Lactation Consultants

The science surrounding the topic of breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed your baby is vast [1]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing as part of a weaning diet for at least the first year for the greatest impact on infant and child health. 

However, breastfeeding can be more challenging than many new mothers expect. Asking for help in the first few days after having a baby can also feel very daunting. A Lactation Consultant helps ensure that you and your baby get the best possible breastfeeding outcome. 

The first point of contact for breastfeeding help is often a midwife, health visitor or GP.  However, breastfeeding knowledge and practical skills varies widely amongst these health professionals.  Lactation Consultants, on the other hand, are specialists in infant feeding with particular expertise in breastfeeding support.  They work in private practice, in the NHS or as volunteers. The Lactation Consultant holds an internationally recognised level of professional certification called the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

The IBCLC certification is your assurance that your Lactation Consultant has the specialised knowledge and skills required to support you. All current IBCLCs are listed on an international register. You can check whether your Lactation Consultant is currently on that register by clicking on this link to the professional register and search under their name and ID number. 

[1] Brown A 2016 breastfeeding Uncovered.p.23.  Pinter & Martin.

Lactation Consultants can answer questions, give advice, and help to troubleshoot breastfeeding problems.  The aim is to enable new mothers to breastfeed for as long as they want to whether it be for a few days, a few months or several years.

Your Lactation Consultant can address issues like:

• Milk supply: too little or too much
• Breast pain and sore nipples
• Difficulty latching baby to the breast
• Falling asleep at the breast
• Feeding for very long time periods or feeding very frequently
• Finding a comfortable feeding position especially after a C-section
• Refusal to breastfeed
• Infant weight issues
• Expressing breastmilk
• Engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis
• Emotional aspects of breastfeeding

They can also provide:

• Ante-natal education about getting breastfeeding off to a good start. 
• Support with feeding premature babies whether by breast, bottle or tube, as some preemies need lots of support to develop their coordination to suck, swallow and breathe. 

No matter what challenges you are facing with feeding your baby, your Lactation Consultant can work directly with you to develop an individualised feeding plan.

Either before or during your initial meeting, Ali will ask for information about you and your baby's health, as well as your pregnancy and delivery. She will want to know your baby's birth weight, any changes in weight since then, and your family health history.

Ali will also want to know how the baby has been breastfeeding over the previous few days, how many wet and dirty nappies your baby is having each day, and any specific concerns that you have. After obtaining your written consent, the consultation will usually include: 

• An examination of your baby including of their mouth to assess tongue function 
• An examination of your breasts and nipples
• An assessment of how baby latches onto the breast and whether they are sucking, swallowing, and breathing properly
• An observation of your baby as they breastfeed and adjustments to your breastfeeding position if needed
• Support to help address any particular feeding challenges
• A written feeding plan to follow and a summary of the consultation.