Do Lactation Consultants Really Help?
The decision to breastfeed the baby is often made during pregnancy by almost every mother. They start to do their own research, learn unfamiliar terms like colostrum and engorgement, and take advice from fellow moms and prenatal specialists.
Most moms who have breastfed earlier may tell you that you are going to need help even if you don’t realize it.
Your body will figure out how to start breastfeeding; most moms who’ve experienced it agree that once you master it, your breastfeeding journey is going to be smooth sailing and improve the bonding between you and your baby.
What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?
A lactation consultant is a health professional who supports new moms in their efforts to breastfeed.
They also give prenatal classes to expecting parents. They help you overcome a number of nursing challenges, such as:
They also give prenatal classes to expecting parents. They help you overcome a number of nursing challenges, such as:
- Poor supply of milk
- Struggles in finding the correct nursing position, especially after a C-section surgery
- Baby falling asleep at the breast
- Baby won’t breastfeed
- Long breastfeeding sessions that exhaust you
- Emotional and physical difficulties like postpartum blues
- Pain and discomfort while lactating
Apart from this, they are also helpful with feeding premature babies (some newborns lack the ability to suck, breathe, and swallow) or infants with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Whatever the issue is, your consultant can work on it with you to come up with a possible solution.
When Should I See a Lactation Consultant?
As a matter of fact, many hospitals provide consultation before they discharge a mother.
Although you may not need support right away after your delivery, you will soon have questions or concerns in your mind that the internet cannot answer in simple words.
A lactation consultant comes in handy when you are sleepless, engorged, and can’t handle a crying and hungry baby. Moms can save the contact on standby even before delivery to save time.
However, breastfeeding is a natural practice for both you and your baby. If you keep this in mind, it can help with expectations.
Without support and proper guidance, you can both feel annoyed while breastfeeding.
Well, it doesn’t have to be like this.
Any kind of frustration, confusion, or issue can be resolved by the lactation consultant so that you can just love, kiss, cuddle, and make bonds with your new baby.
Are Lactation Consultations Covered by Insurance or Medisave?
Lactation consultations may or may not be covered by insurance. It all depends on the medical provider you hired. Some insurance companies cover breastfeeding support under maternity or postnatal care, while others don’t. It’s recommended to consult with your insurer to see if you can claim the cost.
In Singapore, Medisave doesn’t pay for lactation consultants, as it only applies to hospitalization, day surgery, and other outpatient treatments. However, some healthcare facilities can offer discounts or packages that include breastfeeding support.
If cost is a concern, visit different hospitals, maternity clinics, or support groups to get affordable or even complimentary consultations.
How Do I Find a Qualified Lactation Consultant in Singapore?
Most of the moms have this query: how can they find a certified consultant in Singapore?
The best place to find is private and public hospitals and maternity clinics, as they have hired a team of lactation consultants. Also, if you gave birth to your child in a hospital, you can ask the staff if they offer it.
Other ways are parenting forums, social media groups, and mom communities. Many moms share their personal experiences as well as recommendations, so you can easily find someone trusted by other moms.
However, a particular lactation consultant may work for one mom but not for another, so it's best to speak to them, ask about their experience, and see if they’re the right fit for you.
Search online directories and websites centered on solely breastfeeding support may also shortlist them.
What are the Costs Involved in Hiring a Lactation Consultant?
The invoices of a lactation consultant depend on many things, like their experience, location, home visits, clinic sessions, and online consultation.
The average cost for a single session can be anywhere between SGD100 and SGD300. Some consultants even charge higher fees for their years of specialized experience. Few offer package deals, which include multiple sessions and follow-ups at a discounted rate.
Our advice to moms is don’t let the fees become a barrier for lactation support. Because the right support can help you confront challenges and improve your and your baby’s feeding experience.
Do Lactation Consultants Provide Home Visits?
Not all, but the majority of lactation consultants provide home visits for new mothers.
After giving birth, it is unsettling for them to leave the house, especially in between the rest days.
During this visit, a lactation consultant will check your breastfeeding method, help with latching, and suggest safe treatments for nipple pain, low milk supply, or an unsettled baby. They can also tell you more about right positioning, pumping, and milk storage in detail to make breastfeeding a snap.
What Qualifications Should I Look for in a Lactation Consultant?
It can be a little tricky to find the best lactation consultant for you. To make it easy for you, we have written down some key qualifications:
- IBCLC Certification: It is the recognized qualification for lactation consultants. IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) experts have finished training, passed an exam, and gained firsthand experience.
- Medical Background: They can be nurses, midwives, or healthcare professionals.
- Practical Experience: Only look for a consultant who has previously worked with mothers and babies. He or she should have actual experience in a medical practice.
- Positive Reviews & Recommendations: Ask other mothers about their approach, success rate, and patient satisfaction.
Can a Lactation Consultant Help With Breastfeeding if I Have Inverted or Flat Nipples?
Yes, they can.
For that, they examine your baby’s latch and counsel you on the right breastfeeding positions. Some holds, for example, the football hold or laid-back nursing, can help babies latch better on inverted or flat nipples.
They also teach some nipple stimulation methods to draw out the nipple. They may advise you to have a breast pump, or roll the nipple between your fingers.
There are many real-life examples of mothers with inverted or flat nipples successfully breastfeeding with the right guidance.
To Come to the Point
Lactation consultants are really helpful. They can make a huge difference in a mother’s breastfeeding experience.
That’s why Lovemère understands the value of their professional expertise and works closely with lactation consultants to develop the best products for mothers who just want to nurse and pump milk for their babies in a friendly way.
At last, if you're really facing some difficulties while nursing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant right away.
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