What to Look For When Choosing A Breastfeeding Consultant
When choosing a breastfeeding consultant, there are many things to consider. You can’t just go to anyone and expect them to be able to support you and your baby.
Consultants must be well-trained in their field and have experience working with new mothers. In addition, they should be friendly, patient, and knowledgeable about breastfeeding. So, what should you look for in a breastfeeding consultant? Here are some of the most critical factors.
Ask your hospital or clinic if they have a breastfeeding program.
Before you go ahead and hire a consultant, it’s always a good idea to find out if the hospital or clinic you’re planning on giving birth at has a breastfeeding program. This will help you gain more knowledge about breastfeeding, but you’ll also have a nurse or midwife available to answer any questions that you may have.
When you have a consultant, you don’t want them distracting you or taking away your attention from breastfeeding. A breastfeeding program will give you the extra support you need and make breastfeeding easy.
Make sure the consultant is certified.
Most hospitals and clinics will have a breastfeeding program, but double-checking is always good. You can usually find this information on the hospital’s website or by calling the admissions office.
If they have a program, it would also be a good idea to ask the consultant if they are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
This certification is required for all breastfeeding consultants to help mothers with breastfeeding issues. Certified breastfeeding consultants are more likely to be able to provide the best, most reliable support.
Ask about their experience and training.
A good breastfeeding consultant will be able to tell you about their experience and training. You want someone experienced and knowledgeable about breastfeeding, so ask about this.
Ideally, you want someone who has been working as a consultant for at least a few years. This is important because breastfeeding can be an evolving experience. As your baby’s needs change, so will your needs as a mother, and you want a consultant who can adapt and help support you with this.
You also want someone who has trained how to work with new mothers and provide breastfeeding support. If a consultant takes training, it is a sign that they are committed to providing the best breastfeeding support possible.
Get feedback From Other Moms.
Another way to make sure you choose the best consultant for your needs is to ask for other moms’ feedback. Talk to other moms in your area who used the same consultant and see what kind of feedback they have. Then, ask which consultant they used, and compare notes. This will help you choose the best consultant for your needs.
Once you have done your research and chosen a consultant, it’s time to start making your breastfeeding plan. Making a plan will help you get the most out of your breastfeeding relationship, whether with your partner or a family member.
Follow up with your consultant after you have your baby. This is important as you may need help with breastfeeding issues that you didn’t think about when you first had your baby.
