Where to Turn to for Help With Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Help and Support
Being a new parent can sometimes be an isolating experience when you’re at home with a new baby. If you’re experiencing breastfeeding problems, you might feel like there’s no one you can turn to for help. You might even believe that people will judge you for not adapting to breastfeeding naturally.
Quite the opposite can be true, and more help is available to address breastfeeding issues than you think. If you’re struggling to breastfeed, consider reaching out to some of the following people:
A Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants are experts in breastfeeding advice and support. Whether you have a low milk supply, latching issues, or nipple pain, they can be some of the best people to talk to about these issues. Most hospitals and clinics have lactation consultants available and can refer you to them when required. As a result, you don’t have to deal with these breastfeeding issues on your own.
Midwives and Doulas
Midwives and doulas are there to support you on your pregnancy and birthing journey. However, they don’t just disappear once your baby is born.
Reach out for help if you need it. You might even find dedicated postpartum doulas to offer the support you need. After reaching out for help, you might be surprised by how much knowledge they have on breastfeeding to help you work through any related issues you might be having.
A Pediatric Doctor or Nurse
Pediatric doctors and nurses have undertaken in-person and online PNP programs to become qualified to help babies, children, and adolescents. Pediatric doctors and nurses can offer advice on breastfeeding problems if you’re struggling to get your new baby to latch. They can also assess your baby’s health and rule out any medical issues that might be contributing to the problem.
Support Groups
It’s easy to feel alone when you’re struggling with breastfeeding. In reality, thousands of women can be facing the very same battle as you at the same time. Don’t be afraid to research breastfeeding support groups in your area. If none are in operation, look online. These groups can be a safe place to ask questions, share your experiences, and receive the support you might desperately need.
Online Forums
Consider searching online for dedicated breastfeeding forums. There are many popular forums and websites for new parents to share stories, words of wisdom, and advice. Not only can you find helpful information to make your breastfeeding journey easier, but you might also find new friends. La Leche League groups are a great place to get support.
Online breastfeeding courses or Books
Milkology offers a suite of online breastfeeding courses tailored to support and empower mothers through various stages and challenges of the breastfeeding journey. These comprehensive courses cover a range of topics, including the fundamentals of breastfeeding, strategies to maximize milk supply, efficient pumping techniques, and solutions for mothers returning to work or pumping exclusively.
The courses provide detailed and step-by-step guidance, accessible on-demand from the comfort of home, allowing mothers to learn at their own pace. They address common breastfeeding concerns, equip mothers with practical skills to improve latch and milk production and offer resources such as troubleshooting guides and printable materials. Instructors, including Certified Lactation Educators, share their expertise, creating a supportive learning environment for both new and experienced mothers. Milkology's courses aim to instill confidence in mothers when approaching breastfeeding and build a strong foundation for a rewarding and successful experience.
Another possibility you might consider is exploring self-help resources, for example, a book like "The pocket guide to lactation".
Conclusion
It’s never easy knowing where to turn to for help when you’re struggling with breastfeeding. Not everyone has an immediate support network or people they feel comfortable talking to in their own lives. Not having a close inner circle doesn’t mean you’re alone. You can reach out to any of these people and places above and get the help you need and deserve.