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As Easy as 1, 2, 3
Breastfeeding Made Simply for the Mom-to-Be By Teri Brown
with a personal lactation consultant.
"The first time we met I was extremely nervous because I didn't know what to expect," says Maves of Edgewood, Wash. "I didn't know if we were going to jump right into it or just talk first. She was a genuine person and extremely comforting, and the rest of the meetings were very informative and helpful."
Maves felt the meetings definitely prepared her for nursing. She had confidence in what she was doing and felt comfortable that her baby was getting enough to eat.
An IBCLC is an international board certified lactation consultant. This is a professional who has passed an independently administered exam in lactation and who re-certifies every five years. An IBCLC has a minimum of 2,500 hours of experience working with breastfeeding families, or the equivalent, as a base of experience.
Kathleen Bruce is both a registered nurse and an IBCLC. She works as both a lactation consultant and online nurse lactation consultant for Medela, Inc. Bruce believes that pregnant moms should locate and meet an IBCLC who can provide support both before and after birth.
"IBCLCs often offer breastfeeding classes, and getting to know her before the baby's birth will foster a good relationship where support can be easily provided," Bruce says. "She will explain basic breastfeeding information and demonstrate good latch technique."
Bruce says an IBCLC will also discuss concerns with the mother and family and can offer ongoing tips for the breastfeeding mother, such as how to tell if her baby is getting enough milk and what normal behavior is for a breastfed infant.
Breastfeeding no longer has to be a mystery with all the good information available. Finding the right source of information and support has become much easier for women who seek to breastfeed, and that is a very good thing for a hungry baby!
