A lactation consultant or specialist is often a nurse who has been trained to teach and advise women about breast-feeding. Lactation consultants may be associated with birth units in hospitals.

Lactation consultants are often most helpful for women who:

• Have never breast-fed before.
• Have had previous problems breast-feeding.
• Have a chronic health problem, such as diabetes.
• Have had breast surgery.
• Are breast-feeding more than one child.
• Plan to breast-feed while working outside the home.
• Need help using a breast pump.
• Have problems with breast or nipple pain.
• Have a baby who does not seem to be breast-feeding well.
• Have a special-needs baby, such as one who was born premature or with a health problem that may interfere with breast-feeding.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Mary Robbins, RNC, IBCLC - Lactation Consultant
Last Revised	April 13, 2011