How Can Lactation Consultants Help with Common Neonatal Disorders?
Lactation consultants can offer specialized strategies for various conditions:
- Premature Infants: Premature babies often have difficulty with suck-swallow coordination. Consultants can teach mothers how to use nipple shields or express breast milk and feed it via alternative methods until the baby can breastfeed directly. - Jaundice: High bilirubin levels can make babies sleepy and less interested in feeding. A consultant can suggest feeding techniques and schedules to enhance milk intake and help reduce bilirubin levels. - Congenital Anomalies: Conditions like a cleft palate can make breastfeeding challenging. Lactation consultants can recommend specialized feeding devices and positions to facilitate effective feeding.
