Contact a Lactation Consultant
To schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 740-446-5647.
Breastfeeding / Lactation Services
Lactation consultants at Holzer provide breastfeeding education, guidance, and support before you deliver, during your hospital stay, and after you have taken your baby home.
Breastfeeding Help - even before a baby is born
Congratulations! Whether you’re expecting your first baby, or you’ve welcomed one before, visiting with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC or lactation consultant, for short) before your baby arrives can help you prepare to breastfeed or provide expressed milk. Here are some frequently asked questions about prenatal breastfeeding visits.
- What are lactation consultants?
Lactation consultants are breastfeeding experts who can support you as you learn how to breastfeed your baby — even before your child is born — and help you as you work through any challenges once your little one arrives. International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are certified maternal-child health professionals who have specialized knowledge about breastfeeding and the health of moms and babies. IBCLCs are there to answer any questions you have, to listen to your frustrations, to be someone you can lean on, and support your breastfeeding goals.
- Why should you visit a lactation consultant before delivery?
Breastfeeding is the natural conclusion to pregnancy and birth. But “natural” doesn’t always mean “easy”! Breastfeeding is a skill that takes some time for both parent and baby to learn, and each breastfeeding pair is unique. Prenatal education is one way we can continue to pass along knowledge of breastfeeding and caring for a new baby.
Prenatal breastfeeding education can take many forms such as books, breastfeeding classes, support groups like La Leche League, browsing websites, and talking to your midwife or doctor. Another option is scheduling a one-on-one visit with a lactation consultant to discuss any specific questions or concerns you have.
- What will you talk about?
During these prenatal consults, a lactation consultant will cover what to expect in the first few days after birth, other topics such as pumping and answer any questions you may have. The goal of this appointment is to help you feel prepared and increase your confidence.
- Who should have a prenatal breastfeeding visit?
Anyone who is expecting a baby, no matter how long you’re planning to breastfeed, can benefit from a prenatal breastfeeding visit. Partners and other support people are welcome to attend; this gives an opportunity to ask questions, hear the same expert information, and understand what to expect once your baby is born.
Some cases where a prenatal breastfeeding visit is highly recommended include:
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Expecting your first baby
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Concerns regarding breast size or shape, and flat, inverted, or pierced nipples
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Planned early delivery or expecting a baby with a medical issue
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Breast surgery in the past (reduction, augmentation, biopsies)
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Diabetes, gestational diabetes, or blood pressure issues
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Thyroid issues, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or issues with infertility
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Past breastfeeding problems
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Twins and/or higher-order multiples
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Adoption, surrogacy, or induced lactation
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Planning to pump and bottle feed with breastmilk
- What should I bring to the visit?
Bring your questions and concerns to us to make the most of your visit. Many people bring a written list of things they’re curious about, such as advice they’ve heard from friends. If you have a breast pump already, bring that along with you and we can show you how to put it together. You can bring any tools or products you have questions about or even a baby doll if you’d like a more hands-on experience.
- What if I need help after my baby arrives?
After your baby arrives, our lactation consultants are available for you while you’re a patient in the hospital, and you can even schedule a one-on-one consultation after you’ve been discharge. Outpatient clinic services are available to anyone who needs them, whether they plan to give birth at the Holzer Health System or elsewhere.
Additional Breastfeeding Resources
