A baby’s early growth period is a precious time for every parent. For this reason, breastfeeding plays a crucial role during the first six months of a baby’s life. To help babies receive optimal breast milk intake, parents can utilise lactation consultation services throughout the breastfeeding period.
Although a woman’s body naturally produces breast milk—even during pregnancy—many mothers are unfamiliar with proper breastfeeding techniques. This is why lactation consultation services exist: to support parents in meeting their baby’s breastfeeding needs more effectively.
For further reading, see:
“Understanding Proper Breastfeeding Preparation, Techniques, and Methods”
What Is Lactation Consultation?
As the name suggests, lactation consultation is conducted with a lactation specialist who provides education, guidance, and hands-on support related to breast milk production and breastfeeding techniques. Through these sessions, mothers receive accurate and practical breastfeeding education.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lactation consultation can begin as early as 28–36 weeks of pregnancy, allowing parents sufficient time to learn and prepare before childbirth.
This service helps mothers build confidence in breastfeeding, reduces stress through professional guidance, and supports the successful implementation of exclusive breastfeeding.
After the first six months, breast milk should be complemented with solid foods (complementary feeding / MPASI). Lactation consultation also assists parents in choosing appropriate foods and anticipating potential breastfeeding challenges.
Why Do Mothers Need Lactation Consultation?
Every mother wants to provide the best for her baby, including optimal nutrition through breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond has proven benefits for a baby’s health and brain development.
Lactation consultation can even begin during pregnancy. Lactation specialists provide prenatal education, helping parents prepare thoroughly for breastfeeding before the baby is born.
Conditions Commonly Addressed in Lactation Consultation
Lactation consultants are typically certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). They are trained to support various breastfeeding-related conditions, including:
- Fatigue during breastfeeding sessions
- Physical and emotional discomfort during breastfeeding
- Pain while breastfeeding
- Insufficient breast milk production
- Babies who struggle to gain weight
- Difficulty finding a comfortable breastfeeding position, especially after caesarean delivery
- Babies refusing to breastfeed
Lactation consultants also assist premature babies who require specialised care, as they often lack proper coordination for sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
Babies with certain neurological conditions may also benefit from professional lactation support.
7 Services Provided in Lactation Consultation
1. Teaching Proper Breastfeeding Positions
Incorrect positioning can reduce milk transfer and cause discomfort. Lactation consultants guide mothers in finding comfortable and effective breastfeeding positions.
2. Educating on Appropriate Feeding Schedules
Because a baby’s digestive system is still developing, feeding at appropriate intervals is essential. Lactation consultants educate parents on recognising feeding cues and timing.
3. Ensuring Adequate Milk Supply
Both mothers and fathers receive education on signs that indicate whether a baby’s milk intake is sufficient.
4. Introducing Breastfeeding Support Tools
Parents learn how to use breast pumps and how to store expressed breast milk properly—especially helpful for working parents.
5. Supporting Working Mothers
Lactation consultation helps working mothers maintain adequate breast milk supply despite returning to daily routines.
6. Teaching How to Pump and Store Breast Milk
Breast milk requires specific storage methods to preserve its nutritional quality. This process is thoroughly explained during consultation.
7. Explaining the Weaning Process
Weaning is the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods. Although there is no fixed age, parents can learn how to approach weaning safely and gradually.
When Is the Right Time for Lactation Consultation?
Lactation consultation can be done at any time—before birth, shortly after delivery, or throughout the breastfeeding period.
Consultation is especially recommended if you experience:
- Painful or cracked nipples
- Concerns about milk supply
- Difficulty finding a comfortable breastfeeding position
- Breast engorgement
- Blocked milk ducts or infection
- Baby struggling to latch
- Baby’s weight not increasing
- Baby refusing to breastfeed directly
Lactation consultation can be a valuable solution for parents facing challenges with exclusive breastfeeding, whether they are stay-at-home or working mothers.
For more information, read:
“Mothers Must Know: 8 Tips to Prevent Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding”
RSIA Bunda Denpasar offers comprehensive women’s healthcare services, including maternity care, 24/7 emergency services, teleconsultation, home care, and more.
Contact our team to learn more about our women’s health packages.
