Making the choice to breastfeed your baby doesn’t automatically come with all of the knowledge to do so successfully. To help you take the guesswork out of how to nurse your baby with grace and ease, I’ve done a roundup of the best lactation consultants in and around Charlotte, North Carolina.
When should I start seeing a lactation consultant?
One of the most asked questions is when a mom-to-be should start seeing a lactation consultant, and rightfully so. Preparing for your baby’s arrival involves much more than taking labor and birth classes, having a baby shower, and getting their nursery prepared. You can also throw in learning how to breastfeed your baby.
With this in mind, I recommend to start seeing a lactation consultant during the third trimester. If you are planning to take birth classes, then you’ll most likely have (or be offered) a class for learning techniques for nursing your baby. If you would prefer to wait, then you can still book a consultant right after you deliver your baby or even several weeks later.
I personally suggest hiring a doula who doubles as a lactation consultant as these women (and men) are typically trained in all areas revolving around labor, delivery, postpartum, and breastfeeding. You can also save money by doing that as well.
Is a lactation consultant worth it?
HELL YES! Regardless if you are expecting your first baby or your third, having specific nursing techniques can always come in handy. Just like labor positions and delivery methods, there are also several facets to breastfeeding your baby.
If you are not the type to do your own research or want to try to learn on your own, then having a lactation consultant is absolutely worth it. Oftentimes, lactation consultants are available to help you well beyond the time you take their class or course. Most consultants offer services where they come to your hospital room, birth center, or homebirth after delivering your baby to help with your baby’s first latch. Some also extend their services beyond that and make themselves available to you for months after birth day.
What should I expect from a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants are certified health professionals who specialize in all things breastfeeding. Some consultants have private practices whereas others are part of a group of professionals that include doctors, midwives, nurses, doulas, and the like.
At the very least, you can expect emotional and physical support from your lactation consultant. They are knowledgeable in a variety of areas including:
- Proper latching
- Recognizing baby’s hunger cues
- Maintaining milk supply
- Establishing feeding schedules
- Treatment for nursing related issues (engorged breasts, sore/cracked nipples, mastitis, etc.)
- Nursing positions
Your lactation consultant will help you establish goals for breastfeeding and help put together a plan that will be most beneficial for you and your baby. You can also expect your lactation consultant to be there shortly after your baby is born, assist with latching, be available to ask questions, and help with other nursing-related issues.
My Top Lactation Consultants in Charlotte, North Carolina
Now that you know how awesome lactation consultants are, it’s time to look at some of the best around the Charlotte area.
Love and lactation
They offer a host of services, such as: prenatal consultations, latch assessments, weighted feedings, personalized feeding plans, back-to-work feeding plans, identifying and providing solutions for common, complex or difficult breastfeeding problems, private classes, community classes and more. There are also personal services available to be offered in your home, as well as events like breastfeeding support groups.
Milked Lactation Services
What sets this practice apart are the comprehensive visits that include individualized plans specifically dedicated to you and your baby. You are sure to have lots of tools added to your nursing toolbox.
Charlotte Lactation
Serving South Charlotte, they will help you meet your breastfeeding goals. There is a prenatal breastfeeding assessment on her website that will give you a jumpstart to understanding what you need and how Cheryl can best assist you in your breastfeeding journey.
Mother Knows Breast
At-home and virtual lactation services are available with this practice, making it easy to accommodate your schedule and location. Lynn has been in this field for over 35 years and has also breastfed three children of her own.
The Statesville Doula
Coupling doula and lactations services together, you can get multifaceted support with Staci from The Statesville Doula. She offers unbiased support founded on knowledge and skills to help you have an empowered new mom experience.
Legacy Lactation
“Nurturing you through education to empower your choices.” is the motto of Legacy Lactation. Laura offers a variety of services including “the best breastfeeding class ever” and very reasonable and personalized lactation consultant services.
Lechu 4 Life Lactation
You can expect integrative and intuitive breastfeeding guidance through pregnancy, post birth, and beyond. There are several options for receiving care including in-office visits, home visits, support groups, and virtual options.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to utilize a lactation consultant is a personal choice that every expecting mom will have to make. I recommend trying one, especially for your first child. It’s something that you are never tied down to so don’t feel obligated to stick with it if you don’t want to. Some moms may choose to stop breastfeeding, and that’s okay too!
