Breastfeeding is an important moment for both mother and baby, but it doesn’t always go smoothly without challenges. Many mothers wonder when they should see a lactation consultant and whether they need to wait until the baby is born. In fact, you can consult a lactation consultant as early as during pregnancy to better prepare for breastfeeding after delivery. With early education and guidance, mothers can be more prepared to handle various situations, from breastfeeding techniques to potential challenges.
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When Should You See a Lactation Consultant?
The short answer is: the sooner, the better. You don’t need to wait until a problem arises to seek help from a lactation consultant. In fact, many mothers only realize the importance of this support after facing difficulties and often wish they had consulted earlier.
Here are some of the best times to see a lactation consultant:
1. During Pregnancy (Before Delivery)
You can consult a lactation consultant even before your baby is born. This serves as preparation—similar to attending a childbirth class—but focused on breastfeeding.
During these sessions, you can learn what to expect in the first few days after delivery, how to avoid common breastfeeding challenges, and how to create a feeding plan that suits your needs and goals. Early consultation can help reduce stress later on.
2. In the First Few Days After Birth
The early postpartum period is crucial for establishing a good milk supply. If you experience pain while breastfeeding, your baby has difficulty latching, or you’re unsure whether your baby is getting enough milk, it’s best to consult a lactation consultant immediately.
3. When You Experience Breastfeeding Issues
Whether in the first few weeks or several months into breastfeeding, you can still seek help if you encounter any issues. These may include pain, a fussy baby, decreased milk supply, or sleep-related difficulties.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You don’t have to endure discomfort or confusion during your breastfeeding journey.
What Is the Role of a Lactation Consultant?
Lactation consultants play a vital role in helping mothers achieve a smoother, more comfortable, and effective breastfeeding experience. With proper guidance, many breastfeeding challenges can be addressed early.
Here are some ways they can help:
- Help mothers find the most comfortable breastfeeding positions
- Guide proper latching techniques
- Teach how to recognize baby’s hunger cues
- Assist in creating an effective feeding schedule
- Help regulate milk supply (increase, decrease, or maintain it as needed)
- Monitor the baby’s growth, including healthy weight gain
- Teach how to pump or express breast milk manually or using a pump
- Provide guidance on weaning
- Educate about kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact)
- Help mothers prepare to return to work while continuing breastfeeding
- Manage various breastfeeding challenges, especially related to latching and pumping
Recommended Lactation Consultants at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers experienced lactation consultants who are ready to support mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey.
1. Dr. dr. Fransisca Handy Agung, Sp.A, IBCLC
Dr. Fransisca Handy Agung is a pediatric specialist with expertise in lactation. She completed her medical degree and pediatric specialization at Universitas Indonesia.
To strengthen her expertise, she has participated in various international trainings, including:
- Clinical Exposure at Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Exposure at Adolescent Health Clinic, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
- Adolescent Health Friendly Service Training by the Ministry of Health of Indonesia and the Indonesian Pediatric Society
- Facilitator for the 40-hour WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding counselling training at Indonesia Breastfeeding Centre
- Certified through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examination (IBCLC)
- Completed 40-hour WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding counselling training
With her strong educational background and experience, Dr. Fransisca is a reliable lactation consultant who can help mothers achieve successful breastfeeding.
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 09.00 WIB
- Thursday: 08.00 – 09.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 09.00 WIB
2. dr. Elizabeth Margaretha P, MARS, CIMI
Another lactation consultant at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is dr. Elizabeth Margaretha P, MARS, CIMI, who is experienced in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Her services include:
- Breastfeeding counseling and education starting from pregnancy
- Inpatient lactation visits after delivery
- Comprehensive lactation management
- Management of breastfeeding problems such as low milk supply, mastitis, and nipple confusion
- Evidence-based complementary feeding (MPASI) education with PMBA certification
Practice schedule:
- Monday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
To make your visit more convenient, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store. These platforms allow you to schedule appointments, check queue numbers, and access other important information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and may not represent all medical services offered by each doctor. For appropriate diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to consult directly with the relevant healthcare provider.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
