Does a midwifery perform lactation consultation?

A midwife may watch a feed, assess positioning and attachment, and help you find a comfortable way to hold your baby. Support can include expressing milk, managing engorgement, planning feeds, and understanding whether your baby is transferring milk effectively. A lactation consultant, including an IBCLC, has additional specialist training and may be involved for persistent pain, low milk transfer, premature birth, or feeding challenges. The focus is practical support that fits your health, your baby's needs, and your feeding goals.

Tell your midwife early if feeding hurts, your baby is difficult to wake for feeds, or you are unsure whether feeds are going well. Note when feeds happen, which side was used, and what concerns you noticed; this gives the clinician useful context. Ask whether support is available in the hospital, at home, or by appointment. Bring your baby and any breast pump or feeding equipment you use so the plan can be tailored to your routine.

Seek prompt maternity or newborn advice if your baby is unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, has fewer wet nappies than expected, or you are worried about hydration. Contact a clinician for fever, a hot painful area of the breast, or worsening redness, as these may need medical assessment alongside feeding support. Severe illness in you or your baby needs urgent care.

Ask: Can you observe a full feed? Is the latch comfortable and effective? Should I express milk? When should I contact a lactation consultant? What signs show that my baby needs prompt review?