Breastfeeding Counseling: What is it and Why is it Important?

Breastfeeding counseling is a professional service that guides and supports mothers through the breastfeeding process. Breast milk is the most precious food produced specifically for your baby and it is recommended that the baby be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Breast milk is of great importance for the mental and psychosocial development of the baby and creates special moments that strengthen the bond between mother and baby.

Challenges in the Breastfeeding Process

Although breastfeeding is a natural and healthy process, it can be challenging for some mothers. These challenges can include the baby’s refusal to suck, nipple cracks, problems such as mastitis and concerns about milk production. In these cases, seeking help from a lactation consultant can make the breastfeeding process more comfortable and enjoyable.

What does a lactation consultant do?

Breastfeeding counselors are usually midwives, nurses or pediatricians. It is therefore important to research the training and experience of the person you are seeking counseling from. Breastfeeding counselors offer the following services:

• Anatomy and Physiology of Breastfeeding: Lactation consultants provide information on how breastfeeding works. This helps mothers to better understand the breastfeeding process.
• Correct Sucking Positions and Techniques: By showing the baby the correct sucking position and techniques, they make breastfeeding more effective and comfortable.
• Milk Production and Increase: They will give you suggestions to increase your milk production.
• Breastfeeding Problems: They offer solutions to breastfeeding problems such as nipple cracks and mastitis.
• Breast Milk Storage and Transportation: They provide information on how breast milk should be stored and transported.
• Balancing Breastfeeding and Work Life: They provide suggestions for balancing breastfeeding and work life.
• Weaning Process: They provide support in planning and implementing the weaning process.

When is breastfeeding counseling necessary?

Breastfeeding counseling is especially necessary in the following situations

• Baby’s refusal to suck: There are many reasons why your baby may refuse to breastfeed. A lactation consultant will diagnose these reasons and offer solutions.
• Nipple Cracks and Mastitis: It is important to seek help from a lactation consultant for these common problems in the early days of breastfeeding.
• Worrying about not producing enough milk: You can use the advice of a lactation consultant to increase your milk production.
• More or Less Milk Production: Counseling is important for mothers who experience imbalances in milk production.
• Expressing and Storing Milk: Getting information on how to express and store breast milk.
• Baby’s Weight Gain: They diagnose the reasons why your baby is not gaining weight and offer solutions.
• Balancing Breastfeeding and Work Life: Provides guidance for moms struggling to balance breastfeeding and work life.
• Weaning Process: Need for information and support about the weaning process.

Breastfeeding Counseling Service

Breastfeeding counseling helps mothers overcome the difficulties they face during breastfeeding and make this period more comfortable. I personally offer breastfeeding counseling in my clinic, where mothers can find answers to all their questions about breastfeeding and receive professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

• My Baby Refuses to Suck, What Should I Do?

There are many reasons why your baby may refuse to breastfeed. A lactation consultant will diagnose the reason for your baby’s refusal to breastfeed and offer solutions. It is important to be patient during this process and follow your counselor’s recommendations.

• How to Treat Nipple Cracks?

Nipple cracks are a common problem in the early days of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant will give you suggestions for treating nipple cracks. Proper breastfeeding techniques and nipple creams can help alleviate this problem.

• What is Mastitis and How to Prevent It?

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue and can make breastfeeding very difficult. The lactation consultant will provide you with information on the prevention and treatment of mastitis. Regular breastfeeding and hygiene play an important role in preventing mastitis.

• Am I Producing Enough Milk?

You can monitor your baby’s weight gain to see if you are producing enough milk. The lactation consultant will give you suggestions to increase your milk production. Drinking plenty of fluids and proper nutrition are also effective in increasing milk production.

• My baby is not gaining weight, what should I do?

There are many reasons why your baby may not be gaining weight. A lactation consultant will diagnose the reason why your baby is not gaining weight and suggest solutions. In this case, it is important to review the duration and frequency of your baby’s sucking.

• How to Balance Breastfeeding and Work Life?

Balancing breastfeeding and working life can be difficult. A lactation consultant will give you advice on how to balance breastfeeding and working life. Expressing techniques and milk storage methods can help you achieve this balance.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding counseling helps mothers overcome the difficulties they face during breastfeeding and make the process more comfortable. With the guidance of a professional lactation consultant, you can find answers to all your breastfeeding questions and enjoy the breastfeeding process. Breastfeeding counseling is important for the healthy growth and development of your baby, and getting the necessary support is of great benefit to both mother and baby.

Please contact us for detailed information.