International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as IBCLCs, help women who are experiencing breastfeeding problems such as latching difficulties, painful breastfeeding and low milk supply. Lactation consultants provide women with information about pumping and storing breastmilk when they are returning to work or school, and also help women if their babies are not gaining enough weight.

For breastfeeding women with questions or having issues, they can provide a unique body of knowledge and skill in routine and high-risk situations. Ultimately, this improves breastfeeding outcomes.

Many families want to know, “When should I call a lactation consultant?” You should call if you:

• have difficulty latching your baby;
• experience pain while breastfeeding;
• notice unusual lumps or redness in your breast;
• think your milk supply is low;
• are concerned about medications and breastfeeding;
• need help with weaning;
• need help with returning to work or school, or;
• have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding

Lactation consultants can also help if your baby:

• breastfeeds less than 8 times in 24 hours in the first 6 weeks;
• is not having 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours in the first 6 weeks;
• is not gaining enough weight or you are worried about your baby’s weight, or;
• seems fussy at your breast or refuses to breastfeed.

You’ll find International Board Certified Lactation Consultants working in a variety of places including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices, some have their own private practice.

They can assess you and your baby breastfeeding and then provide you with helpful strategies for your specific situation.

It’s normal to have questions and concerns during breastfeeding. To find a lactation consultant in your area, please visit the International Lactation Consultant Association.

If you are a health care practitioner, please visit our Breastfeeding Centre of Excellence.

Another great reference can be found at on the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website.

The post Breastfeeding? Here’s when to call a lactation consultant appeared first on Your Health Matters.

If you’ve given birth at Sunnybrook or have a care provider at Sunnybrook, you have access to our Breastfeeding Clinic and 24-hour helpline.  We encourage you to use it, we’re here for you and no question is too insignificant.  And don’t forget about community resources like Toronto Public Health and  La Leche League who can encourage and support you.

When you’re back at home with your baby, ask for help.  People often want to do something but aren’t sure what.  Ask for help with meals, laundry and unloading the dishwasher – these are all valuable when a newborn is nursing 8 or more times a day.  This gives you more time to spend feeding and getting to know your baby.

Don’t forget that it’s possible to continue feeding your baby breast milk when you return to work. This is actually the theme of National Breastfeeding Week, with tips for mothers on pumping and other practical considerations.

We encourage you to access breastfeeding services, and your loved ones, so you’re in the best position to feed and care for your baby.

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Top 10 reasons to breastfeed

Nutrients

Breast milk is custom-made by each mother and contains the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals

Smarts

Evidence suggests: breastfed children score higher on IQ tests.

Convenience

Breast milk is safe, fresh and exactly the right temperature. No heating or sterilizing required!

Versatility

Big or small, your breasts will produce milk. The more baby breastfeeds — the more milk you will produce!

Good for mom

Breastfeeding provides protection against some cancers and weak bones later in life; It can also help you to gradually lose weight gained during pregnancy

Bonding time

Breastfeeding encourages closeness and comfort, and can strengthen the bond with your baby

Long-term

Many mothers continue to breastfeed past two years. Any amount of breastmilk is always good for babies.

Cost-efficient

Without question, breastfeeding saves hundreds, even thousands, of dollars

Working moms

Your baby can have all the benefits of your milk even if you plan to go back to work or school. You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump and leave it with your caregiver to feed your baby.

Environmentally friendly

Breastfeeding is easy on the environment: No unnecessary packaging or waste

Sunnybrook supports breastfeeding mothers.
If you’ve delivered your baby at Sunnybrook, contact the Breastfeeding Clinic: Bayview Campus, 2075 Bayview Avenue, M-wing, 5th floor, Room M5-203
Phone: 416-480-5900
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The post Say ‘yes’ to the breast: top 10 reasons to breastfeed appeared first on Your Health Matters.