Lactation

What Do Lactation Consultants Do For Mothers?

Breastfeeding is one of the most critical things a new mother can do for her child. Breastfeeding supports the health of the child and ensures the bond between the child and the mother.

A lactation consultant is a professional entity that can help you through your breastfeeding effort. The consultant can help you figure out what your greatest breastfeeding issues are and then develop plans for how these problems can be resolved.

What About Unique Situations?

You can also talk with a lactation consultant if there are many different situations that might have influenced your feeding efforts. Such problems can entail:

• How to handle breastfeeding for a premature birth
• How to handle the effort following breast surgery
• Instances where you haven’t breastfed in a while and you’re struggling to get the process running once again
• Inverted nipples or other disorders that prevent proper functionality

A consultant can plan special breastfeeding efforts with you surrounding all of these actions and how they might work.

When To Start?

The best time to talk with a lactation specialist is not long after the birthing process. You can talk with a specialist to prepare for the breastfeeding process and to understand what works.

Another idea would be to contact a specialist before the baby arrives. You can ask a specialist for points on how to manage the breastfeeding effort.

16 Breastfeeding Superfoods

1. Almonds: Almonds are packed with protein and are an excellent source of calcium. You need 1,250 mg of calcium daily when breastfeeding.
2. Avocados: Avocados provide essential ‘healthy’ fats that will not only give you a necessary energy boost throughout the day but will also help balance your cholesterol levels. Alongside this, they are rich in protein, vitamin E and folate, which helps in the healthy development of your baby’s central nervous system. You need 4-5 mg of vitamin E and 260 mcg of Folate daily when breastfeeding.
3. Homemade Stock: Homemade stock is an excellent source of collagen, co-enzyme Q10, cholesterol, all minerals and essential amino acids. It can be made up during pregnancy and frozen for use in a range of recipes, including soups. It is perfect in a cup, especially when you only have one hand free!
4. Brazil Nuts: Brazil nuts are a great snacking food for nursing mothers. They are full of selenium, vitamin E, and magnesium.
5. Brown Rice: Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate that will not only keep you fuller for longer but will also help regulate your blood sugar levels. In addition to this, it is an excellent source of zinc, magnesium, protein and fiber. White rice does not offer the same health benefits, so it is important to stick to brown when you are nursing.
6. Chia Seeds: They might not be everyone’s’ cup of tea, but chia seeds are an excellent source of essential fats, protein, calcium and iron – all of which are essential for breastfeeding mothers. An easy way to incorporate them into your diet is on your cereal, with fruit and yogurt, or even in smoothies!
7. Coconut Water: Low in calories, naturally fat and cholesterol-free, and more potassium than four bananas – what’s not to love about coconut water?! It also contains calcium, phosphorous, and lauric acid. This is not the only reason we love coconut water, however. Indeed, it is brimming with electrolytes and is thought to be better at replacing lost fluids than sports drinks or water. Staying hydrated is really important when breastfeeding.
8. Eggs: Not only are eggs a quick and easy snack for sleep-deprived parents, but they are also packed full of nutrients, including choline, vitamin A, B12, D, K, selenium, iodine and protein. Plus, boiled eggs are great hot or cold, which is something new parents will learn to cherish!
9. Green Leafy Vegetables: Green, leafy vegetables, including spinach and broccoli, are not only nutrient-dense, but they are packed full of iron and folate, which helps your body build healthy red blood cells. They also contain calcium, magnesium, and are an excellent source of vitamin C – all excellent for breastfeeding mothers.
10. Herbs: The following herbs have been traditionally used to regulate milk supply, and can be used in cooking:
    • Blessed Thistle
    • Caraway seeds
    • Fenugreek
    • Ginger
11. Lentils or Beans (Legumes): With high levels of folate, iron and fiber, legumes are a versatile food option for breastfeeding mothers. For example, you can put extra beans in a chili or have humus as a snack.
12. Natural Live Yogurt: Yogurt offers high levels of calcium, protein magnesium and B vitamins. Additionally, live yogurt includes beneficial flora, which can help you and your baby maintain a healthy gut.
13. Organic Dried Apricots: Apricots can increase prolactin – the hormone used to make your body produce milk. They are a great snack and contain many essential nutrients including beta-carotene, iron, vitamins A and C, as well as plenty of potassium and fiber.
14. Salmon, or other Oily Fish: Oily fish is brimming with protein and DHA (part of the Omega 3 fatty acid), which are needed for the healthy development of your baby’s nervous system. Oily fish is also packed with vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, learning, memory and mood. It is advisable to eat two portions of oily fish per week.
15. Pumpernickel Bread: Pumpernickel bread offers you a low GI carbohydrate (slow release energy), fiber, B vitamins and selenium. It is available in most supermarkets. Pumpernickel bread can be enjoyed toasted with peanut butter and banana, or avocado and marmite for a healthy snack.
16. Quinoa: Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, which helps your body absorb calcium, and therefore, is essential during breastfeeding. It is also an excellent source of fiber and protein, which is excellent if you are a vegetarian or vegan.

Pinehurst Surgical Clinic is a multi-specialty clinic comprised of ten specialty centers located in a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Pinehurst, NC. Our OB GYN specialists serve patients in Pinehurst, Sanford, Fayetteville, Rockingham, Lillington, Montgomery, and all surrounding areas throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond.