Why You Should Seek Lactation Support Before Your Baby Arrives

Did you know that most breastfeeding issues arise between days four and seven of life?

Picture this:

You’ve just arrived home from the hospital or birthing center. Perhaps, your newborn has lost more weight than expected.

Your hormones as mom are doing a deep nose-dive. Everything is tender post-birth, your transitional milk has come in, leaving your breasts feeling engorged and uncomfortable.

If you, as mom, received any intravenous fluids during delivery, you are likely still swollen between days four and seven. This swelling, along with breast engorgement, can cause everything in your breast area to feel tender. All this swelling has made it harder for your newborn to latch on.

Running on no sleep after an arduous labor and delivery, and anxious that your baby isn’t getting enough milk, you’re exhausted and feel like giving up.

Perhaps you expected breastfeeding to be difficult, but definitely not like this.

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If this has been you, oh how I wish I could give you a hug.

Breastfeeding is not easy.

Like anything new, it takes practice.

Just like anything new that you’d try, you probably won’t master it at the beginning. And in breastfeeding, there are two of you (or more if you delivered multiples!) that are learning a new skill. 

So how can you increase the likelihood of reaching your breastfeeding goals?

Prenatal education and preparation has been linked to an increase in knowledge about positive breastfeeding practices and a longer duration of breastfeeding.

You can never guarantee what the start of your parenthood journey will look like, nor can you guarantee what your breastfeeding experience will be like. However, by gaining knowledge and finding support prior to the arrival of your baby, you can be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges and know where to go when you need support.

If you plan to breastfeed for any duration of your child's infancy, I highly encourage you to seek out support during your pregnancy. Your OB/GYN may have a recommendation for a local lactation professional, or may know of a local breastfeeding support group. Some health systems offer prenatal group classes as a part of their pregnancy care.

If you want a quick guide, full of information about what to expect in the first few weeks and months, tips for getting a great latch, and more, I developed the Breastfeeding Basics eGuide just for you!

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References:

CDC. (2023, August 7). Key Breastfeeding Indicators. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html.

Kehinde, J., O’donnell, C., & Grealish, A. (2022). The Effectiveness of Prenatal Breastfeeding Education on Breastfeeding Uptake Postpartum: A Systematic Review. Midwifery, 118, 103579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2022.103579.

Pitts, A., Faucher, M. A., & Spencer, R. (2015). Incorporating Breastfeeding Education into Prenatal Care. Breastfeeding Medicine, 10(2), 118–123. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2014.0034.

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Disclaimer: This information provided in this blog article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with your qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about supplementation or addressing concerns about your baby's weight gain. This information is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. For further information, please consult with a pediatric healthcare provider or visit reputable medical sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the World Health Organization

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