Lactation Consults
Deciding to breastfeed your baby is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child by providing the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding benefits you and your baby in many ways including mother-baby bonding, perfect nutrition, cost-savings, and health benefits for you and your and your little one. However, it can be a challenge and a happy baby is a fed baby. Breastfeeding is a natural process but it does not always come naturally! Don’t feel alarmed if you have trouble getting started. Breastfeeding is a learned skill that requires patience and practice.
At Treehouse Pediatrics, we believe it is important to offer all the support and encouragement you need to successfully breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish. We offer to support to all breastfeeding mothers, regardless of who your babies pediatrician is, by offering the services of our on-site, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Pediatrician, Dr. Mooney. Below are some of the concerns Dr. Mooney can address at your personal lactation consultation:
- poor infant weight gain
- latch difficulty
- nipple confusion/preference (baby)
- nipple soreness (mom)
- engorgement
- plugged ducts
- premature infants
- breastfeeding multiples
- moms returning to work
Prepare for your private consultation:
Feed your baby, but not too much. In order to work together through a full feeding, your baby should come ready to eat. You do not want your baby to be too hungry because a stressed out baby who has been crying might not have the energy or the patience to feed well but a baby who is too full will not be interested in feeding during the consult. Make sure you eat a good meal before your consult, this will help you feel your best and retain information better. It could be helpful to have your support team present so you can learn together and this person can help you remember information discussed in your consult. While you and the baby are the only essentials, if you are using any breastfeeding tools such as a special pillow, nipple shield, etc, bring those along as well.