What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist. She works with the family to teach them how to feed their babies by giving education and resources specific to each baby’s needs. 

• Breastfeeding moms may have one or more of these concerns:
• Slow weight gain of baby
• Breast and nipple pain
• Going back to work
• Jaundice
• Low milk supply
• Oversupply of milk
• Problems with latching on
• Weaning
• Baby having difficulty swallowing/sucking (noisy feeds or weak suck)
• Premature baby
• Weaning baby from a nipple shield

With support, many of these issues can be dealt with early to promote your baby’s well-being and growth. Lactation support can make an impact on your ability to reach your breastfeeding goals. 

Roles of a lactation consultant:

• Assessing mom and baby’s lactation needs
• Identifying breastfeeding problems or concerns
• Providing resources and education to families 
• Working with families to make and carry out a personal feeding plan
• Considering cultural, psychosocial and nutritional goals and needs of families while providing support
• Giving support and encouragement to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals
• Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding for one year and beyond
• Providing education and guidance to families about feeding needs regardless of the child’s age

Waverly Health Center lactation services:

• Lactation Services at Waverly Health Center are provided by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 
• Breastfeeding classes
• Visits with the lactation consultant during your hospital stay
• Newborn assessment clinics 
• Lactation consults after discharge
• Mother’s Milk Bank Donor Site 
• LFSS Program (Lactation Feeding and Swallowing Services): A team including pediatrician, lactation consultant, and pediatrician work together to meet the individualized needs of any baby or child having feeding or swallowing problems which could be related to any anatomical problems/surgeries, prematurity, or just feeding issues in general
• Prenatal education sessions including basic breastfeeding education at 24 and 32 weeks gestation 

How to access lactation consultation services:
Outpatient consultations take place in WHC’s Birthing Center. Call  (319) 483-1330 to schedule an appointment. Any mother, baby or toddler having issues, regardless of where they delivered may utilize these services.