Instead of leaving the hospital with the adorable parting favor of boxed formula, it would have been helpful if I were presented with lactation counseling information and websites full of helpful suggestions to support my breastfeeding goals. After breastfeeding three healthy babies and completing an accredited Lactation Counseling course, this is the information I wish I were privy to before my previous babies first latch. I know I will help the women that come under my care with the support that they need to ensure a healthy breastfeeding lifestyle.
Helpful Tips
1. I wish I knew I could attend a breastfeeding support group BEFORE the baby was born.
2. I wish I knew I could request extra pillows at the hospital.
3. I wish I knew I could hire a private lactation consultant and/or breastfeeding counselor.
4. I wish I knew the difference between a productive and an unproductive latch.
5. I wish I knew there are nipple creams that you don’t need to remove before the baby feeds to prevent cracked nipples.
6. I wish I knew that sometimes ‘baby nurses’ have very limited knowledge about breastfeeding.
7. I wish somebody told me it is okay to read a book about breastfeeding before the baby’s birth.
8. I wish I chose a pediatrician who was going to support my breastfeeding goals and had a lactation team in their practice (that would be my dream job).
9. I wish I knew how much it hurts at first and how difficult the transition is… but how worth it to “hang in there” while making small adjustments.
10. I wish I knew that newborns nurse very differently than mature babies… what took 25 min at first took 3 min over time… so it does get easier and less time consuming.
11. I wish I knew that the early weeks of feeding dictate future milk production.
12. I wish I knew how to avoid and prevent mastitis and breast infections.
13. I wish I knew there was a difference between nutritive and nonnutritive suckling.
14. I wish I knew I could use something to rest my feet on to make my body more comfortable.
My future wishes are that the women that come under my counseling care will be informed and prepared for these minor difficulties and know they have the undivided attention and support they deserve to help along the journey of breastfeeding. A Breastfeeding Counselor should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather should be known as a true necessity. This is the first and most important decision one can make as a new parent and makes a direct impact on the baby’s health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives.