The Role of a Lactation Consultant

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The Role of a Lactation Consultant

Lactation consultants are a vital part of the healthcare system. Together with the rest of the healthcare team they make sure that mother and baby's care as a breastfeeding pair is complete. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant represents the "gold standard" in lactation consultant credentialing. Lactation consultants who carry the credentials IBCLC behind their names are specially trained and qualified to assist with every aspect of breastfeeding. I chose the topic of lactation consulting because I feel strongly about being a breastfeeding advocate. I believe that those in the healthcare field, especially the people involved in woman’s health and pediatrics should be knowledgeable in this area. After all it has been found that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants.

There many advantages to breastfeeding! Research shows that breastfed infants have fewer and shorter episodes of illness. The nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits the baby’s IQ. The skin-to-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding offers babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding. Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension for the infant later in life. Breastfeeding delays the onset of hereditary allergic disease, and lowers the risk of developing allergic disease. Breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system mature, protecting the baby in the meantime from viral, bacteria, and parasitic infections. Breastfeeding protects against developing chronic diseases such as: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and childhood cancers. (Shinskie and Lauwers, 2002)

Lactation Consulting 3

Breastfeeding is best for mom too. Increased levels of oxytocin stimulate postpartum uterine contractions, reducing blood loss and encouraging uterine contractions. From 3 months to 12 months postpartum, breastfeeding increases the rate of weight loss in most nursing mothers. Breastfeeding has even been found to lessen the severity of postpartum depression by keeping the hormonal levels more balanced. Breastfeeding also reduces the mother’s risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis, (Shinskie and Lauwers, 2002). It is important that the lactation consultant collaborate with the mother shortly after delivery to eliminate frustration and prevent the abandonment of br...

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...eeding is a necessity for all maternity floors and the NICUs especially. Without lactation consultants we would not have as many healthy babies or happy mothers!

References

Davies, J. (2002). A quick reference to medical terminology.

New York: Delmar Thompson Learning

Henning, J. (2004) Promotion and support of optimal feeding practices for infants

and young children. Journal of Human Lactation, 20, 137-139

International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. (2005). The role of an

international board certified lactation consultant. Retrieved March 10, 2005,

from http://www.iblce.org/role.htm

Lauwers, J., & Shinskie, D. (2002). Pocket guide for counseling the nursing mother.

Boston: Jones And Bartlett Publishers.

Walker, M. (2002). Core curriculum for lactation consultant practice.

Boston: Jones And Bartlett Publishers.

Wilson-Clay, B.,IBCLC. (2004). Nipple confusion. Retrieved April 16, 2005,

from http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/nipconfus.html

World Health Organization. (2004). Promoting proper feeding for infants and young

children. Retrieved April 2, 2005,

from http://www.who.int/nut/inf.htm

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