For thousands of years, women have been breastfeeding their newborns. Though, said and believed, lactation comes naturally to both mother and the baby, that’s not always the case. Sometimes mothers experience breasting problems, such as low milk production or painful nursing. Lactation consultants are health professionals who educate and support moms to tackle such difficulties.
Here are some questions that you must ask from your nursing experts.
How often should you feed your newborn?
It’s the most asked questions by new moms – how many times should they feed their infant? Most moms, especially first-time mums, relate baby’s cry to hunger pranks but that’s not always true. The job of a lactation consultant is to enlighten you with your baby’s hunger needs, and when is the best time to start filling their little tummies.
How to know the baby is correctly latched on?
Most breastfeeding problems have only one solution – the right latching. Not only it eliminates breast pain, that most mothers experience, but it also helps the baby to feed more efficiently. When you believe something isn’t right, it’s always advised to meet the lactation consultants, who demonstrate nursing techniques and give professional advice.
How to be sure that you’re making enough milk?
This is a common concern. Most moms get worried, thinking whether their baby is getting enough to eat or not. Your nursing experts help you determine if your milk production is enough or need upping. Also, they give you production advice, if necessary.
Are there any chances of infection?
Nursing can sometimes generate the risk of thrush and mastitis. Thrush is a medical condition, kind of yeast-like fungus that overgrows in the month of newborns while mothers may develop mastitis, an inflammation that results in redness, swelling, and breast pain. Your lactation consultants help you understand the possible causes, symptoms, precautions, and cures.
Should you wake up the baby for feeding?
Newborns are unpredictable. They may sleep up to three to four hours straight, without asking for a refill in between. Ask your nursing experts if your baby needs meals while he’s asleep. Sometimes, it’s completely fine but when the baby is drowsy, because of residual effects of epidural, for instance, you might have to wake him up to feed.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with thoughts and questions, feel free to connect with Healthy Babies Inc, one of the best lactation consultant services in Chicago!