When to Find Breastfeeding Help & Support (and Where to Find It) | Martinez, GA Birth Photographer
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
When I had my first baby, I really struggled with breastfeeding. It seems like he just couldn’t latch in the beginning. I went back to the birth center for help the same night we had brought him home. He was hungry and crying and I couldn’t help him. I was exhausted and didn’t know what I was doing.
I ended up pumping and feeding him with a syringe for a few days until my mother-in-law bought me a nipple shield. I was hesitant because I had heard that babies can get dependent on them, but I was also desperate.
It worked like a charm! I could finally feed and comfort my baby the way I wanted, and after a couple months, he no longer needed the nipple shield and nursed for another 12 months.
Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, there may come a time when you need a little extra help and support with breastfeeding and there’s no shame in that!
In this post, I’m sharing my knowledge and experience to help you know when you should seek breastfeeding support and where you can find it. Like I said, this is my knowledge and experience so if you have any questions about if you should seek support scroll down to Where to Find Breastfeeding Support below and reach out to a professional in Augusta, GA!
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
The first few days after birth
The first few days after birth can be an overwhelming time for new moms, and this is when seeking breastfeeding support is crucial.
In these early days, it's common for both mom and baby to be learning the ropes and adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding.
If you're experiencing:
Difficulty latching your baby
Painful latch
Potential low milk supply
or you think your baby isn't getting enough milk…
Don't hesitate to seek out professional help. Experts can help you with proper positioning, latch techniques, and other tips to ensure successful breastfeeding.
Support can often prevent more significant breastfeeding challenges down the road, so don't be afraid to reach out for help as soon as you need it (and we’ll talk more about those options in this blog post)
If you experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding
While some mild discomfort is expected as you and your baby adjust, ongoing or severe pain is a sign that something is not right.
If you're experiencing pain, soreness, or discomfort while breastfeeding, it's time to seek support. There are professionals who can assess your breastfeeding technique, check your baby's latch, and offer suggestions to improve your comfort while breastfeeding.
Delaying seeking help can lead to more severe pain or even infection. For the most part, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and there is no need to suffer in silence!
With my third baby, I didn’t know what was going on with her latch, but it was excruciating! I tried everything I could think of to get a proper latch, but nothing I did seemed to work. She was content and growing so I wasn’t concerned about her, but my nipples were so cracked, I legitimately thought they would never heal as long as I nursed and would eventually be ripped completely off my breast.
Then one night, I couldn’t bear the thought of sitting up to nurse my sweet baby as I silently cried in pain, doing my best not to scream, I decided to try the side lying position. I was terrified it would hurt more, but I was exhausted and decided to try.
Miraculously it didn’t hurt! It was amazing! I continued to lay down to nurse her every time until I healed and we were able to continue our breastfeeding journey together until she was over a year old.
Who knew positioning could help so much (a lactation consultant, that’s who), but it was a game changer for me!
Imagine how much less I would have suffered if I had asked for support early on. I definitely should have reached out for help and saved myself so much agony.
If your baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight
If your baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight, it might be time to seek some breastfeeding support. While it's normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth, if they're not gaining it back or continue to lose weight, that's a red flag that something isn't right.
Don't panic - there's help available!
If you're struggling with milk supply
If you're worried that your milk supply isn't keeping up with your baby's demands, it might be time to seek some help.
But before you do, let's make sure you're actually struggling with milk supply.
Are you getting fewer than six wet diapers a day? Is your baby fussy and seems like they're still hungry even after a feed? If so, it's time to seek some help from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your milk supply is the issue or if there's something else going on. And if it is a milk supply issue, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to boost your milk production and keep your little one well-fed.
With my first baby, my breasts were always very full until I weaned, but with each baby after that, my breasts seemed less and less full and it made me worried that I wasn’t producing enough milk. Despite my breasts not feeling as full, my babies always excelled at gaining weight and chunking up quite nicely. Plus, they had plenty of wet diapers for me to change.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed about breastfeeding
I wish someone had told me this!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed when it comes to breastfeeding, that in and of itself is reason to seek support!
Breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey, and it's totally normal to feel like you're struggling to keep up.
Use the resources below to reach out to either a professional or a friend.
Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear and a little encouragement to help you through the tough times.
You're doing an amazing job providing for your baby, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Where to Find Breastfeeding Support
There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.
Here are some of the most common options:
Healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider can be a great resource for breastfeeding support. They can provide guidance on common issues like latching and positioning, as well as refer you to a lactation consultant if necessary.
Pros: Covered by most insurance plans, convenient, reliable.
Cons: Limited time during appointments, may not be specialized in lactation support.
Lactation consultants or breastfeeding counselors
Lactation consultants are highly trained professionals who can provide one-on-one support to help you overcome breastfeeding challenges. Some hospitals and birth centers have lactation consultants on staff, and there are also private lactation consultants available for hire. Breastfeeding counselors may not have the same level of training as lactation consultants, but they can still provide valuable support and guidance.
Pros: Highly specialized, personalized support, reliable.
Cons: Can be costly, may not be covered by insurance.
Lactation Consultants in the Augusta, GA area:
*IBCLC: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant*
Laura Becker, IBCLC is a fantastic choice for in-home support in the Augusta, Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, GA area and comes highly recommended in our community. She offers virtual breastfeeding support globally and is covered by most insurances, but she also offers a sliding scale and payment plan for family’s when needed.
Candace Green, of Mama Mentor LLC, is a local Martinez, GA IBCLC. She is able to accept many insurance plans, offers in-home as well as virtual visits, and receives glowing reviews. She is also certified in perinatal mental health and specializes in pumping and oral ties. (706) 814-8083
Katie Hughes at Bella Bambino Newborn Care Center is an IBCLC that would be a great help in supporting you in all your newborn care needs in the Augusta, GA area.
Afua Antwiwaah of GMLS LLC, comes recommended as an incredible resource with a passion for infant nutrition. She has 25 years of experience in nursing, including L&D, NICU, and Postpartum, and offers free and advanced virtual breastfeeding classes.
Sally Wood at The Breastfeeding Guru is a local Augusta, GA IBCLC lactation consultant that takes insurance, and is also highly recommended.
Semone Williams is also an IBCLC at The Breastfeeding Guru and a trusted option in Augusta, GA
Shlonda Brown Smith is another great local IBCLC. You can contact her here: (803) 215-4532
WIC also has an awesome lactation program for those eligible. The WIC breastfeeding coordinator is Gwendolyn Williams and can be reached here (707) 667-4705 or (706) 832-6830
La Leche League
La Leche League is an international organization that provides breastfeeding education and support to moms. They offer local meetings, online forums, and a 24-hour helpline.
Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information.
Cons: May not be available in all areas, may not be as personalized as other options.
Online breastfeeding communities and forums
There are many online communities and forums where you can connect with other moms who are breastfeeding. These can be a great source of support and encouragement, as well as a place to get answers to your breastfeeding questions.
Pros: Convenient, accessible 24/7, free.
Cons: May not be reliable sources of information, may not be as personalized as other options.
Breastfeeding support groups
There are many local breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms and get support and guidance from a facilitator. These can be found through hospitals, community centers, and other local organizations.
Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information.
Cons: May not be available in all areas, may not be as personalized as other options.
Postpartum Support International is an amazing resource with tons of different support groups for all different pregnancy and postpartum situations for moms AND dads!
Friends and family members who have breastfeeding experience
Finally, don't discount the value of support from friends and family members who have breastfed before. They can provide encouragement, empathy, and practical advice based on their own experiences.
Pros: Free, personalized support, convenient.
Cons: May not have the same level of expertise as other options, may not be available if you don't know anyone with breastfeeding experience.
When deciding on the best source of support for you, consider factors like cost, convenience, reliability, and the level of personalized support you need. Don't be afraid to try out different options until you find the one that works best for you and your baby.
Conclusion:
Remember, there's no shame in asking for help or support when it comes to breastfeeding.
Seeking assistance from a professional or a support group can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the many resources available to you as a breastfeeding mom. You've got this!
