Q: What should expectant mothers know about breastfeeding?
The breastfeeding journey can be different for everyone. So can every pregnancy. It looks different for every person, pregnancy, and baby. Mothers shouldn’t compare their journey to someone else’s.
Mothers should know breastfeeding is an evolving relationship, and it’s okay if it doesn’t look exactly how you were expecting. With the right support, we as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners can support your goals and help as your goals change.
Q: How should I prepare to breastfeed?
I always recommend a prenatal breastfeeding class, and also, mothers should try to understand the physiology of breastfeeding.
Understanding how your body works and knowing it takes time for your milk to come in is so important. This will help you understand that breastfeeding at day one will differ from day two…which will differ from week two, month two, and so on.
We want to support you with the best information, knowledge, and evidence-based care we can. Find people you connect with who have the proper training and education to support your goals.
Having all this information ahead of time, including what challenges mothers may face, what your milk supply might look like, being able to practice positioning with a baby doll, and other things like that, is so beneficial. More prepared mothers tend to be more successful.
Q: What are some things I should ask or talk about with my WHNP or provider? What will they ask me?
You should think about your goals for yourself and your family, and how you envision being with your baby. Some mothers know they want to breastfeed without using formula. Others may want to use both. And some mothers may go back to work [you can find more details about this topic in the next question].
- Here are some things I usually ask expectant mothers:
- What have you heard about breastfeeding?
- What do you want to know more about?
- What does your family dynamic look like?
- What are your goals?
- Are you considering taking a breastfeeding class?
- Do you know the breastfeeding resources in your area?
Q: I’m a mother who will be going back to work – how does that impact breastfeeding?
Mothers need to start thinking about this prenatally because maternity leave varies. Their journey is going to look different than someone who might have extended time off, so mothers should start thinking about what their leave will look like.
You can talk to your WHNP about when to start pumping, how much milk to freeze, and things like that, so you feel prepared for when you return to work. Breastfeeding choices will depend on your circumstances, so think about what your goals are when you return to work, so we can support them.
Q: I’m feeling a wide range of emotions about breastfeeding (anxious, nervous, overwhelmed). What should I do?
We love breastfeeding, but if it’s not working, it’s okay to pivot and try different plans. If we know about concerns early, we can come up with a new plan or add things to support families so they can reach their goals.
Mothers should understand that breastfeeding isn’t always cut-and-dry. Be flexible and understand that things are going to change. Don’t get caught up thinking ‘this has to happen a certain way’, because the breastfeeding journey is different for everyone.
Q: I’m feeling pain while breastfeeding. What should I do?
There are a couple of options, depending on what’s happening to your body. If you’re feeling breast pain, reach out to your lactation consultant. But if you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus – with fever or chills – or a tender breast, you might have breast mastitis. That could be treated with antibiotics by your midwife, OB, or WHNP.
Q: What resources are available for me and my family?
There are so many resources for mothers before and during their breastfeeding journey. I always suggest that mothers take a breastfeeding class.
I highly recommend reaching out to an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) because they’re prepared at the highest level. Most birth hospitals or pediatrician offices also have lactation resources. You can also visit CU Nursing’s midwifery clinics and the Women’s Care Clinic at UCHealth.
It’s also beneficial to form a relationship with a lactation consultant before giving birth, so you have that built-in resource if you have challenges or questions. Knowing your resources ahead of time can be so beneficial, so you’re not Googling things in the middle of the night and getting overwhelmed with so much information.
We want to support you with the best information, knowledge, and evidence-based care we can. Find people you connect with who have the proper training and education to support your goals.
