Critical Time
You might find a lactation consultant especially helpful in the 
beginning. Lactation can begin as early as the first trimester or as late as the third trimester. During this process, your breasts will begin to produce Colostrum which precedes the full supply of milk. Until your body maximizes it’s potential to produce the full supply of milk (which is not until a few days after childbirth), your new born baby will gain his/her nutrients from Colostrum through breast feeding.
Lots of Questions
You might want to think about getting a lactation consultant. If you’ve had a baby before, you probably already know that the breastfeeding process can be confusing, and downright frustrating. Many nurturers experience the physical difficulties that come with child birth such as the extremely sore nipples. They may also have a variety of questions in regards to the process of breastfeeding: Is my baby getting enough nutrients? Am I producing enough breast milk? Why does it seem like my baby is having a hard time grasping onto my nipple? These are all common questions that a mother may have. Luckily, there is a profession out there which specifically deals with these concerns- they are called Lactation Consultants!
What do Lactation Consultants do?
What does a Lactation Consultant do? A Lactation Consultant is a specialist who is trained in providing information and strategies on how to be as successful in breastfeeding your baby as possible. Additionally, the specialist can address any concerns that a mother may have in regards to their breasts during and after pregnancy. They will teach anywhere from what the normal breast milk supply is and how to amp up the nutrition and lactation level so your baby can receive maximum nutrition- to how to hold your baby the proper way while breastfeeding. Or if you prefer to use a breastfeeding pump, the Lactation Consultant can inform you on how to use it.
In Case of Any Problems
In addition to providing support for your questions and concerns, it is important to contact a lactation consultant if your baby has irregular bowel movements or discolored urine a few days after being born, if your baby is premature, if you are breastfeeding more than one child, if your baby is losing weight or not gaining weight, or if your breasts continue to be tender and is accompanied with symptoms of sickness (such as a fever) six days after giving birth. That being said, if you feel you may need a lactation consultant, ask your health care professional to direct you to one.
Worth It
Although lactation consultants may charge anywhere from $50-$200, the information and reassurance is worth the price. According to Kelly Bonyata who is a licensed Lactation Consultant, babies need to nurse 10-12 times per day. Kelly claims that “You CAN’T nurse too often- you can nurse too little” so it is important to have the resources to learn how to nurse the proper way for you and your baby!