https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 26 May 2026 21:01:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1027098 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:19:36 +0000 808love 1027098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep, a lactation consultant made all the difference. I saw one in the hospital and one after for a few appts. I think I would have been ok trying without a LC but DH was worried while waiting for the milk and the latch was inconsistent as LO was learning in the hospital. There's so much to worry and learn about in motherhood, the LC was like a personal tutor or coach that took away all the pressure, tweaked my style, answered specific questions to my needs, came up with a plan and reassured me about everything. I had to do the nurse, bottle, pump, repeat for a week or two. I was very grateful to have LC support a few times right at the beginning. I ended up nursing for 2 years straight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025879 Sat, 17 Aug 2013 07:56:08 +0000 DillonLion 1025879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the ones at the hospital come to help with every feeding. Then we came back for three separate outpatient appointments. Then I attended the weekly support group my entire maternity leave<br /> We had a lot if issues (latch, supply, mastitis, etc) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025875 Sat, 17 Aug 2013 07:49:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1025875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw one throughout my pregnancy. It was great because things keep changing and new issues arise. Ours was a "support group" offered by the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025809 Sat, 17 Aug 2013 03:16:54 +0000 Penny Lane 1025809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw one a few times when LO was 3-4 weeks old. she was AMAZING. she helped us figure out latching after 2 full weeks of only bottle feeding. without her and my mama, I would not have BF past 2 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025775 Sat, 17 Aug 2013 01:14:40 +0000 MamaJ 1025775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't see the one in the hospital because I thought I had no issues. Well when I got home it was awful. The nurses were helping me so much in the hospital that we ended up having issues when we were alone. After many tears, DH demanded I have one come out and it was so helpful. My biggest regret was not seeing the LC in the hospital. It could have saved me many tears! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025580 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 22:08:15 +0000 lovehoneybee 1025580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We saw one at the hospital. I requested it, but I think she would have come around anyway. I was very lucky that DS took to BFing right away and that my milk came in while I was there. She pretty much just gave me tips on how to interest a sleepy baby in eating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025574 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 22:03:37 +0000 Elderberrygin 1025574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw a private lactation consultant twice for serious over supply and aggressive let down problems in the first month. She was amazing. I'd recommend looking around for an IBCLC you gel with if you dont hit it off with the first one. I went along to a BF support group run out of the same practice a few weeks after my appointments and didn't respond to the other LCs style at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025268 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:31:35 +0000 mrsmate 1025268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw an LC twice at the hospital (and took her breastfeeding class), another LC about 2wks PP at Isis Maternity, and took another breastfeeding class in my 3rd tri w/another LC. We still could not breastfeed! I still recommend those w/BF issues see an LC. I don't think I had incompetent LCs, I just had an LO who didn't want to after she had a taste of the bottle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025267 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:30:25 +0000 SleepyMonkey 1025267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i only utilized the LCs in the hospital, and then i had free, anytime access to an LC by phone for the first 6 months. i think i had a relatively easy time breastfeeding (i.e. no pain or other issues) so i didn't feel the need to have an LC come see us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025260 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:27:06 +0000 sarac 1025260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! My daughter was a nicu baby and wouldn't latch at first. I had several amazing LCs to get me started pumping, and to show me how to keep working with her until she was fully nursing. I didn't have a clue what to do at first, so they were just amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025259 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:26:59 +0000 Beehive 1025259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I also wasn't sure whether to see an LC or not - BFing was fine, except for a couple small issues that just weren't going away - it would hurt whenever he latched on the right side (just for the first 15 seconds or so), but I thought that should have gone away by 5 weeks or so and it hadn't, and he was sometimes fussy when BFing, so I had an LC come by the apartment to check things out. </p> <p>I'm glad I did - she fixed his latch on that side and noticed that he had damaged that nipple a little (I hadn't realized, as it wasn't cracked or bleeding or anything). I pointed it out to my OB at my appointment the next week and she prescribed a cream that allowed it to heal, and everything was totally pain-free after that.