Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Lactation Consultant?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a professional level of qualification in breastfeeding assistance. They offer help and support throughout the breastfeeding journey.
How Can a Lactation Consultant Help?
A lactation consultant offers the benefit of their clinical experience to breastfeeding families by providing information and support to help prevent and manage common concerns during both the antenatal and postnatal periods. They help with:
- Prenatal Counselling about the Factors That May Affect Breastfeeding Lactation
- Practices That Promote Successful Breastfeeding and Lactation Such as Position and Attachment
- Managing Common Concerns Such as Low Milk Supply, Poor Latch, Nipple or Breast Discomfort, or Fussy/Colicky Baby
- Expressing and Storage of Breast Milk And Colostrum Harvesting
- Strategies for Continuing Breastfeeding When Returning to Work
- Breastfeeding Challenges Such as Premature Babies, Twins or Triplets, or Infants with Special Requirements
Is Breastfeeding Easy?
While breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill which requires practice and usually gets easier with time. While many mothers do breastfeed, it may be challenging for some. Remember, support is always available.
Will I Have Enough Milk for My Baby?
Most mothers have enough breast milk to feed their babies for as long as they wish. The recommendation is to exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months and up to 2 years and beyond alongside other foods.
Why Is Responsive Feeding So Important?
For the baby: Responsive feeding is important because a newborn baby’s stomach is only the size of a walnut; they need to feed little and often. Ideally, you should respond to your baby’s cues, letting them feed when they need to will ensure they are content by letting them get the milk when they
For the mother: You may wish to offer your breast when they feel full, or you just want to sit down and relax with your baby. You can fit feeds around your everyday lifestyle.
How Often Does My Baby Need to Breastfeed?
All mums and babies are different but as a guide, your baby should feed at least 8 times in 24 hours during the first couple of months. You cannot overfeed a breast-fed baby and you cannot spoil them by allowing free access to the breast.
Should I Offer Both Breasts?
Yes, once your baby has finished the first breast, you should wind, change the nappy, and offer the second side. However, they won’t always want the second side.
Expressing Breast Milk
This can be done by hand or pump. Expressing your milk by hand is a very useful skill in the early days. It may take a bit of time to master the technique, but you will find it very helpful if your baby isn’t feeding or latching, or if you become sore or engorged. It can also be a good way to stimulate your milk production.
How to Bottle Feed a Breast-Fed Baby
You may wish to introduce a bottle OR your baby may require a bottle of expressed breast milk or formula in addition to breastfeeding. Where this is the case, the method used is known as ‘paced bottle feeding’. This allows the infant to control the flow of the milk.
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Any Other Questions?
If you have any other questions for an experienced lactation consultant, I’m happy to help.