Why you should have a consult before you give birth
Having a consultation before you give birth allows you to decide what your specific breastfeeding goals may be and gives you an understanding of what you may expect with breastfeeding.
We will go through your medical history before and during your pregnancy, along with an anatomy examination.
You will be provided with education and taught techniques to prepare you for your breastfeeding journey and give you the power to overcome any challenges you may face within that journey.
By having the knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding, you are setting yourself up for a successful breastfeeding experience. Research shows that mothers who have accessed education in the antenatal period are more than twice as likely to breastfeed, with breastfeeding continuing up to six months of age.
As part of your consultation, we will look at and discuss:
- Normal newborn behaviour
- How the production of breastmilk works
- How breastfeeding works
- Challenges you may face
- Developing a breastfeeding plan and what that may look like for you
- Preparing for antenatal expression should you need or wish
- The benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin, and the first breastfeed
- How to protect breastfeeding and your supply should your infant require a Special Care Nursery admission
- Using a breast pump
- Returning to work and maintaining lactation
Having a consultation as a second-time, third-time, or even fourth-time parent is just as beneficial. This gives you the ability to debrief your previous birthing and breastfeeding experience, where we can look at challenges you may have already faced, discuss them, and have a plan for this breastfeeding experience.
You may have questions and/or concerns surrounding:
- Breast shape or size
- The shape or protrusion of your nipples
- Feeding multiples
- Preterm birth
- Wishing to exclusively pump and feed
- Adoption or induced lactation
Medical concerns including:
- Type 1, 2, or gestational diabetes
- Blood pressure issues in your pregnancy
- Thyroid issues
- PCOS
- Infertility
- Family history of breastfeeding concerns
Previous history with:
- Under or oversupply
- Breast surgery
I highly recommend having your partner present during your consultation so they can learn about their role and how they can best support you with breastfeeding. They may have questions or concerns of their own which we can go through. Having your partner onboard allows for a supportive and encouraging environment for all.
Meeting me in the antenatal period allows for continuity of care by allowing me to build a relationship with you and your family. If you need me in the postnatal period, then you can be assured that I am available to you, especially in a time when you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
Remember, yes, breastfeeding is natural, though just because it is natural doesn’t mean that it is always easy. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, just like riding a bike, and is something that you and your infant will need to learn together. Each breastfeeding experience and journey is unique to the breastfeeding pair.
Breastfeeding is a social skill passed along through generations, though today we are sadly seeing this link being broken. By providing yourself with education and knowledge, you are continuing that ability to pass on what you now know about breastfeeding.