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Ask the Lactation Consultant

Q. I am pregnant and trying to educate myself as much as possible about breastfeeding, before my baby is born. I hear so many stories about breastfeeding being terribly difficult, about women who don't have enough milk, and a host of other problems. What do I need to know and how can I best prepare myself to get off to a good start with breastfeeding?

A. First of all, it is wonderful that you are asking yourself (and us!) thse questions now, while you are still pregnant, both because learning as much as you can beforehand can help prevent many common breastfeeding problems, and also because certain problems can actually be addressed prenatally, if identified.

One of the best ways to ensure that breastfeeding gets off to a good start is by lining up proper information and support before the birth. For many mothers a breasfeeding class, such as this small group class is sufficient.

While private prenatal lactation education and consultation can be useful for all mothers in order to help breastfeeding get off to as smooth a start as possible, for some mothers it can make all the difference! If you have experienced / are experiencing any of the following medical or personal issues, we urge you to consider calling Beyond Birth for a prenatal consultation. Finances should not be a barrier to anyone, as we have options to fit every family's situation.

Why Private Prenatal Consultation?

  • Difficulties with breastfeeding a previous child for any reason
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Infertility/trouble conceiving
  • Hormonal imbalances of any kind
  • Symptoms of hyperandrogenism, including hirsuitism, acne, male pattern baldness, etc.
  • A history of irregular menstrual cycles/amenorrhea
  • Minimal or no breast changes during pregnancy (1 or more cup sizes increase, veining and tenderness)
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
  • Maternal illness (chronic or acute)
  • History of breast surgery or injury (including breast reduction and breast implants)
  • Known fetal genetic or congenital problem
  • History of depression or other mental illness
  • History of sexual abuse
  • Breasts that are unusually shaped or extremely asymmetric in size
  • A planned C-section for any reason
  • Twin/multiple pregnancy

 

Why Postpartum Consultation?

Even if you do not take a breastfeeding class or have a private consultation before delivery, you can still get breastfeeding off to a strong start by addressing any issues that do come up as soon as possible after they arise.

While most women can benefit from some "fine tuning" during their early breastfeeding experience, certain situations can be resolved much more quickly and easily the sooner they are addressed. If you are experiencing any of the situations listed below, please consider calling as soon as possible, rather than waiting to see if the situation will resolve itself.

Finances should not be a barrier to anyone, as we have options to fit every family's situation.

  • A baby who is not latching on within the first 24 hours (please do not use a nipple shield to get a baby to latch before the milk has come in!)
  • A baby for whom supplementation of any kind is recommended. Please read this article (preferably prenatally!) about the risks of formula supplements.
  • A baby who is not passing meconium, or ceases to stool after the meconium is passed.
  • A baby who is not gaining weight once it appears mature milk has come in.
  • A baby who is losing weight rapidly.
  • Nipples are sore, cracked, bleeding, blistered, scabbed, or painful in any way. Breastfeeding should not be painful and it is not possible to tell if a latch is correct just by looking - if nipples are damaged something is wrong and should be addressed as soon as possible.
  • A baby who resists latching, or is fussy, agitated, or seems uncomfortable at the breast.
  • A baby who is nursing "all the time" and never seems satisfied or contented, even if weight gain is adequate.
  • A premature or near term (36-38 weeks) infant, or an infant in the NICU for any reason.
  • A baby born by caesarian section.
  • A baby with any unusual anatomical or genetic defect - especially midline defects: cleft lip, cleft palate, ankyloglossia, hypospadius, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, imperforate anus, conotruncal heart defects and diaphragmatic hernia.
  • A mother or baby with any illness or condition.