The Best Kind of Breastfeeding Support? Our Top Picks for Nursing Parents
6 minute read
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things you can do… Yet many new parents struggle with painful symptoms, feel stressed when problems arise, and worry if their baby is getting enough milk.
And as you learn how to feed your new baby, it’s totally normal to need some help along the way (even if this is your second, third, even fourth child!).
That’s where the right type of breastfeeding support can be a gamechanger… Transforming your nursing woes into the magical and enjoyable breastfeeding experience you’ve been longing for.
So no matter what stage of breastfeeding you’re in — here are our favorite breastfeeding support resources to help you navigate the ups and downs with ease.
What Does Breastfeeding Support Look Like?
While breastfeeding is such a gift to give your baby… It also can come with its share of challenges. Thankfully, there are many wonderful types of breastfeeding support available to help make breastfeeding your baby a smooth and empowering experience.
Types of Breastfeeding Support:
Lactation consultants: These are the breastfeeding experts! We recommend seeing an IBCLC lactation consultant to get 1:1 support to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. A lactation consultant can guide you to success by sitting in on a nursing session, weighing your baby, helping you try out new feeding positions or latches, recommending helpful products, and much, much more!
Breastfeeding educational classes: Whether you’re pregnant or postpartum… There are so many amazing breastfeeding classes to boost your knowledge and confidence as you feed your baby. Find a class to fit your unique learning style and schedule. Whether it’s in person or online… A group setting or 1:1… A structured schedule or move-at-your-own pace… You’ll reap huge benefits from all the wisdom you soak up!
Breastfeeding support groups: These lactation groups are a great way to meet other moms in the same stage of life and banish feelings of isolation and loneliness (which is so important during postpartum). Come for one-of-a-kind friendships, meaningful conversations, and helpful tips (especially when the group is led by an IBCLC consultant!).
Doulas: Did you know that your birth doula can also help you postpartum? Many doulas have extensive knowledge and training to help you create a beautiful breastfeeding experience. If you didn’t have a birth doula, don’t worry, there’s postpartum doulas too that focus solely on helping you after your little one arrives.
Online resources: There are also many great online resources for new parents to gain knowledge and support along your breastfeeding journey.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding provides many benefits to both you and your little one. But when you’re already sleep deprived and adjusting to being a new parent… Struggling to feed your baby can feel super defeating and overwhelming.
You may be tempted to tough it out on your own… But there are major benefits to reaching out for help!
Let’s take a look at the 4 phases of breastfeeding and the benefits of getting support for each.
Breastfeeding Support for Pregnant People:
During the months it takes to grow your precious little one… you may be dreaming of what it will be like to hold, snuggle, and nurse your newborn. If you’re thinking about breastfeeding, now is a great time to learn some of the basics and get as “ready” as possible!
This may mean taking a breastfeeding 101 class to learn how milk is made, when to nurse your baby, and how long babies nurse.
Or maybe it looks like setting up your breastfeeding station — complete with a comfy chair, breastfeeding supplies, and your favorite water bottle to keep you hydrated!
You can also boost your knowledge by diving into breastfeeding support blog posts that peak your interest. All this helpful information will give you an amazing head start when it comes to breastfeeding your baby.
Breastfeeding Support for New Parents:
The first few days with your baby are a whirlwind! And like learning any new skill, breastfeeding can take a bit of practice and patience.
You may want guidance from an IBCLC lactation consultant to help you try out new holds and breastfeeding positions. Or maybe you need advice for getting your baby’s weight up or helping them latch well.
It’s likely that you will meet with your child’s pediatrician in the first few days after your baby is born. They should be able to help answer some of your questions and direct you to local resources in your area to help you navigate the newborn stage.
Breastfeeding Support for The First Year:
After getting through the first days and weeks with your little one, you may feel like you’ve got this breastfeeding thing down! But it’s ok if you run into breastfeeding challenges later on.
Your baby is going to go through growth spurts, teething, sleep shifts…and will eventually become interested in solid foods! These changes can affect your milk supply and impact your breastfeeding experience.
It’s ok to get help navigating your breastfeeding challenges!
