If you plan on a hospital birth, a lactation consultant should be there to guide you. Sometimes you may still need help once you have arrived back home. Your hospital may not have a lactation consultant on call during your stay or have one whatsoever. There are plenty of other ways to find a lactation consultant.

What is a lactation consultant?

A lactation consultant is a trained professional with education and experience that can help you learn how to properly position your baby on the breast, what breastfeeding position to sit in, and give you medical and breastfeeding advice when needed.

When should I reach out to a lactation consultant?

You should reach out to a lactation consultant whenever your mom gut says to.

• your latch doesn’t feel right
• it hurts to breastfeed whether small pain or curling toes pain
• you have severe pain and a fever
• you think there may be an issue with lip or tongue tie
• your baby is not having enough pee and poop diapers
• you think you may need assistance with breast shields
• your pump doesn’t seem to be working properly

literally anything you need help with in breastfeeding, reach out to a lactation consultant. NEVER EVER FEEL SILLY for any questions you may have. These men and women have been training to help you. They have either been through this themselves or have seen a real need in helping women in their breastfeeding journeys.

If you would feel more comfortable with a breastfeeding counselor, reach out to me at hello@whipthenip.com.