Lactation Consultation in Towson, MD

Deciding to breastfeed your baby is one of the greatest gifts you can give your newborn.

Breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby in many ways. This includes mother-baby bonding, health benefits for you and your baby, nutrition, and cost savings. Even though breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t always come naturally! Breastfeeding is a learned skill that requires both patience and practice.

At Towson Pediatrics, we believe offering all the support and encouragement you need to successfully breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish is important.  Schedule a consultation at our pediatric clinic in Towson, MD today by calling (410) 769-8801.

What is a lactation consultant?

A lactation consultant is a board-certified medical professional dedicated to providing recommendations and educational resources to new mothers who have questions or problems with breastfeeding their children. Lactation consultants will work with each mom individually and find solutions for them. It is important to know that every woman’s breastfeeding experience is uniquely different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to breastfeeding.

Women may begin working with a lactation consultant even before their baby is born in order to get a clear idea of what to expect once they begin breastfeeding.

What to expect at your lactation consultation visit

During your first visit, the lactation consultant will:

• ask to review the history of your pregnancy, labor and delivery, and medical history
• conduct a brief exam of you and your baby
• do a weight check on your baby and answer any of your questions about nursing
• ask you to breastfeed while the consultant observes
• help you with positioning and getting your baby to latch.
• help you to recognize the signs of good feeding.

Your lactation consultant’s expertise encompasses a wide range of breastfeeding topics, such as:

• What to expect during the early days of breastfeeding
• Establishing your milk supply
• How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk
• How to prevent/overcome common problems such as engorgement and sore nipples
• Demonstration of various types of breast pumps and how to select one
• Collecting, handling, and storing breast milk
• Combining breast and bottle-feeding
• Determining how much milk your baby will need while you’re at work

What should I bring to my first lactation consultation visit?

Please bring the following to your visit:

• Your baby should be ready to feed during your appointment.
• Any breastfeeding equipment that is currently being used or was used in the hospital. You do not need to bring a breast pump.
• Nursing pillows if you prefer to bring your own.