Please God, Save my Nipples! Lactation consultants to the rescue

Chelsea Van Middelkoop
May 9, 2020
2 min read

Breastfeeding is so beneficial for everyone involved, but let’s be real, it doesn’t always come easily. There are a lot of factors that can affect breastfeeding. Dr. Bobby Ghaheri posted this image showing the varying complaints and their prevalence among breastfeeding parents.

That’s a lot! And these are just difficulties related to tongue/lip ties, so it just begins to show the complexity of a breastfeeding relationship. There is no one better to help you resolve these issues than an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The cream (or should I say Colostrum…) of the crop. The liquid gold standard of breastfeeding professionals. IBCLC’s have thousands of hours of training and experience in their field. Your Pediatrician may have a certain amount of training in breastfeeding, but IBCLC’s are specialists who have an extremely in-depth understanding and knowledge of breastfeeding. Just like you would get a referral for speech evaluation or any other medical specialty, you should see a lactation consultant if you are facing challenges with breastfeeding. If they uncover an issue, such as a lip/tongue tie, that is out of their scope and needs further attention, they can point you in the right direction. And just because a baby is gaining weight, this does not necessarily indicate a healthy breastfeeding relationship. There is so much more to it than that, and we want you to have a successful breastfeeding relationship, physically and emotionally. So, if you are struggling with breastfeeding in any way, reach out to an IBCLC! I’ve compiled this list of local (Little Rock, AR) breastfeeding resources and IBCLC’s. For a full pregnancy, birth, and postpartum local resource guide, contact me!

Arkansas breastfeeding helpline 24/7

501-202-7378 or 1-844-344-0408

Arkansas Blossoms Birth Services

501-436-8525

hello@arkansasblossoms.com

Arkansasblossoms.com

Arkansas Children’s Breastfeeding Clinic

Dr. Hannah Renno

1617 West 13th Street

Little Rock, AR 72202

501-502-2390

Arkansas Family Doulas