The WHO advises mums to breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months exclusively. But for many mums, breastfeeding is hardly a cakewalk. Many mums experience latching issues, sore nipples, breast engorgement, etc., which makes breastfeeding a chore. It also leaves mums depressed and wondering why they can’t seem to get it right. This is where finding a lactation consultant in Singapore may come in handy.
The Importance of Lactation Support
Health Benefits for Both the Mother and the Child
- Child Health: Breast milk is known to be a complete source of nutrition for infants, providing essential antibodies and nutrients that enhance the baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections and diseases.
- Maternal Health: Breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and decreasing the likelihood of certain cancers like breast and ovarian cancer for the mother.
Addressing Postpartum Concerns and Maternal Well-being
- Emotional Support: Breastfeeding support from lactation consultants addresses postpartum concerns by providing emotional support, guidance, and reassurance to mothers, which is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being.
- Bonding and Well-being: Breastfeeding fosters bonding between mother and child, contributing positively to the mother’s mental health and overall well-being, creating a sense of closeness and satisfaction.
Image from iStock
Services Offered by Lactation Consultants in Singapore
Consultation and Support Services Available
- Individualised Consultations: Lactation consultants in Singapore offer one-on-one sessions tailored to the specific needs of the mother and child, addressing breastfeeding challenges and offering guidance.
- Prenatal Education: Providing expecting mothers with information on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and preparing for the breastfeeding journey.
- Postpartum Support: Continuous guidance post-birth, addressing concerns, assisting with latch issues, milk supply problems, and any other breastfeeding-related challenges.
Multilingual and Multicultural Support for Diverse Communities
- Language Diversity: Lactation consultants in Singapore often cater to the multicultural society by offering services in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for non-English-speaking communities.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural practices related to breastfeeding, ensuring that the advice provided aligns with individual cultural beliefs and practices.
Integration of Traditional Practices and Modern Techniques
- Blending Modern and Traditional Knowledge: Lactation consultants integrate traditional practices and cultural wisdom related to breastfeeding with evidence-based modern techniques to provide a holistic approach to support.
- Heritage Practices: Consultants may adapt their approaches to include traditional remedies or practices that align with the cultural background of the mothers, respecting the wisdom passed down through generations.
Successful breastfeeding requires patience, good technique, and perseverance. It is quite natural that initially, you and your baby will experience some problems or discomforts. And if they get too hard to handle, here is the list of where you can find a lactation consultant in Singapore who you can approach, for valuable advice and tips:
Where You Can Find A Lactation Consultant In Singapore
To help you in your lactating journey, here are six ways you can find a lactation consultant in Singapore.
1. Hospital-based Lactation Consultants
You can find a lactation consultant through many Singapore hospitals, including the following:
- National University Hospital. Tel: 9722 0376
- Singapore General Hospital. Tel: 6326 5926
- KKH. Ask-A-Nurse: Tel: 1900-556 8773 (8am – 12 midnight); Lactation Clinic: 6293 4044 (office hours) Tel: 6225 5554.
- Mt Elizabeth Hospital. Tel: 6731 2180/82
- Mt Alvernia Hospital. Tel: 6347 6641; Email: Parentcraft@mtalvernia-hospital.org
- Gleneagles Hospital. Tel: 6470 5852
- Thomson Medical Centre. Tel: 6251 4090
- Raffles Hospital. Tel: 6311 1516/7
2. Mother and Child Singapore
Mother and Child Singapore has Certified Lactation Consultants to help mums with breastfeeding concerns, techniques and problems. What’s more, lactation consultations can be arranged at Mother & Child, in the hospital, or in the comfort of your own home.
They also have a bunch of other services that cover everything from pre-birth to postpartum. You’re sure to find a lactation consultant at Mother and Child Singapore.
When: One-on-one sessions with a lactation consultant can be arranged throughout the week.
Where: Mother and Child, #03-11 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore, 247933
Cost: Consultations at the centre is $160 for one hour per couple.
Contact: Phone: (65) 6836-0063; Email: info@motherandchild.com.sg
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9am – 5pm, Sundays 10am – 3.30pm
3. Joyful Parenting and Breastfeeding
If you’re looking for support and are more comfortable getting advice from a lactation consultant in Singapore that truly relates to what you’re going through, Joyful Parenting offers a dedicated pool of mum volunteers, experienced Family Educators, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) qualified nurses and home-makers to offer support to breastfeeding mums.
Helpline: 64880286 (Mon-Sat, 10.00am – 5.00pm)
4. Breastfeeding Mother’s Support Group (BMSG)
Breastfeeding Mother’s Support Group (BMSG) provides breastfeeding counselling through their Volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellors, who are experienced breastfeeding mothers accredited by BMSG following completion of a comprehensive breastfeeding counsellor training program. You might also find the best fitting lactation consultant in Singapore here.
Counselling Hotline: 63393558
Talks’ Line: 63370508
Email: counselling@breastfeeding.org.sg
BMSG Library & Office Hours (by appointment only): Mon & Wed: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm, Fri: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Cost: Do contact them to check for their rates, if any.
They also offer online support through BMSG’s Facebook group for mothers, moderated by Volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellors.
5. More Private Lactation Consultant In Singapore
- Doris Fok. Tel: 9638 7660
- Betty Lee. Tel: 9833 0170
- KW Chew. Tel: 9815 8283
- Christina Kwek. Tel: 9367 9293
Do drop them a text to check if they are still holding consultations.
6. Other sources of breastfeeding support aside from a lactation consultant in Singapore
Also READ: 10 things you need to know about breastfeeding!
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