When to Find Breastfeeding Support & Help (and Where to Find It) | Dickinson & Bismarck, North Dakota Birth Photographer
Breastfeeding is can be one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
When I was pregnant with my first, my midwife encouraged me to attend a local La Leche League meeting, but as an introvert with serious social anxiety (I didn’t know that then, lol), that sounded terrifying, so I didn’t go. Looking back and knowing what I know now about all of my particular breastfeeding experiences, I don’t actually regret not going. However, I do wish I had done more personal education on what normal newborn behavior looks like and what to expect in the early days of breastfeeding.
Instead, I read a book that was popular at the time, with a title that starts with the word “Baby” and ends with “Wise,” that focused on the moral imperative of getting your baby to sleep through the night at a very young age and contributed to the very fast end to my short (2 days) breastfeeding journey. Now I make it my mission to buy copies that I find in thrift stores and use them as kindling.
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 Central and Southwest North Dakota.
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
During Pregnancy
If at all possible, I highly recommend seeking out and establishing care with your local IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant- the top, most studied and knowledgeable tier of lactation consultants) with a prenatal consult where you’ll go over any pertinent health history that may affect your breastfeeding journey, get recommendations for nursing and latching with your specific breast and nipple shape, as well as discuss appropriate flange sizes for your breast pump, and any other questions you might have. Not only will you leave the consult with all kinds of resources and education, more importantly, you’ll have established that relationship with your IBCLC and reaching out when you need their help will be so much easier—especially when you’re in the foggy sleep-deprived state of life with a newborn and finding contact info to make that appointment for the support you need will be so much harder!
The first few days after birth
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. For what is supposed to be the most natural thing in the world often doesn’t feel like the most natural thing in the world—it’s more akin to learning how to walk than it is learning how to breathe—lots and lots of practice.
If you're experiencing:
Difficulty latching your baby,
Cracked, bleeding, blistered nipples, or extreme pain with latching,
or you think your baby isn't getting enough milk…
Don't hesitate to seek out professional help. Your lactation counsultant can help you with proper positioning, latch techniques, and other tips to ensure successful breastfeeding.
Even more importantly, support in the early days 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 tissue damage to your nipples 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!
When I think back to what I didn’t know as a young mom and the incredible level of pain and anxiety I experienced with breastfeeding: ooft. Having knowledgeable support would have made things so much less stressful, and less painful, too.
Breastfeeding often isn’t complicated, but thanks to the internet, there is so much misinformation and anecdotal advice that can make it feel really confusing and overwhelming. Honestly, even though I’d read so many articles and asked so many questions on online mommy boards, I didn’t have a really good foundational understanding for how breastfeeding worked until I took my training to become a Certified Lactation Counselor. How sad is that??? This is why I’m so passionate about evidence-based prenatal education on breastfeeding and normal newborn behavior.
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 professional breastfeeding support. While it's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth, if they're not gaining it back or continue to lose weight after one week of life, that's a red flag that something isn't right. Alternately, if your baby isn’t having the appropriate amount of dirty diapers, that’s another red flag. By six days of life and after, they should be having at least six dirty diapers within every twenty-four hour day.
But don't panic - there's help available! This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to keep breastfeeding, it doesn’t even mean that you don’t have enough milk, or that you’ll have to feed your baby formula, but it is a solid indication that something is preventing baby from getting your milk from your breast into their belly.
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. Low milk supply is actually pretty rare, typically affecting less than 10% of the entire population. But without a little knowledge, it can be hard to know, particularly if you compare a breastfed newborn to a bottle-fed newborn—I mean, it’s not like there are handy little windows with measurement markings on the sides of your breasts.
So, 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. 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.
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! Stress and anxiety trigger hormones that can counteract successful breastfeeding, so it’s even just getting good support from an expert that tells you that everything looks great and you’re doing a job can be worth its weight in gold! Between post-birth/newborn exhaustion, baby blues, and trying to do the absolute best for your baby, 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.
At the very bottom of this blog post, you’ll find both a printable list of local resources to keep on your fridge for easy reference, as well as a link to sign up for the fantastic Prepared Feeding online video course.
Where to Find Breastfeeding Support
There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.
1. 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.
Pros: Covered by most insurance plans, convenient, reliable.
Cons: Limited time during appointments, many are not educated in lactation.
2. International board certified Lactation consultants or breastfeeding counselors
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are highly trained professionals who can provide one-on-one support to help you overcome breastfeeding challenges. Some hospitals and birth centers have IBCLCs 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 (in the US).
Here in Dickinson, here are a couple of private lactation consultants you can reach out to:
Milkyways Lactation Services (lol, full disclosure- I am a Certified Lactation Counselor and I am an independent contractor with Milkyways, so if you’re in the Dickinson area, I’m the Milkyways LC you get to see)
3. 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.
Unfortunately, there are no La Leche League groups currently available in Dickinson or Bismarck. However, the LLL website is a wealth of information.
4. Public Health Department
Many states and counties have free/low-cost lactation support for income-eligible families, often through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program.
Pros: Free or low-cost, reliable information.
Cons: May not be available in all areas, limited time during appointments, must income-qualify to access services.
Locally, you can contact the Southwest District Health Unit in Dickinson and ask for the WIC department at 701.483.0171, or Western Plains Public Health for WIC in Bismarck, Mandan, Grant County, Mercer County, Morton County, Oliver County, and Sioux County.
5. 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.
The Professional Lactation Support for North Dakota Facebook group is my favorite local online breastfeeding support groups.
6. Breastfeeding support groups
There are often 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.
Ok, so, not that I’m biased or anything, but I actually started what I think is a pretty great pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding support group called Flourish. We have weekly playdates and bi-weekly Gatherings at Backyard Play Cafe. All parents are welcome, regardless if you’re breastfeeding or not, but I do offer it as a space for free lactation support, both from myself and other breastfeeding parents.
7. 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.
Want to be learn more about how breastfeeding works and what normal newborn feeding behavior looks like?