What to expect with a visit from Little Loves Lactation

1. Assess Breastfeeding Technique

• Positioning and Latching: We’ll observe how the baby latches onto the breast to ensure it's effective and comfortable for both mother and baby. We may suggest different positions to help improve the latch and reduce any discomfort.

• Feeding Cues: We help you understand your baby’s feeding cues and signs of hunger or satiety.

2. Evaluate Milk Supply

• We assess whether your milk supply is adequate or if there are any concerns about low supply. We might provide guidance on how to increase milk production if needed (e.g., through more frequent feeding, pumping, etc.).

3. Troubleshoot Common Issues

• Engorgement: If your breasts are overly full and uncomfortable, the consultant will advise ways to relieve the pressure and prevent issues like mastitis.

• Sore Nipples: We’ll help with techniques to alleviate nipple pain, cracks, or bleeding, and may suggest treatments or creams to aid healing.

• Cluster Feeding: If your baby is feeding very frequently, we can explain why this is happening and how to manage it.

4. Provide Education and Emotional Support

• We offer guidance on breastfeeding benefits, baby’s growth milestones, and pumping. Lactation consultants also provide emotional support, especially for mothers struggling with breastfeeding challenges, to boost confidence and reduce stress.

5. Offer Help with Pumping and Bottle Feeding

• If you plan to pump or introduce bottle feeding, the consultant can advise you on proper use of pumps, storage guidelines, and how to transition between breastfeeding and bottle feeding without disrupting your milk supply.

6. Monitor Baby's Growth

• We will help track your baby’s weight gain and overall health to make sure that the baby is feeding well and thriving.

7. Provide Resources

• We can offer you additional resources, such as pamphlets or contacts for support groups - all linked on our website, and can also help navigate any breastfeeding-related medical concerns.

8. Help with Special Circumstances

• If you have a medical condition (like flat or inverted nipples, or if your baby was born prematurely), lactation consultants offer specialized advice and strategies to overcome these challenges.

Overall, a lactation consultant provides hands-on, personalized support tailored to your specific situation, helping to ensure a successful and satisfying breastfeeding experience. We work with parents for as long as needed and can help troubleshoot ongoing issues, whether it's after a couple of days, several weeks postpartum, or months into your journey when starting solids or weaning. Remember, breastfeeding is a marathon, not a sprint.

We're here to help you!

Contact Us