</p> <p>So if you're thinking an LC might improve things, I'd say meet with one just for the peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025222 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:05:37 +0000 GrapeCrush 1025222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did only in the hospital. If you BF they'll come I every once and a while to see how you're dining, or if you're having problems they'll come more </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025192 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:44:22 +0000 doodlepoodle 1025192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I met with one during our hospital stay and she also had a LC group for BF/pumping mamas that met every Tuesday &amp;Thursday and I went almost every week. It was nice to get to know other mom's and only a few blocks from home so super convenient! I learned a TON. I wouldn't have made it 5 weeks without her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025122 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:00:35 +0000 chopsuey 1025122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A LC came to visit me both times while I was at the hospital. Didn't have to see one once I got home though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025120 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 17:59:36 +0000 MamaBehr 1025120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Beyond the hospital, I didn't with DD. She was a champ (I was so luck!) With DS, oh yes. We had huge issues. It was rough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1025087 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 17:40:01 +0000 Mommytotwois 1025087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did in the hospital. Bfing went downhill and so bad so fast with DD1 i wanted it to be *PERFECT* with DD2 so I was adament about having a great latch the entire time in the hospital to be sure we would be okay when we went home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1024391 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 14:21:11 +0000 deerylou 1024391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We saw an LC a few times during our 48 hour stay at the birth center, and then several times postpartum, when we discovered that DD wasn't gaining weight. The lactation department was fantastic, and tirelessly worked with me to increase my supply. </p> <p>Every consultant we interacted with was truly angelic. They had many great tips and tricks, all of which I appreciated, immensely. Unfortunately, my milk never really came in enough to feed my daughter exclusively at the breast, but I still consider working with them a very positive experience.</p> <p>Personally, I paid for the services up front, but will be submitting the bill to my insurance. I believe it will be mostly, if not entirely, covered. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1024387 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 14:20:16 +0000 Dandelion 1024387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For DS, yes, but only because he was in the NICU and she worked in advocating breastfeeding for parents in there. She was good at making sure the nurses were following the breastfeeding protocol. I was very grateful for her. She also helped me borrow a pump. But, once DS was all mine, I didn't have any issues, so I didn't see her after he left the NICU. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1024373 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 14:17:45 +0000 Kemma 1024373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The hospital where I delivered has three IBCLC's on staff who do in-room visits to every new mother plus a short class at 10am every morning.</p> <p>Once we got home I saw one of the hospital IBCLC's at three and five weeks but she was of limited help, at six weeks my midwife referred me to an IBCLC who specialises in tongue and lip ties and also helped with our thrush.</p> <p>We saw the second IBCLC again at eleven weeks old when I had a dip in supply and was still having trouble with thrush.</p> <p>Fortunately LC visits are covered under our public health system so were free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1024143 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 13:06:35 +0000 hilsy85 1024143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: it should be covered somewhat by insurance, although I'm sure it depends on your plan. I found mine through word of mouth, but the pedi should have some recommendations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1024025 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:37:38 +0000 heartonastring 1024025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and about the long feeds, my DD was the same way. Is she actively eating for an hour or is that the total time it takes to get her to eat? My DD would actively eat for 40-45 minutes, but to get her to do so would take an hour to an hour and a half. Compressions helped a teeny tiny bit, but the biggest factor was just time. She's 16 weeks now and a feed takes 20-25 minutes from start to finish. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023989 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:29:02 +0000 heartonastring 1023989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw three and the last one was/is my fairy godmother!</p> <p>The first one I saw was while I was still in the hospital. She confirmed that DD's latch looked good and we seemed to be on the right track.