Stop by a lactation lounge to find community, camaraderie, and get answers to your questions. You can also reach out to a lactation consultant for 1:1 support when you need additional support.
And if you’re planning on breastfeeding after going back to work… Learn tips that have helped other working moms succeed (through blogs or a class!). And take some time to plan and prepare for your transition back to the office.
Your efforts to get support will reduce your overwhelm and bring down your stress so that you can feed your baby more comfortably and even extend how long your baby breastfeeds.
Breastfeeding Support Beyond Baby’s First Year:
Breastfeeding your baby is a full time job! And it’s likely that you’ll have to navigate all kinds of scenarios while nursing your little one.
…Learning how to breastfeed in public… Keeping your milk supply up while being away from your baby… Not to mention breastfeeding your little one through nursing strikes and teething pains.
And then there’s knowing when and how to wean your baby — which can be confusing! As of May 2024, the AAP recommends that babies exclusively breastfeed until 6 months old and then continue breastfeeding while trying solid foods.
You’ve come so far on your breastfeeding journey…but remember it’s ok to need help with your breastfeeding questions along the way. This support will give you peace of mind so that you can focus on caring for your little one.
How Often Do Parents Need Breastfeeding Support?
The amount of breastfeeding support you will need totally depends on your baby and your own unique desires and preferences.
For some parents, it can take a while to get the hang of breastfeeding. In this case you may want to get help from an IBCLC lactation consultant or lactation support group on a weekly basis — or even every few days.
This will help you overcome your challenges as quickly as possible so that you can avoid painful nursing sessions, breast infections like mastitis or other breastfeeding challenges.
Getting frequent support doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you will need this amount of support forever. It’s likely that meeting regularly with a lactation consultant for a few weeks will give you all the tools you and your baby need to get on the right track.
Other parents may have an overall positive breastfeeding experience, but may run into some bumps along the road that threaten to send your spiraling. This is when it can be helpful to pop in to support groups, 1:1 sessions, or specific classes at your local lactation education center to get help on an as-needed basis.
And for some lucky parents, breastfeeding comes super naturally! You may have a question or two along the way. But often your favorite breastfeeding support blog or your child’s pediatrician can point you in the right direction so that you find the answers you need with ease.
When is the Best Time to Get Breastfeeding Support
The best time to get breastfeeding support is…any time you think you need it! Listen to your gut, mama!
You can seek help anytime you’re struggling, run into a new challenge, or feel like you want to give up… This often happens when moms experience pain during breastfeeding from latching issues, sore nipples, or breast infections.
You may want to reach out for breastfeeding support if you’re worried about your baby’s health and want to make sure they’re getting enough milk or gaining enough weight…
Or even just to make sure everything is going ok. You never know when you might discover a new idea or creative solution that makes your breastfeeding journey a more enjoyable experience.
Most Common Reasons for Breastfeeding Support:
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things that you can do as a new parent… But sometimes this skill doesn’t come as naturally as we would like! Some of the common challenges that breastfeeding parents run into are:
- Tongue Tie or Lip Tie
- Breast Engorgement
- Poor Breastfeeding Latch
- Supply Issues Like Oversupply or Low Supply
- Nipple Issues Like Flat or Inverted Nipples
- Nipple Pain
- Breast refusal
- Engorgement
- Mastitis (Breast Inflammation and/or Infection)
If you experience any of these challenges — you’re not alone! And you shouldn’t have to struggle on your own. Remember that you can always reach out for breastfeeding support whenever you need it.
Breastfeeding Support — Online Resources at Babies in Bloom
From breast care, milk support, pumps and milk storage…Shop the Babies in Bloom Boutique to get everything you need to breastfeed with ease.
We also offer many wonderful breastfeeding educational classes — like our popular Lactation Lounge and Breastfeeding 101 class — for parents to take during pregnancy and postpartum.
We make it easy to connect with an IBCLC at our breastfeeding center so that you find compassionate support and professional help as you learn how to breastfeed your baby.
And don’t forget to check out the Babies in Bloom blog for expert tips, practical advice, and inspiration for your breastfeeding journey.
