Lactation Support Specialist
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Kids Kare Pediatrics
Board Certified Pediatricians located in Cookeville, TN & Nashville, TN
Choosing to breastfeed doesn’t simply save time and money, it helps your baby get off to a healthy start in life. While the decision to nurse your newborn may have been an easy one, the process itself isn’t always as relaxed or effortless as it should be. The lactation experts at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics give new moms the help they need to overcome routine breastfeeding challenges so they can continue nursing with confidence. To learn more, call their Cookeville or Nashville, Tennessee, office or book online today.
Lactation Support
What is lactation support?
Lactation support is a specialized pediatric care service that helps new moms understand the nuances of breastfeeding so they can be as successful as possible. Among other things, the lactation specialists at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics can help you learn how to:
- Encourage your baby to latch properly
- Determine if your baby is receiving enough milk
- Find more comfortable breastfeeding holds
The goal of lactation support is to get you and your baby off to a strong start with breastfeeding and to help you overcome any concerns or stumbling blocks so you can carry on as long as you’d like.
What are common breastfeeding challenges?
Anything that makes breastfeeding difficult or interrupts your ability to nurse comfortably can make you and your baby incredibly anxious. Fortunately, the right advice and support can help you overcome almost any breastfeeding challenge so you and your baby can get back on track with your normal feeding routine.
The team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics can help you resolve virtually any breastfeeding problem, including:
- Cracked or painful nipples
- Inverted, flat, or large nipples
- Blocked milk ducts
- Breast infection (mastitis)
- Fungal infections
The lactation experts at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics can help you avoid or resolve many common breastfeeding problems by teaching you how to help your baby make a good latch, and showing you the best nursing positions to help facilitate that latch.
How do I take care of dry nipples?
Nursing your newborn every few hours may be necessary, but it can also dry out the skin on and around your nipples. Left untreated, dry nipples can crack and bleed, making it virtually impossible to nurse your baby from the affected breast.
You can heal dry, cracked nipples and keep them moist by rubbing a few drops of expressed breast milk into the area after each feeding. It’s also helpful to use gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid using any skin care products, including soap, on your nipples.
What if I have a low milk supply?
Although many new moms worry that their bodies won’t produce enough milk for their babies, most women do have an adequate supply.
While monitoring your baby’s weight can help alleviate any concerns you may have about your milk supply, the lactation experts at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics can also help you understand how breastfeeding changes as your baby gets better at it, or how growth spurts and the introduction of solids can affect the length of a feeding session.
If you’re having trouble nursing or you find yourself delaying feedings because breastfeeding is uncomfortable, the team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics can help. Call or book your appointment online today.
