#Latepost because I have three kiddos and life has been life-ing lately lol

My hope was to have this up during World Breastfeeding Week but that clearly didn’t happen!

Anyways!

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding things you can do as a momma AND it can also be one of the most challenging.

Whether you’re a momma of one or a seasoned momma of multiple kiddos, 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 hopefully be able to help you know when you should seek support and where you can find it locally. Reminder, this is what i’ve learned and my personal experience so if any questions come up about if you should seek support, scroll down to Where to Find Breastfeeding Support below and reach out to a professional in Longmont and/or some of the surrounding areas!

When to Seek Breastfeeding Support in Longmont Colorado

The first few days after birth

I’ve breastfed all three of my babies and what I expected was nowhere near what my journey’s ended up being.

The beginning is always so SO hard. You’re tired, your body hurts, your nipples start to hurt, you immediately start questioning and worrying whether your newborn is transitioning well.

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 how uniquely things work for the both of you and adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding.

If you’re experiencing:

• You fear baby isn’t latching correctly, or baby is refusing the breast
• You have severe nipple pain
• or you think your baby isn’t getting enough milk… Don’t hesitate to seek professional help!

In my opinion, early intervention is KEY!

Experts can help you with proper positioning of baby, latch techniques, and other tips to encourage 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 (we’ll talk more about those options in a few).

Reasons to Seek Help-

If you experience pain 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, after the initial pain from your nipples adjusting to breastfeeding has settled, it should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience and there is no need to suffer in silence!

I guess I just don’t handle pain well because I was very fortunate that I listened to my body so early on and refused to give in to the advice to stop when my body was telling me that I could do this. I just needed some additional help! I made it through the initial discomfort and then went on to need support through the pain of thrush, twice, and a shallow latch with nipple coning (OWWWW!) with my third. The emotional toll that the pain caused was rough. Lots of crying, and wincing through initial latching, lots of down feelings about wanting to throw in the towel but also not wanting to… it was a lot. But with help, i was able to overcome all of the challenges that came our way and have a successful journey with each of my children (one of which i’m currently nursing still)!

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight (your doctor will let you know), 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 are continuing to lose weight, that’s definitely a reason to seek support sooner rather than later. Again, early intervention is key! The sooner you have them working with you, the easier the problem solving becomes!

Don’t panic – there’s help available! (Click here to jump to “Where to Find Breastfeeding Support in YOUR CITY)

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.

But before you do, let’s make sure you’re actually struggling with milk supply.

Are you getting fewer than six wet diapers 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 or your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your milk supply is the issue or if there’s something else going on. 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.

All three of my babies have lost weight in the beginning due to jaundice and all three times, the doctors wanted me to supplement. My body and my babies all needed a little bit more time to catch up. This is why choosing your pediatrician is SO incredibly important because i feel like so many times new moms are scared into supplementation when they don’t need to be concerned quite yet. Weighted feeds were my BFF and without them I wouldn’t have fought as hard as i did.

Another thing that i think is super important if things don’t feel right in your gut is to not be afraid to seek out a second opinion from a different provider who values breastfeeding! Who you have on your team can make all the difference!

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!

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 in person for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.

Here are some of the most common options:

1. Healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider can be an amazing 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.

Pros: Covered by most insurance plans, convenient, reliable.
Cons: Limited time during appointments, may not be specialized in lactation support.

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.

Pros: Highly specialized, personalized support, reliable.
Cons: Can be costly, may not be covered by insurance.

3. 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, may not be as personalized as other options.

Here is the link to the Denver Northeast Group

4. Breastfeeding support groups

There are many local breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms and get support and guidance from a facilitator. These can be found through hospitals, community centers, and other local organizations.

Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information.
Cons: May not be available in all areas, may not be as personalized as other options.

Below is a link to a group that i’ve personally visited! They were amazing!

Seasons Community Birth Center-Feeding Class every Friday from 10-11AM

Make sure to follow up with the hospital lactation consultants and see if they offer a free support group!

5. 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.

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.

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 full advantage of the many resources available to you as a breastfeeding mom. You’ve got this!

I hope reading “Mastering the Art of Breastfeeding: When and Where to Find Breastfeeding Support and Assistance | Longmont Colorado In-Home Newborn and Maternity Photographer” has given you some helpful info! If you’re still looking for a Photographer, click below to see my portfolio of images.

Click here to see more of my newborn and breastfeeding photography

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