title: The lactation consult: problem solving, teaching, and support for the breastfeeding family.
abstract: Requests from parents for lactation support have increased significantly in primary care settings. Pediatric nurse practitioners with the ability to assess the newborn as well as the breastfeeding couple are a valuable asset. This article seeks to identify early predictors of breastfeeding problems and how to perform a lactation consultation to address these concerns. Good infant weight gain and maternal comfort while nursing are described as key evaluation criteria when assessing the nursing couple. The importance of achieving a good latch at the breast is stressed. A step-by-step guide to both the lactation consultation and common latch-on techniques are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Tonawanda/Island Pediatrics, NY 14150, USA. mhdann@aol.com
authors.forename: Maureen Hoag
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Dann
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011187:Posture; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011340:Problem Solving; D012944:Social Support