by Annie Bailey, CNM, CLC, Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Lactation Counselor and Karen Johnson, CNM, CLC, Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Lactation Counselor at Prevea Health
When you are expecting a baby, there are many things that you are trying to prepare for. One of those things is making the decision to breastfeed your baby; however, oftentimes new moms aren’t prepared for the challenges that may come with it. Or, it could be your second or third baby, and while breastfeeding your first was a breeze, maybe this baby isn’t latching quite as easily. No two pregnancies or breastfeeding journeys are the same. So at Prevea, no two are treated the same.
That’s where we – certified lactation counselors – come in and we are here to help! A certified lactation counselor is a health care professional who has completed training and passed an exam, demonstrating the skills required to provide safe, evidence-based counseling for pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding women.
But, what does a Certified Lactation Counselor do and who can benefit from lactation counseling?
By assessing the needs of mother and baby, lactation counselors work with families and their health care team to solve breastfeeding problems and provide education, recommendations and skills for successful breastfeeding.
Women can make an appointment with Annie Bailey, CNM, CLC, and Karen Johnson, CNM, CLC, at any time during their breastfeeding journey. Patients do not need a referral from their health care provider and appointments are normally scheduled for an hour.
“We’re here to help, guide, listen and support breastfeeding mothers in achieving a successful breastfeeding experience,” says Annie Bailey, CNM, CLC, at Prevea Health.
The goal of the appointment is to provide counseling, education and assistance, which support the mother’s desires and goals for successful breastfeeding. Patients can expect to discuss the following at their appointment:
What are their goals for breastfeeding?
What issues or difficulties are they having with breastfeeding?
Brief health history intake and discussion of birth experience for both mother and child.
Along with discussion of breastfeeding goals and current issues, the lactation counselor may also assess a breastfeeding session.
“As certified lactation counselors, we want to make sure that breastfeeding is successful and meets the mother’s goals for successful breastfeeding,” says Karen Johnson, CNM, NP, CLC, at Prevea Health.
Scheduling a Lactation Counseling Appointment
For more information or to make an appointment with Prevea’s Certified Lactation Counselors, call (715) 717-3870.
Altoona ▪ Chippewa Falls ▪ Menomonie ▪ Mondovi
Learn more about Prevea Women’s Care at www.prevea.com/expecting. We’ll help you make your journey everything you’re expecting.