Breastfeeding consultant
Principles of Breastfeeding Support and Counselling
The Maternity Department adheres to the internationally recognized breastfeeding support principles of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Our aim is to provide professional support and counselling for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
Over 50% of postpartum women need help with breastfeeding. You are not alone. Help is available!
When to Book an Appointment with a Lactation Consultant?
People seek help from a lactation consultant for many different reasons-whether they have concerns or simply want support to ensure breastfeeding goes smoothly, calmly, and confidently.
Most Common Reasons:
Baby-Related Concerns
- The baby is not gaining enough weight or is losing weight.
- The baby is restless at the breast, cries frequently, or tires quickly.
- Sucking appears weak, irregular, or painful.
- The baby refuses the breast or prefers only one breast.
- Breastfeeding a premature baby or a baby with a low birth weight.
- Breastfeeding multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
Mother-Related Concerns
- Painful breastfeeding, sore nipples, or cracked nipples.
- Breasts that feel engorged, red, and/or painful.
- Feeling that milk supply is too low.
- A previous negative breastfeeding experience.
Other Breastfeeding-Related Questions
- Finding the correct breastfeeding position.
- Establishing a suitable feeding rhythm and frequency.
- Assessing the need for supplemental feeding or bottle use.
- Gradually reducing or stopping breastfeeding.
- Seeking reassurance and information before childbirth.
Lactation Consultant Appointments:
Breastfeeding counseling is free!
Registration: Pregnancy Department Reception: +372 666 5307
Call Centre: Monday–Friday, 07:30–18:00
Phone: +372 626 1314
Lactation Consultant Phone (answered during consultation hours): +372 5308 7874
If possible, we ask that you come to the visit with your child on an empty stomach - this way the lactation consultant can observe the child's feeding and breastfeeding technique on site, and the counseling will be more practical and effective.
Locations and Consultation Hours:
West Tallinn Central Hospital – Pelgulinn Women's Clinic (Sõle 23)
Monday–Friday: 09:00–17:00
West Tallinn Central Hospital – North Tallinn Health Centre (Sõle 63)
Monday–Wednesday: 09:00–17:00
West Tallinn Central Hospital – Mustamäe Health Centre (Ehitajate tee 27)
Wednesday: According to schedule
Friday: 09:00–16:00
WHO and UNICEF's 10 Steps to Support Breastfeeding:
1a. We follow the principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant resolutions of the World Health Organization.
1b. We maintain a written policy based on our breastfeeding strategy and communicate it to all maternity clinic staff.
1c. We continuously collect and monitor breastfeeding-related statistics.
2. We ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills necessary to support breastfeeding.
3. We inform all pregnant women and families about the benefits and practical aspects of breastfeeding.
4. We support immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and the initiation of breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
5. We support mothers in starting and continuing breastfeeding and in resolving common breastfeeding challenges.
6. We do not provide breastfed newborns with any food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated.
7. We enable mothers and babies to remain together 24 hours a day.
8. We encourage mothers to breastfeed in response to their baby's feeding cues and needs.
9. We counsel mothers about the risks associated with the use of pacifiers and feeding bottles.
10. Upon discharge, we provide all families with guidance on follow-up care and how to access ongoing support.