Breastfeeding 101: When and Where to Find Support and Assistance | Derbyshire Newborn Photographer

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.

I breastfed both my kids until they were one, and the first few weeks were always tough. With Margot, my second, I thought it would be easier since I had already done it for a year with Alfie. But all babies are so different, and my experiences with them were completely unique.

Despite the difficulties, I absolutely loved feeding my babies. When I see my clients breastfeeding at the studio, it makes me want to go back and do it all over again. I miss it so much!

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 Derbyshire!

When to Seek Breastfeeding Support

Alfie was a comfort feeder who wouldn’t take a dummy or a bottle—he just loved the boob! He would feed to sleep, when he was upset, and whenever he needed comfort. We discovered he had a cow's milk intolerance at six weeks old, so I had to cut out dairy completely. Surprisingly, that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Margot, on the other hand, had her own challenges. She ended up having a tongue tie procedure at 14 weeks when we found out she had a posterior tongue tie because she kept going on feeding strikes, which I learned is actually a thing. She would just refuse to feed for a day, and it was awful! This for me is when I searched for help and reached out. Breastfeeding support came to see me in the early days as I had a fast flow and so had to try different feeding positions and using a haaka to catch some of my letdown before feeding. Someone then came to see me when she started the feeding strikes and she refferd me to Suzanne Barber at Babytobreast where she had her tongue tie done.

The first few days after birth can be an overwhelming time for new moms, and this is when seeking breastfeeding support can be 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

• Potential low milk supply

• upset baby after a feed (my experience with Alfie)

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!

I used silver nipple shields and lansinoh nipple cream from day 1 and I absolutely swear by them for reducing nipple soreness!

I remember when I fisrt had mastitis and actually thought I had flu, it was awful! From then on I knew how to spot it a mile off before it got to that stage and I would always have the lansinoh breast therapy pads which you warm up in the microwave. I would use these and massage the breast and just feed, feed, feed (even through the pain I hate to tell you) I always managed to get rid of the blockage before it got to me being poorly with it!

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.

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! 

I was extrememly stressed and highly emotional when Alfie was beside himself after feeds, as a mum that is so hard to watch. Likewise when margot would refuse to feed and scream the place down when I tried - I would be in right mess and the impact that can have on you is massive.

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 in Derbyshire

There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.

I spoke to my health visitor and midwives about this who were able to get the right people to come and see me. 

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: Convenient, reliable.

Cons: Limited time during appointments, may not be specialized in lactation support.

• Lactation consultants or breastfeeding counselors

Here is a link to Derbyshire’s breast feeding support page and contact details for the Infant feeding team. https://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk

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.

My lovely friend and private midwife, Sally, from Blossom Birth, offers support as part of her role. https://www.blossombirth.co.uk/

Here is a link to the Lactation Consultants of Great Britian. Here you can look under your postcode to see people who are on the International Board of Certified Lactational Consultants. https://lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/

Pros: Highly specialized, personalized support, reliable.

Cons: Can be costly, if not through NHS

• 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.

(optional: link to an applicable resource if you know of any, might also be a good opportunity to ask on social media if your followers know of resources here and you can tease this upcoming blog post as the reason you’re asking)

• 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!


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