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| Lactation
Consultants have special knowledge in
these areas: |
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Anatomy of the breast
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Physiology of lactation
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Chemistry of human milk
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Immunities in human milk
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Medications in human milk
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Effects of environmental toxins in human
milk
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Newborn
anatomy and physiology
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Infant growth and development
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Human attachment & bonding
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Mothers' and babies' nutrition
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Products and devices that improve or
maintain optimal breastfeeding
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| Reasons
for Referrals to Lactation Consultants
(When to call an IBCLC): |
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| Families
who need specialized breastfeeding assistance
benefit from early referral to an:
International Board Certified Lactation
Consultant (IBCLC). |
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| Referral
to a Lactation Consultant is appropriate
in the following situations: |
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- Breastfeeding
difficulty
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Latch-on and swallowing are not consistent
- Refusal
to breastfeed
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Infant is hungry after most feeds
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Feedings last more than one hour
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Latch-on and/or audible swallowing has
not occurred by 24 hours after birth
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Inadequate weight gain or birth weight
not regained by two weeks of age
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Infant displays signs of suck (nipple)
confusion such as accepting a bottle but
not the breast
- Actual
or perceived low milk supply
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Flat or inverted nipples
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Painful engorgement
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Previous poor breastfeeding experience
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Excessive maternal apprehension
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Cracked, bleeding, or blistered nipples
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Nipple soreness which does not improve
within five days or worsens
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Breast pain, plugged ducts, acute or chronic
mastitis
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Special circumstances such as prematurity,
multiples, congenital abnormalities, neurological
impairment, maternal illness
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Relactation or induced lactation for adoptive
nursing
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Situations requiring time-intensive support
and assistance
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