Although any form of chest feeding (feeding of a newborn whilst the parent holds them at their chest) fosters an emotional bonding between child and parent not offered by “traditional” methods of bottle feeding, consumption of breastmilk by newborns offers unparalleled benefits to child and “breast feeder”.
Benefits of breastmilk to newborns
Consumption of breastmilk offers a newborn child many health benefits, some extending into adulthood, including decreased risk of:
- Cavities
- Ear infections
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Many infections, including pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bacterial meningitis
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and necrotizing enterocolitis)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Childhood leukaemia
- Cardiovascular disease in adulthood
- In general, lower rate of hospitalization, and a tendency to better health compared to non-breastfed children
Benefits of breastfeeding to the breastfeeding parent
Breastfeeding also benefits the “breastfeeder”, including decreased rate of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
Obstacles to breastfeeding
Although some are not able to breastfeed owing to use of medications that may be passed through breastmilk or economic obstacles (e.g., an employment situation that does not allow for effective breastfeeding), many who are able to breastfeed are discouraged from it by the challenges it presents, most of which (e.g., low milk supply) are soluble with the support of a lactation consultant.
Our goal at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is that every parent who is able to breastfeed, and wishes to breastfeed, receives the support they need to be able to offer their newborn this incomparable source of nutrition (and parental bonding).
Can a lactation consultant help me?
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who are able to help you identify solutions for common challenges of breastfeeding, including:
- Baby not gaining weight
- Low milk supply
- Baby refusing the breast
- Difficulty with nursing positioning
- Poor latch
- Difficulty sucking
- Tongue tie
- Sore or cracked nipples
- Plugged breast ducts and infection (e.g., mastitis)
- Breast engorgement
- Pumping for bottle feeding
When should I contact a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants are most often consulted in the weeks following birth, by first time parents as they begin learn the various skills of parenting, but parents of any breastfeeding child who are facing these challenges may benefit from assessment by a lactation consultant.
In certain circumstances, an assessment pre-birth may have value. Certain breastfeeding challenges (e.g., nipple inversion) are most effectively addressed prior to beginning breastfeeding. If you are uncertain whether you may benefit from an an appointment with a lactation consultant, you may contact us to arrange a complimentary “Meet and Greet” appointment.
What are the qualifications of a lactation consultant?
Our lactation consultant, Laura Kent-Davidson, ND, IBLCE, in addition to her qualification as a licensed naturopathic doctor, is an International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) certified lactation consultant.
Training and certification by the IBLCE requires a candidate to complete:
- 90 hours of classroom education including breastfeeding, nutrition and anatomy
- 1000 hours of lactation-specific clinical experience
- Successful completion of a certification examination
- Completion of yearly continuing education requirements
- Re-certification every five years
Lactation Consultant Services at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
Lactation consultations at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine are offered by Laura Kent-Davidson, ND, IBLCE and may be conducted at your home or virtually. Initial lactation consultation appointments are 75 minutes in duration.
At your appointment you will:
- Discuss your current breastfeeding concern
- Review your health history and Intake Form
- Assess your infant, including a thorough oral examination
- Assess your feeding practices
- Create a plan to address your breastfeeding concern, including planning follow-up consultations if necessary or desired
As a licensed naturopathic doctor, Laura may also review with you parental nutrition, your child’s sleep patterns and postpartum transition as, viewed through a holistic lens, are important variables potentially affecting lactation, breastfeeding and the postpartum experience in general.
A treatment plan from a naturopathic doctor offering lactation guidance may include (prescription of):
- Specific lactation support strategies such as modifications in positioning of your baby or timing of feedings
- Dietary recommendations
- Nutritional supplements
- Botanical (herbal) medicines
- Lifestyle medicine (e.g., stress management strategies)
- Physical medicine (e.g., use of compresses)
- Referral to other healthcare professionals for support outside the scope of practice of a naturopathic doctor/lactation consultant
Are lactation consultant appointments covered by O.H.I.P.?
O.H.I.P. does not pay for lactation consultant appointments, but as a government-regulated healthcare profession, services offered by naturopathic doctors, including lactation consultations, are covered by most extended healthcare plans.
References
ACOG. Barriers to breastfeeding: supporting initiation and continuation of breastfeeding [Internet]. US: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. [cited 2023 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/02/barriers-to-breastfeeding-supporting-initiation-and-continuation-of-breastfeeding