Need A Good Lactation Consultant Near Langwarrin....

[melbel]

Can anyone recommend a good LC near Langwarrin VIC?

I need some help in getting my 3 week old boy to take to the breast. History is that he spent four days in special care at birth being treated for dangerously low bsls that wouldn't come up....he was being force fed copious amounts of formula by bottle (as well as a dextrose IV line his levels were that low) during this time and has decided he doesnt like the breast as a result because it is too much like hard work. I have been pumping every 3-4 hours day and night and as a result we have got him off the formula and he is currently being fed fully EBM by bottle. I would like to get him onto the breast properly but really have no idea how to go about this...any attempts so far have met with him getting quite distressed and pulling away.

Any advice on what is more or less relactation would be gratefully received.

And any names of qualified LCs that will service the Langwarrin area would be awesome...I have checked the LC website but there doesn't seem to be anyone in this area listed.....

Thanks in advance..

[feeb]

Well done hun on the expressing and fully feeding him EBM!!!!!

My suggestion would be to ring local ABA group and they will be able to give you details.

Good luck

[Khaleesi]

Not sure if Berwick is to far for you, but Chris Brown is really good.
She helped me out a lot when i had supply issues & DD2 had really poor weight gains.
She even runs a breastfeeding class that is really helpful.(Not sure if you had to be patient of the hospital tho).
She was willing to come to Pakenham, so i don't see why Langwarrin would be any different.

Good Luck & i hope you can find a good LC

[Nelle]

I bet you're doing great Mel. Definitely check with the ABA and see what they know. xo

Bummer he's getting distressed and pulling away...you don't have a fast letdown do you think? (just asking because with #2 I was mystified at why he was pulling away til I realised it was toooo much milk all at once for him and I needed to lean right back for the start of the feed....just a thought that might be irrelevant, but might not. xo)

[melbel]

if anything Nelle, I think it would be because I have a slow let down and he thinks he has got a dud!! Wants one that works, lazy boy child that he is....LOL!

[Nelle]

Lol. My #1 was like that. He was a really lazy sucker (lol, I'm not name calling here, I mean he was a lazy feeder). My MCHN (who wasn't that bad) advised I try to keep him waiting as long as I can for a feed - obviously not ages, but you know, if he will be distracted with smiles, or plays or cuddles for an extra 10 mins, then he would be hungry and motivated to suck. It worked for us, but I don't know if that's sound advice, perhaps wait for someone like MantaRay to okay that idea.

[Kmn]

Do some of your local hospitals do lactation day stays??
I know that Jessie Mac does, but it only runs fornightlyish, so that may be too long to wait.

[MantaRay]

Oh Mel, what a difficult start you have had

Being separated from baby in the early days can really affect getting breastfeeding established. But the good news is that you can overcome this set back. It is more difficult, but certainly not impossible. Seeing a LC is a really good idea. I know of a few good ones in Melbourne, but I seem to have forgotten the geography - what is Langwarrin near? Christine Brown is one good one if Berwick isn't too far. Otherwise are you in the Eastern suburbs?

In the meantime, lots of skin to skin cuddles is the best thing you can do. This will stimulate both your milk making hormones, and CJ's rooting and sucking reflexes. Also have a look at the information on Baby Led Attachment on the ABA website - Australian Breastfeeding Association - Baby-led attachment. After lots of skin to skin contact this might work for you.

Mel, you can also call the ABA helpline at anytime. They will have a list of LCs as well as being able to give you more information.

All the best hun. Let us know how you go.

[EJE]

I would recommend Pinky McKay, she was just fantastic with us.