</p> <p>Two weeks into nursing I was still in tremendous, toe curling pain every time DD latched. My nipples were severely cracked and bleeding. I was seriously ready to quit. I even bought formula. Then my midwife referred me to my current LC. She came to my house two days in a row and was immediately able to assess the situation, determine the problems and give me instructions to correct them. I continued to see her and her colleagues at a weekly breast feeding drop-in clinic until DD was 9 weeks. She truly saved our nursing relationship.</p> <p>I would say that if you're having pain and concerned about transferring milk that seeing an LC would certainly be worthwhile. Just remember that you might not click with the first one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023878 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:43:38 +0000 MrsRoo 1023878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is a LC at my pedis office and he likes all his BF mamas to meet with her at least once. We were doing fine, but I'm so glad I went. I needed the reassurance that we were doin okay, that LO was getting enough to eat, had a good latch, etc. I got a ton of great info, and now I have a resource when things get weird. I've call the LC so many times in the last few months, and it's great because she knows me and my LO so I like that Im getting advice and suggestions based on our personal BF experience.</p> <p>If you have a LC available to you, I'd go. Even if you're doing great now, it definitely won't hurt! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023813 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:24:49 +0000 Mrsbells 1023813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to but the LC was never there :( I gave birth on friday evening and she wasnt there the entire weekend and still wasnt there on monday when i was leaving. That was the one thing that annoyed me about my hospital. Thankfully one of the nurses was very experienced and knew a lot of BF and helped me tremendously </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023807 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:22:15 +0000 Smurfette 1023807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just at the hospital, she came in the room twice I think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023786 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:14:10 +0000 Adira 1023786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: The LCs I met with worked at hospitals, so I never had one come to our house. But they do free consultations, so I just made the appointment and showed up and didn't even have to involve my insurance! To find them, I just called our local hospital's maternity ward and said I was looking for an LC. :) It wasn't even the hospital I delivered at. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023685 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 10:37:53 +0000 Foodnerd81 1023685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: her feeding is still pretty unpredictable. But I can try!</p> <p>How much is an at home lc meeting? Dies insurance cover it? Flex spending? And how did you find yours- ped referral? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023682 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 10:36:47 +0000 lemondrop 1023682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My pediatrician has an IBCLC in her office, we saw her about 5 times in the first month. The consultants in the hospital were ok, but I never saw the same person twice, and everyone has different opinions. Going to the same person who tracked our progress helped best.</p> <p>She was ESSENTIAL to my sanity and kept me going. I would be so overwhelmed, then would have an appointment and would feel so much better! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have lasted the month, I have her to thank for getting 18 months of bf'ing in.</p> <p>Please go get help, it is worth every minute, every penny you spend. I think ours was $25 a visit (like a sick visit with our ped) with insurance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023679 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 10:36:17 +0000 woodentulip 1023679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw a doctor who is a pediatrician who is also IBCLC (is that right?) and is a breastfeeding specialist and had a LC come to my house before I could get in to the doc (LC at day 2 and doc at day 5). I kept seeing the doc (who prescribed me Domperidone) for months after my LOs were born! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-see-a-lactation-consultant#post-1023669 Fri, 16 Aug 2013 10:33:35 +0000 Adira 1023669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw multiple in the hospital to try to help with his latch, and then I saw a pediatrician who has a ton of experience helping moms breastfeed and dealing with latch (around 2 weeks).</p> <p>Then I finally made an appointment with an LC at 6 weeks because his latch was HORRIBLE on one side and I was thinking about quitting altogether.</p> <p>And then I just saw another LC a month ago (4.5 months) to do a weighted feed because I was getting pressure to send more BM to daycare and that Xander wasn't eating enough!</p> <p>The LCs in the hospital weren't all that helpful, but the pediatrician and the two I made appointments with after were EXTREMELY helpful! It was soooooo worth it.</p> <p>I was able to make an appointment with my LC to do a weighted feed (and the LC that I saw for latch issues did a weighted feed too - also by appointment). Having an appointment was helpful, because I was able to time when I needed to feed Xander before the appointment so that he'd be hungry AT the appointment, but not STARVING. Maybe you could do something like that? </p>