Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, but breastfeeding can present a challenge for many women. Lactation consultants, members of Meritus Medical Center’s maternal-child health team, visit all mothers who express interest in breastfeeding while in the hospital. They often transition moms from “this is too hard” to “I can do this.”
Lactation consultants are typically registered nurses, midwives or physicians who are trained in breastfeeding management and care. Most of the Meritus Medical Center lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and pass a rigorous examination that allows them to promote breastfeeding and help mothers prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.
What do lactation consultants do?
During hospitalization, lactation consultants can observe the baby while breastfeeding and adjust positioning, examine the mother’s breasts and nipples and determine whether the baby is latching on correctly.
They can also educate mothers and family members on the benefits of breastfeeding and its challenges, offer tips to overcome these challenges and instruct mom on building and maintaining a strong milk supply. Lactation consultants provide guidance on pumping and how to continue to breast-feed after returning to work.
Meritus Medical Center’s lactation consultants also see moms or babies who are readmitted to the hospital and help them smoothly transition back to breastfeeding after separation during hospitalization. They can also provide information on breastfeeding and the compatibility of certain medications or medical treatments.
When to seek breastfeeding help
The worst time to teach breastfeeding is after the baby is born and when mom is tired and overwhelmed. Meritus Health offers free monthly breastfeeding support classes. New moms are encouraged to sign up for class one month prior to giving birth. After completing a breastfeeding class, a nursing mother and lactation consultant can then focus on problem-solving versus teaching during hospitalization.
breastfeeding support system
Husbands and relatives can support a mother’s choice to breast-feed by cooking meals, holding the baby during mom’s naps, cleaning pump equipment and performing other household chores. To help dads understand the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, lactation consultants recommend that dads attend the breastfeeding class too.
Lactation consultants acknowledge that the first two weeks of breastfeeding are challenging. Many moms face sleep deprivation, sore breasts and concern whether their baby is latching on and getting enough milk. But after several weeks, breastfeeding gets easier and the experience becomes rewarding.
“breastfeeding not only makes the baby healthier overall, it really increases infant-mother bonding,” says Nelson Echebiri, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist with Meritus Medical Group’s Women’s Health Center at Robinwood.
The family birthing center at Meritus Medical Center offers single-room maternity care for expectant mothers. A team of obstetricians, neonatologists, specially trained nurses, midwives and lactation consultants make labor, delivery and postpartum a memorable and successful experience.