Don't Struggle Alone: Find Breastfeeding Help / La Mirada Birth Photographer
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
The best advice I can give you right off the bat is, determination and good support is so important to a successful breastfeeding journey.
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 that is near you!
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
My very first child was born a bit early and was a bit sleepy. We actually ended up back in the hospital after a few days because her bilirubin levels were high (jaundice). I pumped the whole time we were in the hospital so they could monitor how much milk she was getting. While I was there I met an amazing lactation consultant who spoke such re-assuring words to me. It was the first time I had heard breastmilk referred to as "Liquid Gold". The stories she shared were inspiring! I didn't feel like such a failure once she spoke life into my mama heart. Don't we all need that? Someone to reassure us and speak life into this taxing and rewarding mama job? I think so!
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 learn the ropes and adjust to the new experience of breastfeeding. You're both just trying to figure everything out. It's ok. Give yourself grace mama.
If you're experiencing:
Difficulty latching your baby
Hear clicking sounds when baby sucks
Unsure your baby is 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.
If you delay seeking help it can lead to more severe pain. For the most part, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and there is no need to suffer in silence!
One of mine had a really good suck but tight lips. I figured out later that this little love had a lip lie. If I had known to take my baby to a professional such as a lactation consultant they probably would have referred me to a specialist who does revisions and it could have saved me from so much pain and trauma to my nipples.
Learn from my mistake, don't wait.
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! (keep scrolling to find “Where to Find Breastfeeding Support" in near you)
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.
Producing milk takes a lot of work for your body. Make sure to stay well hydrated and consume a good amount of protein and good fats. You want your milk to be fulfilling (think whole milk verses low-fat or non-fat). I found stocking up on protein bars and nuts were helpful as well as having a big canteen of water always by me before I sat down to nurse.
Another key thing to remember is, the more you nurse the more you will produce. The best way to produce more milk is to remove milk (by breastfeeding or pumping). This tells your body there is a demand for milk and your body will typically compensate for that demand.
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.
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
OB's specialize in women's health and pediatricians specialize in baby/children's health. They can provide guidance on common issues but will most likely refer you to a lactation consultant, if they see a need.
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. A lot are covered by insurance now!
Cons: Can be costly, may not be covered by your insurance.
Here are some of my favorite lactation consultants in the area and I'm pretty sure most (if not all of them) take insurance now. It's definitely worth it to check!
Rachelle King, RN, IBCLC – Latch Amore in Newport Beach https://www.latchamore.com/
Johnna Naraki, BS, RN, – Mother Baby Doula (562)882-7260 www.themotherbabydoula.com
Leora Robles – The Breastfeeding Center of Orange County (949) 370-3679 www.breastfeedoc.com
Lauren Slak – Wholistic Women’s Health Care (949) 424-7619 www.wholisticwomenshealthcare.com
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.
Head to, La Leche League USA and type in your zip code to find a chapter near you.
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.
Here's a few that I know of, please let me know in the comments if you know of others I should add, I'll gladly update the post.
Mama's Milk Club www.breastfeedoc.com
La Leche League of Whittier & Downey www.lllofwhittierdowney.org
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 reliability, cost, 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.
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!
I hope reading Discover Where to Find Breastfeeding Help, has given you some solid ideas so you don't have to struggle alone! If you’re still looking for a La Mirada Birth or Newborn Photographer, click here to get in touch.
Blessings,
