Breastfeeding: When and Where to Find Support and Assistance | Dublin 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 was so lucky when I was feeding both my children that my sister-in-law is a lactation consultant so she was able to help me, that was invaluable. I ended up combination feeding both for different reasons so I've been on both sides of the coin. One thing I also find with mums in the studio is that there is so much advice out there it can be hard to find what suits you. What’s free, what’s paid for, what’s controversial, what’s not.
Whether you're a first-time mum 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 Dublin, all across the country and online.
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
The first few days after birth
The first few days after birth can be an overwhelming time for new mums, and this is when seeking feeding support is crucial. I know I didn’t know which end of me was up either time and needed all the help I could get from everyone.
In these early days, it's common for both mum and baby to be learning the ropes and adjusting to all the new experiences. You are just getting to know each other and your new roles in life !
If you're experiencing:
- Difficulty latching your baby
- Prolonged discomfort (longer than those few initial seconds latching or trying to latch)
- or you think your baby isn't getting enough milk…
Don't hesitate to seek out professional help. There are people there to help you with proper positioning, latch techniques, and other tips to ensure successful breastfeeding.
Support at this stage 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 quiet 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!
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. Bottle fed babies tend to gain weight very fast at the start, breastfed babies follow a slower steadier weight gain pattern.
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.
Are you getting fewer than 5-6 wet nappies 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, your GP or your Public Health Nurse. 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 had my sister-in-laws help on hand but I still kept things bottled up, worries I had, struggles I had to myself. I should have followed the old adage of a problem shared is a problem halved !
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
There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new mums who are seeking breastfeeding support.
Here are some of the most common options:
1. The HSE
Believe it or not the
HSE Website has a huge amount of information on feeding your baby, relevant both to bottle feeding and breastfeeding.
Your hospital lactation consultant or your Public Health Nurse can also provide you with a huge amount of support.
The HSE also offers a free live chat service where you can contact a HSE Lactation Consultation free of charge. It runs Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm
2. 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.
ALCI - The Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland website will allow you to find a registered lactation Consultant near you.
3.La Leche League of Ireland
La Leche League is an international organization that provides breastfeeding education and support to mums. They offer local meetings, online forums, and a 24-hour helpline. This is a mostly free or low cost service.
4. Online breastfeeding communities and forums
There are many online communities and forums where you can connect with other mums 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.
Rollercoaster.ie has many different discussion topics apart from feeding where you can chat with other Mums who might be experiencing the same as you.
5. Breastfeeding support groups
There are many local breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other breastfeeding mums and get support and guidance from a facilitator. These can be found through hospitals, community centers, and other local organizations.
HSE Guide of Breastfeeding Groups in Ireland
6. 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. I know I did and it made the difference between sticking at breastfeeding for as long as was comfortable and not.
When deciding on the best source of support for you, consider factors like cost, convenience, reliability, and the level of personalised 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! Or anything in relation to being a new parent for that matter!
Seeking assistance from a professional, a support group or friends and family, can make all the difference in your feeding journey. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the many resources available to you as a breastfeeding mum. You've got this!
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P.S. I hope reading my Breastfeeding: When and Where to Find Support and Assistance blog has given you some solid ideas!
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