The Rise of Lactation Consultants in Hangzhou
Recently, a new profession has emerged in social media discussions, and it appears to meet a significant market demand: the lactation consultant. Particularly in Hangzhou, the field is primarily populated by women, often overlapping with the roles of traditional maternity nannies.
The Blending of Roles: Lactation Consultants and Maternity Nannies
As the business of lactation consulting grows, many maternity nannies have taken on dual roles, blurring the lines between their traditional duties and lactation support. While the idea of hiring a dedicated lactation consultant exists, many families opt for nannies who offer this service as part of their monthly package – typically charging around 5000 yuan for the month or 200 yuan per day.
Perceptions and Practices in Lactation Support
According to a veteran maternity nanny in her 50s, “Lactation support is simple; it’s about breaking down the hard lumps in the breasts, allowing milk to flow naturally.” This opinion reflects a broader belief among some that formal training for lactation consultants may not be essential. She suggests that numerous nannies can help mothers express milk based on their personal experiences.
However, experiences vary significantly among new mothers. One mother, Xiao Zhu, noted, “When a nanny tried to help me, it was incredibly painful. After hiring a trained lactation consultant, the discomfort was manageable because they understood the techniques better.”
The Risks of Inexperienced Practices
Yet, with the rise of this informal approach comes inherent risks. Expert lactation consultant Zhai Xuanyi warns, “Improper techniques, such as pressing on hard lumps without care, can lead to serious issues like mastitis.” She recounts incidents where mothers suffered severe burns from hot compresses, emphasizing the importance of careful and trained handling of lactation concerns.
The Definition and Role of Lactation Consultants
In her six years of experience, Xuanyi clarifies that a lactation consultant’s role, often misunderstood, transcends mere physical assistance; it incorporates knowledge from areas like nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine. Their focus is on addressing issues of insufficient milk production and providing guidance on breastfeeding.
Daily Responsibilities and Techniques
Xuanyi services two to three mothers daily, assisting them in milk expression, typically charging 200 yuan per session. Known for her effective techniques, she humorously refers to her skills as having "divine hands," a title earned through consistent practice. Xuanyi’s routine also involves specific hand exercises to build strength, ensuring she can provide effective assistance.
Challenges in the Industry
Despite its growing popularity, the lactation consulting profession faces challenges. Currently, there are no standardized regulations or qualifications established by the authorities, which means many practitioners rely on general massage certifications to operate.
A Bright Future for Lactation Consulting
Upon arriving in Hangzhou, Xuanyi found a significant gap in lactation support services. She noted, “Many new mothers today struggle during their recovery periods, leading to inadequate milk production. This could stem from both physical conditions and improper feeding practices.” This observation signifies substantial demand for trained professionals in this field.
Today, Xuanyi leads a team of four lactation consultants, and during peak times, each can handle up to eight clients a day. The combination of personalized massage techniques and specialized postpartum meals significantly enhances the mothers’ milk supply, indicating a robust future for this profession.