Lactation Consultation

Breastfeeding can be challenging for many reasons, including:

• Medical conditions
• Breastfeeding positions
• Milk supply issues, and
• Varying lifestyle factors.

Our lactation support service can help ease the process of breastfeeding. By alleviating stress, we can enhance outcomes for new moms.

Empowering moms and families to meet their breastfeeding goals

At UF Health, we offer comprehensive lactation services to benefit you and your baby. We aim to provide every new mom with the education, support, tools, and access they need.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers?

• Lowers risk of postpartum bleeding or complication.
• Reduces risk of postpartum depression.
• Assists uterus in returning to pre-pregnancy size.
• Decreases risk of anemia and infection.
• Reduces risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Reduces risk of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

While breastfeeding is natural, it does not always come naturally. Both mother and baby need to learn to breastfeed. With the help of our UF Health lactation consultants, health care providers and community breastfeeding support groups, you and your baby can enjoy the benefits and rewards of breastfeeding.

What are common issues when breastfeeding?

• Latching issues
• Milk production and infant weight gain concerns
• Medication questions and concerns
• Return to work, including support and education about rights

UF Health lactation consultants have the expertise to address issues breastfeeding mothers may face, including genetic conditions determined in utero and postpartum issues. Our expert lactation consultant team collaborates with you, your doctor, and your entire care team to ensure optimal breastfeeding.

UF Health offers lactation care to educate families prenatally, to get breastfeeding off to a good start in the hospital, and to address breastfeeding problems that arise once you bring your baby home. Breastfeeding resources are available from beginning to end in your breastfeeding journey.

Conditions treated and services offered

• Prenatal education
• Infant nutrition
• Antenatal hand expression support
• Breastfeeding assessment with milk transfer
• Latch evaluation
• First time feeding support
• Engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis
• Nipple soreness
• Breast pump Support
• Bottle Refusal
• Concerns regarding milk supply (low or high)
• Assessment, evaluation and treatment of tongue ties
• Returning to work breastfeeding support
• Weaning support

Common breastfeeding FAQs

How can I increase milk production?

The answer to this question is sometimes as simple as getting a better latch and sometimes requires a deep dive into the parent's medical, pregnancy, and early postpartum history. Getting off to a good start is important, which is what our Baby-Friendly Hospital initiative is intended to provide.

If you are worried that you are not able to provide for your newborn baby's needs, please schedule an appointment with one of our lactation consultant specialists.

How can I treat sore nipples?

Breast tenderness and nipple soreness is common when breastfeeding, and getting help with a proper latch early on using lactation consultation can help treat and prevent nipple soreness. Nipple soreness may be caused by many things, including:

• Using the wrong feeding technique or position.
• Dry or overly moist skin around the nipple.
• Bras made with synthetic fabric.
• Certain soaps or solutions.
• Baby sucking too hard during feedings or as they come off the breast.

Remedies for nipple soreness can include expressed milk, nipple ointments, working on deep latch, and changing feeding position or techniques. If you’re experiencing extreme nipple soreness that hinders your ability to breastfeed, see your lactation consultant who can offer help and ensure there is no underlying medical issue.

What is a plugged milk duct?

Plugged milk ducts can occur due to a baby not feeding well, skipping feedings, and overproduction of breastmilk.

Symptoms of plugged milk ducts include:

• Tenderness
• Heat and redness in one area of the breast
• A lump that can be felt close to the skin

Common treatment for a plugged milk duct includes icing the affected breast, using ibuprofen for pain and swelling, and certain massage techniques. Your lactation consultant can show you proper techniques for massaging a plugged milk duct, as too much pressure or improper strokes can worsen symptoms and lead to reoccurring plugged ducts.

Community and patient programs

Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.

Breastfeeding class

Provides important information about the basics of breastfeeding.

Childbirth and newborn education

Helps prepare expectant parents for labor, birth, the post-partum period and caring for the newborn.

Podcasts

Dads can be crucial support for breastfeeding moms

There’s a new but familiar ally to encourage and support breastfeeding mothers: Just call him Dad.

Breastfeeding mothers can reduce child’s risk of food allergies

New mothers who want to reduce their child’s risk of developing food allergies should add one item to their grocery list: milk.

Pacifiers could promote breastfeeding

It’s up there with colic and non-nappers as far as new moms’ worst nightmares: nipple confusion.