Lactation Consult FAQ

Breastfeeding and human milk can offer health benefits for babies and parents, but families sometimes need support. At Northwestern Children’s Practice, our physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and lactation team offer consultations to help families work toward their feeding goals.

What is a lactation consult?

A lactation consultation offers practical guidance to families who are having difficulty with breastfeeding or human-milk feeding. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Lactation Counselors can help with feeding concerns during newborn and infant visits, during new-parent support groups, or through our breastfeeding support phone line.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and human milk provide nutrition and immune protection for infants and may offer health benefits for lactating parents. Infant formula is also a safe, nutritious option, and many families use a combination. Our goal is to support families in making an informed feeding plan that works for them.

Milk supply, breast pumps, milk storage and more

Milk production responds to frequent and effective milk removal. Many newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, although individual patterns vary. If feeding is painful, milk transfer seems ineffective, weight gain is a concern, or supply feels low, our lactation team can help assess what is happening and develop a plan.

The Lactation Team at Northwestern Children’s Practice can help families who are just starting out as well as those with more experience who have specific concerns. Our lactation consultants can help assess a comfortable, effective latch, support milk production, and discuss breast pumps, milk storage, and other feeding concerns.

Breastfeeding and human-milk feeding are learned processes, and every family’s experience is different. During a newborn visit or a separately scheduled consultation, the Lactation Team at Northwestern Children’s Practice can help address challenges and support your family’s feeding goals.