Lactation consultants??

[yeya]

Has anyone used a lactation consultant to aid in getting their bubs to breastfeed successfully??
I am usiong shields and am desperate to get bubs onto the boob naturally.. Any help would be appreciated.. Are they expensive and will it help??

[Pinky McKay]

hi yeya,
I would absolutely recommend having a consultation with a Lactation consultant -of course I am a little biased - but lactation consultants are highly trained to deal with all sorts of difficult issues around breastfeeding - an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the 'gold standard' in qualifications and whomever you consult should be a member of a professional body such as the Australian Association of Lactation consultants (ALCA) so they will be bound by a code of ethics - everyone who is certified has to have spent from thousands of documented hours helping mothers breastfeed ( usually from 4000 to 6000 hours, depending on prior qualifications-= many are midwives/ some are GPs or other health professionals) plus education hours covering a range of breastfeeding related issues -- and to qualify they have to pass an internationally recognised six hour exam which is pretty gruelling. LCs are required to keep their knowledge base updated through continuing education and resitting of the exam so you should get a high standard of help from whoever you consult. The downside of having quality help is of course that you will have to pay -just as you would to see any health professional - you may be able to claim on some health funds. On the plus side, a lactation consultant in private practice can see you in the privacy and convenience of your own home and give you individual attention until you and your baby are happily breastfeeding. Prices vary and you may be able to get into a public clinic at no charge - I notice you live in Melbourne so you could try the Royal Womens Hopsital or the Mercy hospital lactation centres or ask wherever you had your baby. If you live in the city of Darebin, you could get a free visit from a great LC - ask your health nurse for a referral There may be a waiting list at hopsital clinics or you may be limited to how many consultations you are entitled to.

To find a lactation consultant in private practice, check out the website of the Auatralian Association of Lactation consultants under "find a lactation consultant".

It really is worth whatever you have to pay to feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding your baby - and it is a lot less expensive than formula in the longer term!

Pinky