Breastfeeding Support

Since my last post was about creating a good postpartum support network, I thought I might expand on that and suggest that families also strongly consider creating a breastfeeding support network before the baby arrives! I have known mothers who have had good intentions to breastfeed, and knew all of the benefits, and worked very hard to make it happen. In the end, those mothers stopped breastfeeding because they did not have the support they really needed and desired to continue breastfeeding. Breastfeeding support is something all expectant parents (and even those who are hoping to conceive in the not so distant future) should work to acquire. Something I think everyone should consider is that breastfeeding, though it is becoming more and more common everyday (and one day, it is my hope that it will be the norm) is not seen often enough in our culture. Many women in other cultures breastfeed successfully without ever picking up a book. That is because they see breastfeeding often, and have grown up with it as a part of their lives. In order to understand breastfeeding, we have to know what it looks like! So, in considering breastfeeding well, we need to know more than just what knowledgeable authors have to say. I would like to make some suggestions:

1. Be around other breastfeeding mothers. Ask them about breastfeeding and what their experience has been like. Ask them to tell you what resources they wish they had had when they started breastfeeding. Pay attention to how they position their baby, and get the baby latched on. If you don't know other mothers who breastfeed, get connected with your local La Leche League group. There are groups that meet all over the metro area at different times. This is a wonderful place to specifically learn about breastfeeding collectively. Find out where a group meets near you: http://www.lllusa.org/web/MNDak.html

2. See a lactation consultant before you leave the hospital. Even if you think you are doing everything right, I think it is always a good idea just to check in with a lactation consultant (who is an expert on breastfeeding) and hear from them that everything looks great. If anything is causing problems, they are a wonderful resource to have at your fingertips. It will be much easier to get this help while you are still in the hospital, than to get home and discover you need to take the baby back in again (though this is totally plausible). Some lactation consultants do home visits. Find out if your insurance covers this service (many cover in hospital, but not in home, and sometimes you can use your health savings account). You also may consider having a lactation counselor come and do a home visit. These counselors have been trained in breastfeeding counseling and can offer ample advice and suggestions for you, and though they have not had as much training as a lactation consultant, they are often more affordable. Even if it seems frustrating to pay for these visits, it is well worth it considering the health benefits your baby will get from receiving breastmilk as well as the costs you will save on formula. If you do encounter problems, get help sooner than later so that your supply will not become affected.

3. Keep some numbers handy. When you get home, and are feeling emotional and overwhelmed with feeding a baby so often, it can be difficult to find help when you need it the most. Make a list of resources you can contact in your most dire hour of need. Put phone numbers on your list that you don't think you would need, but just in case you need them, they are there. It is an especially good idea to talk with some of these people ahead of time to get a feel for them. Are they supportive and non-judgmental of your choices? Do you click well with them? Do they offer helpful advice and wisdom to you? Some good people to include on this list would be your doula, a close friend (who is also a mother and who has breastfed her children), a postpartum doula, a lactation consultant or counselor, and your local La Leche League leader.

These are just a few practical things you can consider preparing ahead of time so that you can feel well supported in breastfeeding, and can have a successful and meaningful experience as you nurture your baby in the most wonderful way. If you have already started breastfeeding and have had difficulty, don't give up yet! It is still possible to be connected with all of these resources to enhance your breastfeeding experience.