Lactation Consultants Help Moms
Transition to Breastfeeding

Whether she's having her first baby or her third, no mother can be expected to have all the answers. A mom who successfully breastfed her first child might have different questions when her second child arrives, and of course it is natural for first-time moms to have a lot of questions. As lactation consultant Patricia Awood says, "Even if the mom breastfed before, this baby has never breastfed before."

Awood is one of the University of Michigan Health System's three lactation consultants. Awood, Mary Dubensky, and Linda Faubert are all registered nurses certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. UMHS has many support systems in place for women who want to breastfeed, and sources were recently expanded to include outpatient clinic hours with the lactation consultants at the Women's Health Resource Center. There is a fee for the first visit, and the fee is reduced for additional consultations.

The new clinic hours have received a lot of positive feedback. Dubensky says, "The women we have seen in the outpatient clinic really appreciate the extra support and assistance with breastfeeding. Some of the comments have included the statement that visits to the outpatient lactation clinic have made the difference between not breastfeeding and achieving success."

The lactation consultants are pleased to help women experience the feelings of love and closeness with their baby that breastfeeding provides. Faubert says of the incredible feeling of accomplishment for a woman to be able to nourish her baby from her own body, "It isn't just the baby who feels utter contentment."

In addition to the lactation consultants, UMHS has labor and delivery nurses who are trained to help first introduce moms to breastfeeding. Ideally, this takes place within the first hour or two after delivery. UMHS also has a special team of nurses who have extra training to help answer breastfeeding questions.

For more information about breastfeeding or to arrange an appointment with one of the University of Michigan Health System's lactation consultants, call the Women's Health Resource Center at (734) 936-8886.

Providing consultations at the Women's Health Resource Center is another way that UMHS lactation consultants are able to help mothers who want to breastfeed achieve success. Pictured from left to right are Linda Faubert, Patricia Awood, and Mary Dubensky.