Breastfeeding 1-2-3

A Cast of Ten Breastfeeding Support Characters

by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor on October 22nd, 2006

While at first it appears that the breastfeeding mother and baby only need each other, there is a whole cast of people in supporting roles–people who help mother and baby have a positive nursing experience. When my daughter was a newborn, I joked that it took four people to nurse: me, my baby, my husband to help adjust pillows and latch the baby on, and my mother to bring me water and snacks. With that vital support, the nursing relationship quickly blossomed.

1. Husband/partner. If the breastfeeding mother is in a relationship, it’s important that her partner supports breastfeeding. A husband might want to give the baby a bottle–it’s such a pervasive image of how babies are fed in today’s society. A mother can reassure her husband that there will be plenty of opportunities for him to feed the baby bottles of expressed breast milk once the nursing relationship is well established. In the meantime, a mother can suggest that her husband help with burping, cuddling and diapering the baby. (If he insists on giving the baby a bottle, offer him the 3 a.m. feeding!) In my own situation, I can say that my husband quickly realized the benefits of nursing our daughter. He loved that nursing instantly satisfied her needs for thirst, hunger, comfort and pacifying.

2. Neighbor/friend. Friends and neighbors can support the nursing mother in two ways. First, they can set a good example with their own nursing relationships. Second, they can offer to bring a hot meal when the mother is recovering from birth or volunteer to babysit an older child while the mother naps with the baby.

3. Medical professionals. A mother’s obstetrician and the baby’s pediatrician can help get the nursing relationship off to a good start by encouraging the mother to breastfeed as soon as possible after the birth. They can continue to support breastfeeding by helping the mother to make medical decisions for herself and her baby that are compatible with continued nursing.

4. Doula/birth attendant/postpartum doula. Having an experienced person assist the mother during the birth can help her have a positive birth experience with minimal medical interventions, which in turn allows the mother to breastfeed shortly after the birth. A postpartum doula offers on-going support and guidance as the new family settles in at home. To learn more about doulas and how to hire one, go to Dona International.

5. Lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is specially trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding and can be particularly helpful if the new mother needs to be seen in the hospital or at home. Board certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) have passed an independent examination and demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to support breastfeeding mothers. To find a board certified lactation consultant, click here. Many hospitals offer the services of a lactation consultant as part of a mother’s stay in the hospital and for a short time after she returns home. Some pediatricians also partner with lactation consultants in their medical offices.

6. Breastfeeding support group. Some hospitals and birthing centers offer support meetings and breastfeeding classes for mothers and their newborns. I took a class the day after my first daughter was born, and I found it particularly helpful to get that instruction when I had a baby in my arms for practicing the techniques.

7. La Leche League or other breastfeeding organization. La Leche League and other breastfeeding organizations around the world provide information, support and meetings for mothers, newborns and nursing toddlers. There’s a permanent link to LLL in the sidebar at the bottom right of this page.

8. Internet support. Several on-line communities exist for breastfeeding support. For information, one particularly helpful site is www.askdrsears.com (also linked on this page). Kellymom.com has message boards for information and support on a variety of topics.

9. Librarian. When we talked about recommended books on breastfeeding, I mentioned how a librarian can help mothers locate the latest versions of helpful books.

10. Pharmacist. When I thought I had thrush, my pharmacist assisted me by preparing the proper solution of gentian violet (read the link on thrush for a warning about the safety of that remedy and for information on other treatment options). Any time I have needed to take an over-the-counter or prescription medication, my pharmacist has answered questions and offered additional printed materials on the safety of the drug for breastfeeding mothers.

While the breastfeeding mother and baby form their own special pair, having the support of a whole cast of characters can enrich and extend the nursing relationship.

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POSTED IN: breast milk, breastfeeding basics, mothering, pregnancy