This blog post was shared on www.kindacrunchykayleigh.com and used here with permission.
WBW is celebrated the first week of August. As I think about what I would like to share about breastfeeding, I get ideas flowing all over the place: the benefits, the hardships, the techniques, all the things. Having just had a baby, the biggest thing I want to give to people is resources. A place to find answers when you feel like you’ve tried everything your friends, family, or Google may have suggested.
So where do you go for help?
Sure, Google may be helpful. But even though this was my fourth child, it had been 5 years since breastfeeding. “Was he eating enough? Is his latch right? Does he have ties?” All the questions ran through my mind. So I did a few things.
#1: I watched a lactation course online.
I highly recommend Birth Boot Camps Breastfeeding Course! It’s included with the Comprehensive Birthing class or can be a stand-alone course. It is taught by a lactation consultant and contains expert advice, specific instructions on how to breastfeed, tips on how to latch and prevent nursing pain properly, how milk production works, troubleshooting problems that may come up, pumping, introducing bottles and returning to work, what to expect as the baby grows, and much more. This helped refresh my memory and brought some peace before the baby came. Find it here.
#2: When I just wanted some hands-on, in-person help, I reached out to a lactation consultant.
This was my first time “using” a lactation consultant. Yes, even though it was my fourth, I still needed help and a reassuring ear. She was so supportive and reassuring that everything was going well. A great local lactation consultant (southeast Idaho) is Sara at LilyArden Lactation. If you reach out before you have a baby, you can have her as a part of your birth team, she can help in the first few days and help navigate any questions about finances/insurance. She is SO passionate about helping families and will definitely help you.
If you aren’t local to Southeast Idaho, ask local moms, ask your birth provider, ask a doula, or you may have to google. But don’t let asking prevent you from looking. They are so worth it!
#3: Worked with a chiropractor.
Of course, I know I’m lucky as I am married to one. But it truly does help your baby get on the right page right away. We want the nervous system to be on point and chiropractic care can help make sure the latch is correct, that there aren’t any subluxations preventing a good experience for the baby, and making sure baby’s brain and body are working optimally. Elevated Life Family Chiropractic in Southeast Idaho is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to work with pregnant women and infants so you know you’re in the best hands. If you are not local, go to ICPA4Kids.org to find a chiropractor near you
Last but not least, reach out. If you’re struggling to establish a good routine, ask a friend to help with housework or other kids (if you have any) so that you can focus solely on establishing a good routine. Let your partner know how they can support you and be helpful. There are so many people willing to help if you are willing to ask and accept help! It does not make you weak. It shows how strong you are to want to be the best mom you can be. You’ve got this Mama!
