Lactation Consultation

Empowered breastfeeding support for mothers, babies, and families.
Lactation Consultation

How can Lactation Consultation nourish you?

Lactation consultation offers nurturing, informed support during one of life’s most tender and transformational phases. Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed, currently navigating feeding challenges, or seeking reassurance, this therapy provides:

  • Personalised guidance that aligns with your body, baby, and goals
  • Confidence-building support to overcome doubt, discomfort, or unexpected hurdles[1]
  • Evidence-informed education that helps you make choices you can trust
  • Emotional nourishment through compassionate, non-judgmental care

By working with a lactation consultant, you allow yourself to be seen, supported, and celebrated in your feeding journey—whatever form it takes. There are many solutions at hand that you may not have considered[2].

Benefits of Lactation Consultation

Many families seek lactation support for challenges[3] such as:

  • Painful latching, nipple trauma, or poor attachment
  • Low or oversupply of milk[4]
  • Tongue tie, lip tie, or feeding aversions
  • Prematurity, twins/multiples, or post-surgical recovery
  • Pumping logistics, bottle refusal, or supplementation questions
  • Weaning support or returning to work while breastfeeding

Consultation outcomes supported by research include:

  • Longer breastfeeding duration and fewer complications[5]
  • Reduced infant readmissions for jaundice or dehydration[6]
  • Improved maternal mental health and reduced risk of postpartum depression[7]
  • Increased feeding satisfaction and confidence[8]
  • Better immune, neurological, and digestive health for babies[9]
Lactation Consultation may assist in addressing the following health concerns:
Nutritional deficiencies Pregnancy, birth and antenatal support

What to expect from a Lactation Consultation session

Lactation consultants—often certified as IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants)—are trained in maternal and infant feeding physiology, emotional well-being, and troubleshooting.

In a typical session, you might explore:

  • Your baby’s latch, positioning, and sucking patterns
  • How to manage milk supply and prevent common complications
  • Pumping, storing, and feeding expressed milk
  • Infant weight tracking and feeding frequency
  • Solutions for nipple pain, blocked ducts, or mastitis
  • Planning for mixed feeding, work transitions, or gentle weaning
  • Emotional support and validating your personal goals and experience

Sessions may take place in person, online, or at home, and can begin during pregnancy or anytime after birth. Many parents also benefit from follow-up appointments to adapt to their baby’s changing needs.

Frequently asked questions

A lactation consultant is a trained health professional who specialises in helping parents and babies with breastfeeding or chestfeeding. They offer guidance on everything from proper latch and positioning to increasing milk supply, pumping, managing pain, supporting special feeding situations (e.g. twins, preterm babies), and weaning. Certified consultants (such as IBCLCs) have clinical expertise and emotional sensitivity to support your unique feeding journey.

Not at all. Many parents book consultations during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding or simply to gain confidence in the early days. Just as you’d see a midwife or doula for birth preparation, a lactation consultant helps you get set up for success in feeding. They can also offer reassurance, refine your technique, or help you adapt to new phases like returning to work or introducing solids.

Yes. Lactation consultants support your feeding goals—whether that involves exclusive breastfeeding, donor milk, combination feeding, or formula. The role is not to judge, but to help you make informed choices, maintain healthy milk supply (if desired), and reduce any stress or confusion around feeding.

While midwives and nurses often provide some breastfeeding guidance, a lactation consultant (particularly an IBCLC) has undergone specific, advanced training and certification in lactation. They are specialists in feeding physiology, oral anatomy, milk production, and infant nutrition, and often work alongside medical professionals to support complex or persistent challenges.

You can search here on SoulAdvisor but if no luck then search via the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) or IBLCE directories to find a certified IBCLC near you. Many consultants also offer virtual appointments. It’s important to ensure your consultant has up-to-date credentials, especially if you’re seeking help with more complex issues like tongue tie, low milk supply, or post-surgical breastfeeding.

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