What is a Lactation Consultant and do I need one?
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding or have questions about your baby’s feeding, you might be wondering who to turn to for support. Whether you’re caring for an unsettled baby, navigating feeding challenges with a newborn, need help with pumping and milk supply, have questions about combination or bottle feeding, or you’re simply feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure a lactation consultant can be an invaluable source of support, information and reassurance. A baby who is supported to feed well is normally more settled and breastfeeding is usually pain-free.
In this post, I’ll explain what a lactation consultant does, the kinds of issues they can help with, and how to know if working with one might be right for you.
A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who specialises in supporting infant feeding, not just breastfeeding. They are trained to help parents overcome feeding difficulties, provide evidence-based advice, and support feeding in a way that works best for both parent and baby. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) is an internationally recognised qualification in breastfeeding support.
As breastfeeding is considered to be “natural” we automatically think it is going to come “naturally”, that is to say easily. But it can be totally overwhelming in the beginning, like most things it is a learned skill and can take time and support to get right. Both you and baby are learning together. On top of that you are recovering from the birth, and in some cases surgery. I believe every new mother deserves skilled support to feed their baby in which ever way they wish to.
What Can a Lactation Consultant Help With?
Lactation consultants can help with a wide range of feeding challenges, including:
1) Breastfeeding Support
- Sore nipples
- Breastfeeding positions
- Baby not latching
- How to increase milk supply
- Low weight gain babies
- Concerns about milk supply (low supply or oversupply)
- Frequent feeding or unsettled behaviour at the breast
- Breastfeeding after a caesarean birth
- Breastfeeding twins
- Advice on expressing and storing breast milk
- Breastfeeding strike
- Oversupply
2) Bottle Feeding Support
- Managing breastfeeding and formula (combi-feeding)
- Bottle feeding
- Choosing the right bottle teat
- Combination feeding (mixing breastfeeding and bottle feeding)
- Breast to bottle transition
- Bottle refusal
3) Infant Behaviour & Feeding Concerns
- Fussiness at the breast or during feeds
- Short or very long feeding sessions
- Feeding to often
- Green, frothy, or mucousy poo
- Slow weight gain or concerns about baby’s growth
- Reflux
4) Complex Situations
- Tongue-tie feeding issues
- Premature babies or babies with additional needs
- Breastfeeding with medical conditions or medications
5) Emotional Support & Confidence
Feeding isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. Many new parents feel overwhelmed, worried, or unsure. A lactation consultant offers a calm, supportive space to explore your concerns, boost your confidence, and help you feel more connected to your baby.
Do I Need a Lactation Consultant?
If you’re experiencing pain, worry, or confusion about feeding, a lactation consultant can help you understand what’s going on and support you to make feeding feel more manageable. You don’t need to wait until you have a big problem, early support can make a big difference.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant
You can find a lactation consultant through private practice or some NHS services. Look for someone who is IBCLC or a healthcare professional with additional specialist training.
I offer in-home and online lactation support for families in across central and south west London including including: Balham, Battersea, Clapham, Clapham Junction, Collier’s Wood, Earlsfield, Fulham, Hampton, Kingston, Mitcham, Morden, Motspur Park, New Malden, Norbiton, Old Malden, Oval, Pimlico, Putney, Raynes Park, Southfields, Sutton, Surbiton, Teddington, Tooting, Wandsworth, Waterloo, Westminster, Worcester Park, Wimbledon, Wimbledon Village, and Vauxhall and virtual appointments world-wide.
