For many first time mothers, breastfeeding their infants is a scary proposition. In fact, the first few days after birth are filled with anxiety, worry and joy, in equal proportions. Initially, they are scared to hold the baby in accordance to the prescribed technique. They are scared that they may drop the infant or they are worried that they do not have enough support and leverage on the infant’s neck and back. Even after they get this technique right, they are unsure about the positioning of the baby. They do not give their infants the correct opportunity to latch on to the nipples. To compound it all, many infants are also unsure about how to feed and constantly keep crying, which increases the mother’s anxiety. This is the very reason why all maternity hospitals employ qualified lactation consultants.
These consultants are experts on breastfeeding and lactation procedures and are available on call for all mothers in hospitals. The first few days after birth are spent teaching the mothers about all the required techniques of breast feeding. Lactation consultants are also available for private consultation. So, mothers who need urgent advice on how to breastfeed can fix an appointment with the consultant for a clinic visit or home visit.
