FAQ
Once you have booked an appointment I will send you a breastfeeding history form to complete. Feel free to write any notes or questions you might have before the appointment.
During a consultation I will:
- Assess your current feeding schedule, breastfeeding position and latch.
- Assess for any nipple pain, breast problems and milk supply issues.
- Identify any practical issues and provide evidence based techniques.
- Give evidence based advise around pumping, formula feeding and how to use alternative feeding devices if needed.
- Formulate a personalised breastfeeding plan.
- Refer you to another healthcare professional if required.
To find out more please visit my Services page.
Whilst breastfeeding is a natural process it takes time and practise to get the hang of. Make sure you are sitting comfortably and that you are holding your baby close to you, their body should be facing your chest. Position your baby so that their nose is in line with your nipple. Wait for them to open their mouth wide and support them to your breast with their chin leading. They should have a large chunk of your breast tissue in their mouth. If you are unsure about your technique ask for support from a breastfeeding specialist.
In the early weeks many parents are unsure whether breastfeeding is working and whether there baby is getting enough milk; it’s tricky to actually see the quantity of milk a breastfed baby is drinking! There are a few reliable indicators lactation professionals use to assess breastfeeding. Up until about 6 weeks these signs can reassure you that breastfeeding is going smoothly.
You:
•Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.
•Your breasts should feel softer after a feed.
•Your nipple should look the same after a feed (not pinched or flattened).
Baby:
•During a feed their cheeks should stay round and you should hear swallowing.
•They should seem content after a feed.
•By day 4 there should be at least 3 soft, yellow poos a day.
•By day 4 there should be at least 6 wet nappies a day. Urine should be pale and mild smelling.
•They should be gaining weight sufficiently. It’s normal for babies to lose up to around 8% of their birth weight by day 5. They should regain their birth weight between 10-14 days. A weight gain of at least 20-30g a day is normal.
•They are alert and active and meeting developmental milestones
Anyone can call themself a lactation consultant but an International Board Recognised Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a protected credential. An IBCLC is the most highly accredited healthcare professional specialising in lactation.
To attain the IBCLC credential candidates must complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 1,000 hours of practical breastfeeding support. They also are required to have completed certain healthcare courses - therefore many come from a healthcare background ie midwives, paediatric nurses. To maintain their accreditation they must earn their recertification every five years.
IBCLCs work in a variety of settings. Some work in the NHS in the infant feeding hospital teams, some volunteer with breastfeeding charities and some work privately. Most of us do a bit of both!
