Indications for Lactation Consultation Visit:

There are many short term reasons why it may be necessary to see a lactation consultant. Sometimes a visit before the baby is born can be very helpful and sometimes a problem arises only after the baby is here. I believe that every baby and mother "fit" together. Yet, at times you may not feel that way at all! Observing a breastfeeding session is enormously helpful to identifying and helping to alleviate what is causing this "fit" not to happen easily.

Lactation Visits are recommended for the following indications:

Potential Problems with MOTHER: 
- flat nipples and latch on is difficult or latch is difficult for any reason  
- cracked, bleeding or sore nipples
- engorged or painful breasts 
- experiencing a delay in milk production    
- returning to work
- scheduled for surgery shortly after delivery
- mother is anxious about breastfeeding or needs reassurance
- mother feels she does not have "enough" milk

Potential Problems with BABY:
- baby spends a lot of time fussing at the breast or cries excessively
- baby falls asleep at the breast without a continuous suck/swallow for 10-20 minutes      
- greater than 10% loss of birth weight
- slow weight gain
- low output of wet or dirty diapers
- baby has health issues
- baby has a cleft lip or palate
- baby was born prematurely
- baby seems always hungry and doesn't settle or sleep well after feeding