Tips for Choosing a Lactation Consultant

by Sophie Cosic

There is nothing more exciting or overwhelming than becoming a parent for the first time. What if there was someone who could help to take some of the guesswork out of being a new mother and answer all of your breastfeeding questions?

This article is designed to help answer those important questions by helping you to find the right Lactation Consultant for your growing family.

One of the first decisions a new Mom makes is whether to breastfeed her baby or not. Many mothers have found breastfeeding to be a wonderful way of deepening the bond they have with their child. It can also provide vital health benefits for both mother and baby, and is especially useful in aiding the undeveloped immune system of a newborn. If you do make the decision to breastfeed, what happens next?

After the birth, most hospitals will provide you with advice from a qualified Nurse or Midwife, to help you begin breastfeeding your baby. However, many new Moms often find that breastfeeding can be difficult to master in those early days at home. This is where a lactation expert can prove invaluable.

One way of finding a reputable Lactation Consultant is to contact your Obstetrician or Midwife.  They should be able to refer a highly experienced Consultant to you. Another would be to consider asking one of your local Hospital’s Nursery staff as it is more than likely they will know of someone who can help.

The Internet is also a very useful place to do your research.  There are a wide variety of Websites designed to help new mothers find that special person to answer all their questions.

Once you have found the right Lactation Consultant for your needs, you will need to decide which questions you should ask.  Here are some examples;

• How long has the Lactation Consultant been in practice?
• Do they have the right credentials?
• Do they have good references from other Parents?
• Do they provide one-on-one care?
• How long will you spend with your Lactation Consultant?
• What are the financial costs?
• Will there be opportunities to meet other new Moms?

You may also want to find out their views on issues such as working mothers and Day Care.  As their opinions on these matters may affect how closely you will be able to work together.

Remember that your Lactation Consultant is there to help you and your baby get closer and nothing should get in the way of your growing bond. A Lactation Consultant is usually considered to be the very best in her field with many years of experience in dealing with all aspects of breastfeeding. The most important thing is to feel at ease with your Consultant, so she can help to provide the best start in life for you and your new baby.