Caring for your newborn is one of the most rewarding experiences of early parenthood, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. With so many new routines, challenges, and decisions to navigate, it’s completely normal to have questions and moments of uncertainty. That’s why seeking guidance early can make a significant difference in your confidence and your baby’s feeding success.
A lactation consultation offers personalised, expert guidance that goes beyond feeding; it supports both your baby’s health and your own physical and emotional well-being. This guide explains why every new parent can benefit from professional lactation support. It’s one of the most valuable tips for new parents: you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
What is a Lactation Consultation?
A lactation consultation is a one-on-one session with a certified lactation specialist, often an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).1 It is designed for any parent who is feeding a baby, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a combination of both.
The goal is to provide personalised guidance tailored to your baby’s needs, help you refine feeding techniques, address challenges, and ensure your baby receives the nutrition they need to thrive. Most importantly, a consultation is a supportive, judgment-free space where you can ask any question, no matter how small or big, and gain expert reassurance.
Key Reasons to Book a Lactation Consultation
A lactation consultation is an opportunity to gain deeper insight into your baby’s needs, from understanding your child’s development and milestones to decoding your baby’s poop. Here are some key reasons to book a lactation consultation:
1. Receive Personalised Feeding Guidance
Every parent and baby is a unique pair. There is no “one size fits all” approach to feeding. A lactation specialist will assess your baby’s unique feeding style, check their latch and oral anatomy, and provide tailored recommendations that work for you.
This can include help with finding comfortable feeding positions, identifying your baby's hunger cues, managing your milk supply, or creating a plan for balancing breastfeeding and formula. You will leave with clarity and confidence in your feeding routine.
2. Early Support for Common Feeding Challenges
Many new parents face feeding issues like nipple pain, concerns about low milk supply, difficulty latching, oversupply, reflux, or potential tongue-tie. When these issues aren't addressed, they can become prolonged, painful, and stressful.
Early intervention from a lactation specialist can prevent these common challenges from becoming major struggles. Timely, professional support can make the difference between a stressful feeding journey and a successful, positive one.
3. Boost Parental Confidence
Feeding uncertainty can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, especially for first-time parents. Am I doing this right? Is my baby getting enough? A lactation consultation provides professional reassurance and, just as importantly, actionable advice.
Gaining clarity on your feeding techniques and seeing your baby feed effectively builds your confidence like nothing else. This confidence is key, as a calm, confident parent helps create a nurturing and calm environment for their baby to feed.
4. Support Baby’s Growth and Nutrition
Proper feeding directly impacts your baby’s health, growth, and development. A lactation consultant is trained to track your baby's feeding progress, measure how much milk your baby is transferring, and monitor their weight gain to ensure all their nutritional needs are being met. This personalised guidance helps prevent issues with underfeeding or overfeeding.
5. Emotional Support for New Parents
Feeding challenges can be emotionally exhausting and isolating. A lactation consultation provides a safe, compassionate space to voice your concerns, fears, and frustrations without any judgment. This emotional support from an expert who understands is invaluable. It helps you feel less isolated and more empowered in your parenting journey.
6. Strengthen the Parent-Baby Bond
Feeding is not just about nutrition—it’s one of the primary ways you and your baby bond. When feeding is painful or stressful, it can interfere with this vital connection. By helping you resolve challenges and build your confidence, a lactation consultant supports a positive, comfortable, and nurturing feeding experience, which fosters a deeper emotional connection between you and your newborn.
When to Consider a Lactation Consultation
You can book a consultation at any stage of your parenthood journey. Some parents find it helpful to schedule a session while pregnant to prepare, while others prefer to book it in the first few days after birth.
Lactation support is especially beneficial for:
- First-time parents
- Parents of premature babies or multiples
- If you are experiencing any pain during feeding
- If you have concerns about your milk supply or your baby's weight gain
- If you are preparing to return to work while breastfeeding
- Seeking help early is a sign of proactive care and preparedness.
Seeking guidance early is a proactive step that supports both your baby’s nutrition and your confidence as a parent.
Flegen’s Lactation Consultation Services
At Flegen, our certified lactation consultants in Singapore provide personalised support tailored to your family’s needs. Consultations include hands-on demonstrations and ongoing guidance to help you and your baby feed confidently.
Whether you are preparing for your first feed or navigating early breastfeeding challenges, our consultations offer expert support every step of the way with the following:
- Prenatal Consultations: Prepare parents for breastfeeding, covering positions, techniques, and strategies to start strong.
- Postnatal Consultations: Support a smooth breastfeeding experience, troubleshoot challenges, and build your confidence.
We offer virtual Zoom consultations for convenience, plus infant care courses and antenatal classes for new parents, giving you the knowledge and confidence to navigate feeding with ease. Book a lactation consultation with Flegen today and join a caring community dedicated to supporting you and your baby.