What do Lactation Consultants do?

What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?

A lactation consultant is a trained professional who specializes in helping parents with breastfeeding. They provide expert support to make feeding your baby easier, more comfortable, and more successful -whether you're nursing, pumping, or combo feeding.

Here’s how they can help:

• Latching issues - If your baby is having trouble latching, a lactation consultant can assess the latch and show you ways to improve it.
• Milk supply concerns - Whether you’re worried about low or oversupply, they can help regulate and increase milk production.
• Painful nursing - They can help you figure out why it hurts and how to fix it.
• Pumping guidance - From choosing a pump to building a stash, they offer personalized pumping advice.
• Feeding plans - They can help you combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding, return to work, or wean when you're ready.
• Postpartum cheerleader - They listen, guide, and offer you the space to validate your concerns and struggles

Lactation consultants work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice, and many also offer virtual visits.

Look for someone with the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) credential -that's the gold standard in lactation care.

In short, a lactation consultant is your partner in navigating the ups and downs of infant feeding. You don’t have to do it alone—support is available.

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