When to see a Lactation Consultant

Feeding your baby can be joyful — but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Painful latching, difficulties with pumping, or worries about milk supply are common experiences that don’t need to be faced alone. Knowing when to reach out for support can make a big difference for both you and your baby. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can provide personalized guidance to help you feel confident, supported, and more at ease throughout your feeding journey.

You’re Pregnant

Preparing for your baby’s arrival isn’t just about painting the nursery or setting up the crib — it’s also about learning how to care for a newborn, especially when it comes to feeding and sleep. Meeting with a prenatal lactation consultant gives you the chance to build skills and confidence before you’re sore, exhausted, and in the thick of postpartum.

In a prenatal consultation, you’ll explore questions like: How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat? How can I tell if the latch is right? How often should I feed my baby? How can I optimize pumping? Learning the answers ahead of time makes feeding feel less overwhelming once your baby is here and increases the likelihood that you’ll meet your feeding goals.

Working with an IBCLC while you’re still pregnant also provides the opportunity to learn about antenatal breastmilk collection. Collecting colostrum before birth helps you practice hand expression, build confidence with feeding, and even provides a small supply of milk that can be used if your baby requires supplementation in the early days.

Prenatal lactation support shouldn’t feel like a luxury — it should be the standard of care. Imagine how many feeding challenges (and tears) could be prevented if every family met with a lactation consultant before birth. It would not only improve breastfeeding rates but also long-term health outcomes for parents and babies. Until that shift happens, investing in this support for yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your growing family.

Feeding or Pumping Hurts

Pain during breastfeeding or pumping is not normal. Repeat that after me: it should not hurt. Feeding should feel like a gentle tug — or sometimes no sensation at all. When it does hurt, your body is telling you something isn’t right. Pushing through the pain doesn’t solve the problem; in fact, it can make things worse. Ongoing discomfort can decrease your supply and put you at risk for mastitis.

Some common causes of pain include a shallow latch, a tongue tie, or pump flanges that don’t fit correctly. Left unaddressed, pain can lead to low milk supply, slow weight gain for your baby, engorgement or mastitis, and unnecessary stress for you. With early support from a lactation consultant (IBCLC), you can feed your baby comfortably and confidently instead of wincing through every session.

Low Milk Supply and Oversupply Concerns

Concerns about milk supply are incredibly common — and understandably stressful. Some parents find themselves stuck in a cycle of triple feeding, others deal with recurring clogged ducts and an oversupply that leaves their baby refluxy and unsettled.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or doing a combination of both, there are ways to regulate your supply. The first two to three weeks postpartum are especially important, because the routines you establish during this time — how often you feed or pump, and how effectively you empty your breasts — can set the stage for long-term supply outcomes. The longer low supply persists, the more difficult it is to overcome.

With guidance from a lactation consultant, you can learn strategies to protect your supply, optimize pumping sessions, and support your baby’s growth while caring for your own mental health.

Post-NICU Stay

Many babies leave the NICU bottle-feeding or on a strict schedule, and parents are often left figuring out how to transition from triple feeding or bottle feeding to a routine that supports their feeding goals, such as exclusive breastfeeding.

An in-home lactation consultant can help you achieve a sustainable feeding routine and guide you through this transition as you find your new normal. Support during this stage can make a long-term difference for both you and your baby.

Weaning or Milk Suppression

Sometimes circumstances call for an abrupt weaning of lactation. This can feel overwhelming, and without guidance, complications like mastitis can occur. Whether it’s a sudden, unexpected wean or a gradual one, the goal is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Everyone’s journey looks different, and you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. A compassionate lactation consultant can guide you through weaning at a pace that works for you, helping you minimize discomfort, prevent mastitis, and support your mental and emotional health.

When it comes time to wean, a lactation consultant can also advise on options such as donating milk or saving some for sick days or keepsake jewelry. Professional support ensures that even difficult or unexpected feeding changes are handled safely, with care, and in a way that respects your unique journey.

Early and regular lactation support is not only beneficial for specific challenges but is truly valuable for every family. A skilled lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help you navigate common hurdles, safeguard your milk supply, and ensure pumping is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Even if everything seems to be going smoothly, personalized guidance can provide reassurance, build confidence, and make feeding feel more manageable.

If you’re looking for a trusted Calgary lactation consultant for breastfeeding support, I’m here to help. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.