Anyone hired a lactation consultant?

[lambjam]

I had a miserable time breast-feeding DS1, experiencing excruciating internal pain and eventually losing my milk after 3 months of expressing and comping with formula. With DS2 I refused to undergo the same torture and wanted to enjoy him in a way I couldn't enjoy DS1, so when it became clear I was going down the same path I only tolerated the pain for a week before switching to formula.

I'm 21 weeks pregnant with #3 and would love to successfully bf this baby. Again, I am not prepared to tolerate that extent of pain, but I have some hope that it may not be necessary if only I find the right help and support.

I don't have the best experiences with the midwives or lactation consultants at the hospital, but was considering hiring a private lactation consultant to discuss and plan things before the birth and then perhaps to provide continuity of care once bub is born. Does anyone have any experience or advise regarding private consultants? I'm in the ACT and have found three through the ALCA website, any advise would be appreciated :goodvibes:

[CrankyAndTired]

Yes I hired a couple of private LCs - they each promote a particular attachment style and I found a really good with one of them. I'm in Sydney but if anyone wants her name, PM me.

It was really wonderful to have her come to my house, provided support just when I needed it.. :yes:

Sorry I couldnt be more help~!!!

[Yummy_Mummy]

i worked one on one with a LC for the first 9 weeks after birth & she was sooo amazing..but sadly once we finally got everything under control we found out DD was LI so we had to stop :(

I could not recommend seeing one enough as they give you the support you need, answer any questions & help with everything :D

I loved mine sooo much as you can tell

[lambjam]

Thanks, that's really encouraging!

Anyone else?

[2girls&1boy]

Hi there,

I had major dramas feeding my DD2. She would not feed no matter what in the hospital so I was syringe feeding her at first & then went to a LC. I have to say it was the worst experience of my life. :(

She asked all the details of my birth etc. & she came to the conclusion that in her words "well the reason your daughter is not feeding is that you were induced & she wasn't ready to be born, why would you do that to her when she wasn't ready" (she was 2 days before her DD as I was told she was big). I left in tears & not even she could get my daughter to attach & we were there for over an hour trying. It was horrible, humiliating & something I would never do again.

having said that I have friends that went to the same LC and swear she is a miracle worker..

[lambjam]

I'm so sorry to hear that 2girls&1boy, what an awful experience for you :(.

I'm sad to say that is my overall impression of midwives and lactation consultants, at least those I encountered in hospital. I remember coming out of hospital and commenting to people that if I ever treated clients with the rudeness, disregard, and general arrogance with which I was treated when if came to breast-feeding... well I wouldn't have kept my job for long! I'm not sure how half of them kept theirs.

It was my hope that if I saw someone outside of the hospital context, they may have better people skills. After all, when you work for yourself surely you care about word of mouth a bit more than someone who is safely employed by the hospital?

[Kittylou]

I saw a private LC just after I got out of hospital with DD and she was lovely. I wasn't having any major issues at that stage but just wanted to make sure I was on top of everything attachment wise because the hospital staff were either rude or just not around.

Unfortunately, when things started to go horribly wrong I was too ashamed to ring her and admit I was having problems. How stupid is that??!! That's what she's there for!! :o

So, anyway, while it's obviously not a success story, I did just want to say that she was 1000 times better and nicer than any of the midwives I encountered in hospital.

[trin_007]

Start looking into what services are available in your area. In Qld, our Child Health Clinics usually run breastfeeding clinics with LCs where you can drop in, feed and get advice, or in some areas they have Day Stay Centres where you can get more intensive support (for a range of issues).

If you think your issue may be with supply, I can definately recommend seeing a naturopath and asking if they can make you a lactation tonic. I had major supply probs with #1, but this time I had a specially prepared tonic (includes things like fenugreek, fennel & a few other things I forget!!) and it was INCREDIBLE.

Also, in regards to "continuity of care", in Qld we have Midfwifery Group Practice where one middie (from a group of four) supports you through out your pregnancy, birth and 6 weeks beyond. I suppose it depends on the individual/group you get assigned to, but I cant say enough about the support I received from mine - particuarly labour & breastfeeding.

HTH:goodvibes:

[zenifa]

The private hospital where I had my babies didn't have LC and all the middies gave me conflicting info and advice on breastfeeding so after 4 weeks of excruciating pain, bleeding, grazing and bruising I did relent and hire a private LC and it was worth every cent.
She came over within 30 mins and immediately sorted out my positioning and attachment issues, gave me lots of encouragement, support and info on bottles/teats and dummies for DD1.

After this visit, I could have free phone consults if needed - but DD1 and I didn't look back and I went on to successfully and painlessly feed her for another 18mths.

I saw the same LC prior to the birth of DD2 to prepare my breasts for breastfeeding and get a refresher on attachment/positioning etc. I also saw her once bubs and I were out of hospital. The best investment I could of made, DD2 is now 20mths old and we are still breastfeeding.

My advice is to utilise ABA and private LC, it is worth it.