By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation Consultant, Infant & Paediatric Nutritionist, Baby Sleep Consultant)
Breastfeeding is a perfectly natural function and women have been doing it for all of human history. So why would anyone need help with such a natural biological function?
Unfortunately, modern, Western life has not been very conducive to breastfeeding. Due to the loss of extended family, most young girls do not see much breastfeeding while growing up. However, human mothers have all the right instincts to feed their baby, and may only need some encouragement to trust those instincts, and a little bit of guidance along the way.
Most women initiate breastfeeding because they understand its importance to their babies and themselves. Sadly, many give up earlier than they planned due to problems such as sore nipples, inadequate milk production, and infant difficulties with breastfeeding. Most of these are either avoidable or manageable when mothers receive the necessary support.
When women receive incorrect or conflicting information, or are discouraged by unsupportive or uninformed health professionals, relatives or friends, it undermines their confidence in their ability to breastfeed successfully. Lactation Consultants help mothers overcome breastfeeding difficulties and thereby increase duration of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant:
- is a specialist in lactation management
- has clinical expertise in and specialized knowledge of lactation
- provides skilled technical management of breastfeeding problems
- has been certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
A Lactation Consultant can help you with
Prenatal counselling
Preventing and managing common difficulties
Latching problems
Inadequate milk supply
Nipple / breast pain
Calming a fussy baby
Expression and storage of breast milk
Strategies for breastfeeding when returning to work
Breastfeeding in challenging situations (breastfeeding multiples, a premature or sick infant, or infants in special medical situations etc.)
Introducing family foods to the breastfed baby
Breastfeeding support
Weighing of babies
Consultations during clinic times
Home visits
I run a Breastfeeding clinic to help moms with these issues. Each consult will be 1hr long and will be R400 and a full assessment including weighing is done as well as checking latch of baby (It can be claim back from Medical Aids). Please inbox for me more info or to make an appointment or contact me on 0824009501.
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