Nursing is a beautiful thing. But, it’s also a challenging one. It’s not just the physical changes that you have to adjust to; it’s also the emotional and mental ones too. You will become better at breastfeeding after a few months, but in the meantime, you need help and support from someone who knows what they are doing.
When you hire a lactation consultant for your baby, it’s important that you find someone who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding and can take care of your needs. Here are some things new moms should know when hiring a lactation consultant.
What is a Lactation Consultant?
A lactation consultant is a professional that helps breastfeeding mothers. They help them with the practical aspects of making breastfeeding an easier, more rewarding experience. This can include anything from helping a mom figure out how to get started on breastfeeding, to finding milk banks or support groups for breastfeeding mothers.
What to Look for in Hiring a Lactation Consultant?
1. Find someone with a lot of experience. If you don’t know much about this topic, it is important that your lactation consultant has a lot of experience in the field. They should be certified and have at least five years of experience. See Nest Collaborative certified lactation consultants that are all IBCLC-certified and offer the best evidence-based advice, support, and guidance to help every new mom reach their breastfeeding goals.
2. Find someone who is insured and bonded. You need to find someone who has insurance and bonds so they can work safely with your baby’s health needs.
3. Find someone who is clean and has good hygiene practices. You want to make sure that their hands are clean, they smell nice, their clothing is clean and tidy, and they don’t smoke or vape near your baby.
4. Find someone who uses quality products for healthy breastfeeding when dealing with the baby’s care needs. This includes breast pads, nursing bras for mommies, bottles for feeding, diapers for your baby, etc.
5. Ask if the lactation consultant will work with you on a payment plan or if they are willing to work out an affordable fee based on what you can afford at the time as well as how many sessions you need per week.
How to Communicate with Your Lactation Consultant
Communication is often the key to a successful breastfeeding relationship. It’s important to find a lactation consultant who is comfortable with speaking openly with you and who listens to your needs. In order to communicate effectively, you and your lactation consultant will need to know what makes you comfortable. You might be able to talk about how long it typically takes for you to breastfeed, but do not be afraid of sharing personal details either. Your lactation consultant will have seen more than anyone else in your life, so they should understand that your breastfeeding journey is different from others.