Mastering the Art of Breastfeeding: When to Seek Support and Where to Find It in Penticton, BC | Penticton Doula & Newborn Photographer
- Ashley Fenrich
- Oct 18
- 7 min read
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
With my baby, I experienced one of the most common challenges at first: pain with latching. With some tips from my midwives, my baby and I were able to continue our journey without problems! I nursed exclusively until 2.5 years old!
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! 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. 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 Penticton!
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Mothers
When we think of breastfeeding, most of us assume it is related only to the health of the baby. But did you know that breastfeeding not only impacts the newborn, but the mother as well?
This La Leche League hand-out is an interesting summary on the importance of breastfeeding for the mother's health:
Partners Can Help
Your partner is going to be an INVALUABLE help on your breastfeeding journey! Dads, this one is for you - download this breastfeeding help cheat sheet. I learned about this from my doula mentor and continue to share it. Pass it on to your family members or any household helpers!
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
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 be learning the ropes and adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding. If you're experiencing:
Difficulty latching your baby or pain
Potential low milk supply
or you think your baby isn't 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.
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
Within 8 hours of birth (after the post-birth recovery sleep!), the baby should be waking to feed every two hours and latching on to the breast well. Demanding to be fed is a very good sign of health in a newborn.
The baby may only have one wet diaper per day for the first two days. Once the mature breast milk is in, the baby should have at least 6 very soaked diapers in 24 hours, which is a sign baby is getting enough milk.
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 - especially if their birth weight was inflated from your IV fluids - 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! (Click here to jump to “Where to Find Breastfeeding Support in Penticton)
If you're struggling with milk supply or transfer to the baby
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.
During pregnancy you will already be producing colostrum - the thick, nutrient-dense golden milk that newborns thrive on for the first few days after birth. Did you know colostrum is super important as baby's first food? It has immune support, primes the gut, and offers valuable nutrients for their body after going through the birth process. Colostrum will be enough for baby's needs in the first 1-3 days, although it can be hard to express in large amounts - do not expect to be filling a bottle with it! Often, you won't realize that baby is getting enough, but because their stomach is very tiny, they only need a a little every time they nurse in the first few days. On day 1, their stomach only holds a teaspoon at a time! Cluster feeding will happen around night 2 - and the best thing you can do is a lot of skin to skin and support baby to get all that colostrum while triggering your body to transition to mature milk. Newborns will want to nurse 8-12 times minimum in 24 hours.
Are you getting fewer than six wet diapers a day once your milk has turned into mature milk (the thin white milk we all think of!)? 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 encourage your milk production and keep your little one well-fed.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed about breastfeeding
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed when it comes to breastfeeding, that in and of itself is reason to seek support! Especially since most of the time, it only takes one or two adjustments to help baby feed effectively and encourage milk supply. And if you need more help? An even better reason to get it!
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 moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.
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. If you give birth at the hospital, L&D nurses should be able to support you! Did you know that Penticton Regional Hospital has Baby-Friendly designation? This accrediation ensures they support and promote breastfeeding. If you have midwifery care, you will already be lucky to get several in home visits after birth, where you can discuss how breastfeeding is working.
You can also access this Breastfeeding webpage from HealthLinkBC which is full of helpful information!
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 have lactation consultants or RNs with IBCLC credentials 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.
The Milk Clinic in the South Okanagan is run by midwives and IBCLCs who offer appointments through MSP for the first six weeks post-birth with care provider referral. Click the link to learn more about Penticton breastfeeding support!
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 or may be online-only, 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.
Hire a breast-feeding trained doula
Most birth or postpartum doulas will be trained in supporting the dyad after birth with breastfeeding. A doula can offer invaluable support in the way or supporting the mother through rest and nourishment, and guiding you with breastfeeding positioning and offering tips. Having said that, any complicated issues will require the support of an IBCLC.
Are you looking for Penticton postpartum doula support? Head over to my page POSTPARTUM SUPPORT and fill out my contact form.
One of my favourite suggestions is to try the laid-back 'biological nurturing' nursing position. Click here to head over to the video for an example: https://www.biologicalnurturing.com/sample-of-biological-nurturing/
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, may offer old-school advice that is no longer recommended.
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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