How a family plans to feed a new baby is a personal choice — but sometimes, choosing is the easy part. When it's not easy for growing families to reach their infant feeding goals, a lactation consultant can help.
Now, Breastfeeding Success (BFS) lactation consultants offer collaborative, evidence-based care to all ARC families. In-clinic advice and counseling are also available at ARC Center Street in Kyle. Here's a handy guide to what you can expect from BFS.
What is a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants specialize in infant feeding. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare specialist who focuses on providing evidence-based information and strategies to help all parents be successful in the choices they make for feeding their babies.
BFS lactation consultants are IBCLCs who are skilled in both clinical practice and counseling, and many are called to the vocation through personal experiences and lactation struggles.
Why would I want a lactation consultation?
Thorough examination of a parent, an infant and how the two feed together is an evidence-based way to empower both families and providers so that babies get the nutrition they need. A BFS lactation consultant can help you find your own success with any infant feeding style.
What happens at a lactation consultation?
Lactation consultations are usually 1 to 1.5 hours so that a complete feeding session can be observed. It includes:
Latch support. Breastfeeding should not be painful. Your lactation consultant can help you achieve a wider, deeper, more comfortable latch.
Positioning practice. Find a favorite feeding position, from cross-cradle to football, laid-back, side-lying, and more.
Pre- and post-feed weight checks. Wondering how much your breastfed baby is eating? Your consultant will use a very accurate scale before and after a feed to see how much milk has been consumed.
Breast examination. Looking at breast tissue can be important — especially if you're concerned about areas of discomfort or damage.
Oral assessment. This assesses shape, movement, and suck coordination.
Infant care support. Calm babies eat better. You'll learn baby-soothing ideas, how to notice hunger cues, and more.
What happens after a lactation consultation?
After each visit, you'll get a detailed feeding plan that is also sent to your primary care provider. Weekly follow-ups will help you reach your goals. And between visits, you can call 512-808-0237 for help anytime.
We're here to help your unique family find success
Lactation consultants place YOU at the center of all decisions regarding your care. BFS practices in an unbiased manner with ongoing self-reflection and mindfulness.
All families can benefit. Whatever your lactation goals may be, BFS can help—whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle feed, mix feed, dry nurse, supplement at night, wean at a specific date, self wean, co-sleep, sleep train, and more.
Patient-centered care from BFS honors all families who are preparing for or nurturing a baby, helping each family find infant-feeding success.
Is it covered by my insurance?
Lactation support is a covered benefit many parents don't realize they have. BFS services are in-network with all major insurers.
No matter what your ultimate relationship with breastfeeding may be, integrated lactation care makes it easy to find your way. Talk to your ARC Pediatrician or Ob/Gyn doctor to refer you to the services you need.
For more information on all the services available to you, check out ARC Lactation Services.