Support of breastfeeding in Oklahoma: Your role as a lactation consultant

Breastfeeding is a normal and special way to feed an infant, providing many benefits to both mother and baby. It doesn’t always come easy, though. These mothers struggle with issues like baby not latching on properly, low milk supply, sore nipples, or they weren’t sure about the demand and supply schedule of nursing. That’s where an Oklahoma breastfeeding lactation consultant becomes a priceless resource a helping hand that offers expert knowledge, a sympathetic ear and a shoulder you can lean on from birth and beyond.

What Is a Lactation Consultant?

A lactation consultant is a health care worker who is specially trained to help them breastfeed. The majority are International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) which means they have completed an extensive course of study and have had substantial practice time. In Oklahoma, these professionals practice in hospitals, birthing centres, paediatric offices and private practices, and hundreds also offer in-home or virtual visits.

How They Help

· Lactation consultants offer an ever expanding variety of services that are specifically customized to each mother. Some of the more common areas for support are:

· Aiding and positioning to help with latch causing less pain and easier feeding

· Assessment of the milk supply and advice on how to supplement or regulate production

· Dealing with pain while breastfeeding with blocked ducts or with mastitis

· Supporting mothers of preemies or special needs babies

· Developing a pumping schedule for a working mother or a mother who has opted to feed a bottle of breast milk

· Teaching families about breastfeeding positions, storage, feeding cues

The all-encompassing support they provide goes beyond just mechanics of feeding, but emotional support as well, helping mothers feel confident and empowered.

Importance in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is making progress in its efforts to encourage breastfeeding — but challenges persist. For those living in rural areas, access to maternal health resources may not be so easy, making a lactation consultant even more crucial. Home visits and telehealth options and service allow consultants to fill gaps in care, thereby ensuring that mothers receive personalized and timely support, wherever they may reside.

Statewide, hospitals including OU Health and Integris Health typically have lactation consultants on hand during maternity stays and at follow-up appointments. Also involved are individual lactation consultants and community-based breastfeeding coalitions offering outreach and education in their areas.

Why It Matters

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of infections, obesity and chronic conditions in infants and with rapid postpartum weight loss and lower rates of some women’s cancers in mothers. More Oklahoma mothers can achieve their breastfeeding goals with proper assistance and support of a lactation consultant.

Conclusion

The early days of parenthood can be hard, but an Oklahoma breastfeeding lactation consultant provides evidence-based support that really works. Whether this is your first little one or your fourth, enlisting the help of a professional can help turn the rocky road of breastfeeding into smooth sailing.

This article's author is Denial Luise. For additional information regarding Lactation Consultant Oklahoma please continue browsing our website at ifwinc.org.