Lactation Consulting & Breastfeeding Support in Newmarket
Breasts are designed to feed babies, so it stands to reason that breastfeeding should be an easy and instinctive process, right? Unfortunately, reality often proves otherwise.
While breastfeeding can indeed be a seamless and painless experience for some, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not always easy for everyone. Breastfeeding can mean challenges and discomfort. Conditions such as cracked nipples, thrush, blocked ducts, and mastitis can arise, causing physical discomfort. Additionally, breastfeeding might pose difficulties, like improper latch issues with the baby. The anxiety of whether your baby is eating enough or if your milk supply is adequate can be overwhelming. What is foremilk and hindmilk? How often does my baby need to feed? Breastfeeding is new territory for you and your baby.
This is where the expertise of a lactation consultant comes into play.
If you encounter challenges while breastfeeding, seek help. We swear, latch problems rarely correct themselves. If breastfeeding is painful, arduous, or bewildering in any way, reach out to one of our Lactation Consultants at Oona Newmarket. They are equipped to promptly address your concerns.
Even if you’re not currently facing difficulties, engaging a Lactation Consultant to evaluate your baby’s latch and your technique can ensure a lasting positive experience.
Let us come to you! Our Lactation Consultants happily offer in-home visits, in addition to their in-office hours. Stay comfy in your pjs while they get you and your baby sorted out.
What Exactly Is A Lactation Consultant?
This credential signifies a substantial commitment to education and training. Our lactation consultants in both locations have undergone extensive health studies training, completed supervised clinical hours, and successfully passed a rigorous examination to achieve their board certification as Lactation Consultants.
They distinguish themselves from uncertified consultants who offer “breastfeeding support.” While our lactation consultants do provide breastfeeding support, they also remain current with the most effective methodologies and the latest research.
When Should I Consult A Lactation Consultant?
Here are the ten most common reasons that our clients seek the expertise of an IBCLC Lactation Consultant:
1. Nipple Pain
Nipple pain is a common issue that can lead to discontinuing nursing. While some discomfort during nursing is normal, severe pain or nipple damage indicates a need for a lactation consultant’s intervention.
2. Blocked Ducts
Blocked ducts, often painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface, can escalate to mastitis if untreated. An IBCLC lactation consultant can address latch-related concerns that might contribute to blocked ducts. At Oona Newmarket, we also use therapeutic ultrasound, with remarkable results, for the treatment of blocked ducts.
3. Milk Supply Concerns
If you’re worried about insufficient (or too much!) milk production, an IBCLC lactation consultant can assess your supply and provide strategies to stabilize it.
4. Weaning Assistance
Properly navigating the weaning process can be complex. Our IBCLC lactation consultants can offer guidance in this area.
5. Weight loss/Gain issues
If your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, an IBCLC lactation consultant can assess your baby’s feeding and assist with appropriate weight gain.
6. Latching Issues/Feeds that are too long or too short
If your baby struggles with latching or doesn’t feed sufficiently, an IBCLC lactation consultant can provide techniques to improve the feeding process.
7. History of breast surgery
Individuals with breast reduction or augmentation might face unique challenges while breastfeeding. Lactation consultants can offer tailored guidance.
8. Birth/Delivery Complications
Traumatic births or cesarean sections can impact breastfeeding. IBCLC Lactation consultants can ensure a smooth start despite these challenges.
9. Assistance with Pumping
Using breast pumps effectively isn’t always straightforward. A lactation consultant can address questions about frequency, amount, and proper pump setup.
10. For General Information
IBCLC Lactation consultants are an authoritative source of information, surpassing the guidance provided by OBs, midwives, and online sources.
In conclusion, breastfeeding isn’t always the effortlessly natural process it’s often perceived to be. Lactation consultants bring specialized knowledge and practical solutions to address the challenges and uncertainties associated with breastfeeding.
Commonly Asked Questions About Lactation Consultants
Our lactation consultants in Toronto and Newmarket are here to help you achieve your goals, no matter what those goals are. If you want to learn how to effectively supplement your baby with formula, we can do that.
Tongue and lip ties happen when there is a tightness either underneath the lip or under the tongue. This can result in the baby not fully emptying the breast with each feed, which can lead to blocked ducts and mastitis. It can also lead to nipple or breast damage. Or, it can do neither of the above, but the baby might not take a full feed, and might just appear to snack or nibble at the breast instead of having a good long feed.
Our lactation consultants in Newmarket and Toronto can’t do anything about the tongue tie, but they can identify it and get you pointed in the direction of someone who can help resolve it quickly for you.
Again, no judgement here. Your Oona Wellness lactation consultant will educate you on what is developmentally normal, feeding-wise for your baby’s age, and help you with strategies to achieve your goal.
Not if you don’t want to. Simply call one of our lactation consultants and they will come to you. We don’t expect you to get out of bed or even get changed for us. Just stay at home and we’ll be there as soon as we can (usually within 24 hours).
Cancellation and Late Policies
Direct insurance billing
Oona works with insurance companies to do online billing for treatments, whenever possible. Simply ask if your insurance company is compliant when you book your appointment.
Complementary Services
We provide a holistic approach to treatment, and have a wide variety of services that compliment each other. Click on the links below for more information about how our other services can help you on your path to motherhood.
