What To Expect From A Lactation Consultant

Having a baby for the first time can be a wonderful if somewhat challenging experience. However, what comes after childbirth can be just as demanding. Take, for example, breastfeeding. If you haven’t done it before, you may need some guidance. That’s where the services of a lactation consultant can be helpful.

You may have a lactation consultant visit you in the hospital right after you deliver your baby. You can also find a lactation consultation at a breastfeeding class, and you can even have one meet you at your home.

Keep reading to find out more about what to expect from a lactation consultant and where you can go to find a lactation consultant in Wooster, Ohio.

YOUR FIRST MEETING WITH A LACTATION CONSULTANT

During your first meeting with a lactation consultant, you may be asked a series of questions regarding your pregnancy and birth, your health and that of your baby, and your family’s medical history. Specifically, your consultation may ask about:

• Your baby’s birth weight
• How your baby has been breastfeeding
• How many wet and soiled diapers your baby has each day and what they look like
• Any questions you may have

In addition, the consultant will examine your breasts and nipples and observe your baby breastfeeding to offer any help with positioning if needed. The consultant may also weigh your baby before and after breastfeeding to measure how much your baby ate.

This information allows the lactation consultant to understand you and your baby’s individual needs so she can help you make sure your newborn child is properly nourished and that you bond together. As such, your first visit may take up to 90 minutes.

There’s a lot you can learn from a lactation consultant besides how to breastfeed, such as:

• How to know when your baby wants to nurse
• How to tell when your baby is latched and getting enough milk
• How to maintain an ample supply of milk
• How to avoid problems with breastfeeding
• What to expect during your hospital stay
• How to continue to breastfeed once you return to work or other regular activities
• When and how to start feeding your baby other foods
• Where to call for more help or questions
• How to join a support group in your area

LACTATION CONSULTANT IN WOOSTER, OHIO

At Wooster Community Hospital,we realize how important it is to bond with your newborn soon after birth and how breastfeeding is a critical part of that process. That’s why we have board-certified lactation consultants available to support all your breastfeeding needs.

Our expert lactation consultants help mothers with issues such as failure to latch, sucking abnormalities, returning to work, and more. Our obstetric nurses are also trained in breastfeeding support to help you while you are a patient at the Women’s Pavilion.

We offer a variety of ways for you to access our lactation support services. We have inpatient and outpatient prenatal breastfeeding classes and consultations. Inpatient care is provided during your hospital stay at the Women’s Pavilion, and private outpatient one-on-one breastfeeding consultations can be scheduled at your convenience before or after your baby’s arrival by calling (330) 202-5567.

In addition, we offer virtual visits so that you can reach a lactation consultant day or night, seven days a week. We also encourage to take advantage of Baby Bistro, a free, virtual breastfeeding support group that welcomes all mothers and provides accurate breastfeeding information, education, social and emotional support, and access to lactation consultants at every meeting. For more details, call (330) 202-5548 or follow us at WCHWomensPavilion on social media. We look forward to supporting you and your newborn in this exciting time in your lives!