The Value of Prenatal breastfeeding consultation
For a very long time (29 years!), I worked in an OB-Gyn office, teaching classes, seeing all new moms each day in the hospital after the birth of their babies, and running a weekly new moms’ support group. To me, it was the ideal way to give new mothers the support they need when beginning their breastfeeding journey. Prenatal classes give the foundation of information to help get off to a good start. Hands-on help in the hospital helps avoid problems with sore nipples and engorgement by helping moms learn good positioning and identifying potential issues like tongue tie, insufficient glandular tissue and babies who are at risk for not nursing well for a variety of reasons. One of the most frequent things I heard from new moms was that they were overwhelmed by the conflicting advice they received in the hospital, making it harder to know what to do and making them feel confused and frustrated. Weekly on-going support helps moms deal with issues that come up after going home with their babies and provides vital connection with other moms which helps ward off postpartum depression and anxiety.
Sadly, Covid hit and my job was eliminated and I had to find another way to help new moms and babies. I chose to begin my own private practice and since doing so, I have noticed an interesting trend. Most always, by the time a mom reaches out to a private practice Lactation Consultant, they have already exhausted all other resources, things are not going well and they are desperate for help. While it is gratifying to be able to try to help moms in need like this, it also often ends up feeling like you’re “picking up the pieces” and trying to rectify a very difficult situation that you know could have been helped better earlier on. This is where the value of a prenatal consult has become so clear to me.
When meeting with new parents before their babies are born, it not only gives us a chance to build rapport, but I can also give parents the information that helps them get off to a good start right after birth. Parents often don’t realize that things like giving a bottle or a pacifier can make it more difficult and learning ahead of time can help avoid those pitfalls. I also see that moms and their partners are more committed to breastfeeding when they learn about it before their baby’s arrival. This makes them more dedicated to sticking with it when/if obstacles arise.
Then once the new family is home from the hospital, we can get together again soon after the baby’s birth to reinforce the points learned prenatally and I can assess for potential difficulties and give tactics to avoid problems that could arise. This ongoing support gives confidence to parents and lessens some of the fears and concerns that are a normal part of being a new parent. This proactive approach is so much better than “picking up the pieces” as a last resort.
So I encourage you to consider the value of a prenatal consult. Knowledge, confidence and support make your success with breastfeeding your baby so much more likely. Every mom deserves that kind of ongoing support.
