well
it depends on the consultant. and they are normally only called that in the states. in the uk they are generally called breastfeeding counsellors. Apart from one really dreadful one (Clare Byam Cook), they mostly seem to be there to help women who want help with breast feeding. And help with breast feeding does normally involve reassuring the mother that it is normal that the child will feed constantly for the first few weeks, to get the supply up. Nipple confusion is occasionally a problem - so it is worth warning about it. All the BFCs I've met have been very calm, and have even said formula isn't the end of the world - you've maybe just come across some bad ones.
Also, most will agree that breast is best, but that doesn't mean that bottle is worst.
(and don't feed your father: www.takeaweirdbreak.com/2010/05/erm.html)
( ascorbate, Wed 2 Jun 2010, 10:34, 2 replies)

I agree with this
All good breastfeeding supporters are pro-breast, not anti-bottle.

Clare Byam Cook's advice is completely ridiculous, but actually her only redeeming feature is that she does genuinely make women feel good about the decision they have made, whether they carry on breastfeeding or switch to bottles or some kind of mix of the two.

Although Que is right about one thing - it's usually the ones who charge and the ones who call themselves "consultants" who lay on the guilt trips. That and harrassed midwives and health visitors who want to tick the box on the form which says "discussed breastfeeding".
(Marmite Omelette ...but I feel better having screamed, don't you?, Wed 2 Jun 2010, 11:34, closed)

yes
I agree with this!
'it's usually the ones who charge and the ones who call themselves "consultants" who lay on the guilt trips. That and harrassed midwives and health visitors who want to tick the box on the form which says "discussed breastfeeding".'
luckily I've not had to deal with any who charge for their services, and we have a great HV team locally - so I haven't encountered too many guilt trippers!
( ascorbate, Thu 3 Jun 2010, 9:40, closed)

^ vitC
Are you serious?

WTF is nipple confusion supposed to be? An ultimately fatal condition that results in lesbianism once the infant eventually hits puberty? A cause of asthma perhaps? Or just some hokum dreamt up by a lactation consultant who has run out of science?

I'm calling the Mythbusters. Adam and Jamie should have a hoot with this one.
(Que?, Thu 3 Jun 2010, 4:46, closed)

nipple confusion
is maybe a stupid term, but describes a genuine problem whereby a baby cannot latch on to the mother because it is confused by the use of bottle teats/dummies. see www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_confusion.html for further information :-)
( ascorbate, Thu 3 Jun 2010, 9:38, closed)