throughout the breastfeeding journey to address ongoing concerns.

Common breastfeeding challenges that benefit from lactation consultation include difficulty with infant latch, nipple pain or damage, concerns about milk supply (too little or too much), engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, and infant weight gain issues. Lactation consultants can also provide guidance for mothers returning to work, pumping and milk storage, breastfeeding multiples, nursing premature infants, and managing breastfeeding with maternal medical conditions or medications. Early intervention with professional lactation support can often resolve issues quickly and prevent premature weaning.

The lactation consultation process typically includes a comprehensive assessment of breastfeeding history, observation of a feeding session, evaluation of infant oral anatomy and feeding behavior, assessment of milk transfer and infant weight gain patterns, and development of an individualized plan to address identified issues. Consultants may recommend positioning and latch techniques, suggest pumping strategies, provide education about normal breastfeeding patterns, or coordinate care with other healthcare providers when medical issues are identified.

Benefits of successful breastfeeding are well-documented for both mothers and infants. For infants, breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, immune protection against infections and diseases, reduced risk of allergies and asthma, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. For mothers, breastfeeding offers faster postpartum recovery, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, improved bone health, and enhanced maternal-infant bonding. Our lactation consultation services include both in-person and virtual support options, ensuring that all mothers have access to expert guidance regardless of their location or circumstances. We work collaboratively with pediatric providers to ensure comprehensive care for both mother and baby throughout the breastfeeding experience.