Which One Is Right for You?
AAhhhhh… breastfeeding challenges. It’s common to hear people refer to breastfeeding as a natural process, and it is. But it’s not a given that sustaining a tiny human with your boobs is going to be easy! Most parents struggle with doubting themselves and their ability to feed their baby.
No one expects you to be an expert at breastfeeding when your baby pops out, and you shouldn’t expect that from yourself either. When you need help overcoming breastfeeding challenges, consider a digital breastfeeding class or a private consultation. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let me break it down!
Can an Online Course Help Me with Breastfeeding Challenges?
One of the BEST ways to prevent or manage breastfeeding challenges is a digital breastfeeding class, and I offer two! In these online courses, I personally give you evidence-based instruction, drawing upon my knowledge and experience as a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.
- Breastfeeding Basics is a fun and informative class for you and a partner to learn as a team! I cover all the basics, like supply, normal poops and pees, positions, maneuvers, a good latch, support, and an intro to pumping. Most importantly, this course cuts through the mountains of BS surrounding breastfeeding and empowers you to nourish your baby on your terms.
- Feed Your Baby University is the “whopper” of all breastfeeding courses! I teach everything that’s in the Basics course, plus how to troubleshoot feeding challenges, introduce solid foods, navigate a NICU stay, prevent nursing behavior issues, and gently wean when you’re ready. This course is like having a lactation consultant on demand for busy parents!
Does this all sound like a lot? Don’t worry! I know having a newborn is exhausting, and I don’t want you to be overwhelmed. I’ve broken up my courses into bite-sized, single-topic sections that are conveniently labeled. You can go back anytime and get advice for overcoming breastfeeding challenges. No phone calls, no doctor visits. Just confidence that the answer you’re looking for is there! For example, when your baby starts biting your nipple, you can pop right on over to the “Behavior Issues” video and learn exactly how to stop those painful chomps.
When you have the knowledge that my courses provide, you are less likely to encounter the following three problems, which are the most common reasons people quit breastfeeding.
- Low supply (Podcast episode 14)
- Confidence struggles
- Newborn weight issues
Do I Need a Private Session with a Lactation Consultant?
You’ve given birth to your baby and suddenly you have some unexpected breastfeeding problems. You’re breastfeeding, and you think your baby is getting enough. Well, you’re hoping and crossing your fingers because really you feel like you have no clue what you’re doing. You’re battling doubt, your confidence is in the shitter, and you’re afraid you’re going to look stupid if you ask for help.
First of all, let me say — I get it. I have been there. What I just described was basically my situation after my first baby was born. I needed help overcoming breastfeeding challenges, but I convinced myself that I could just work hard at breastfeeding and it would be OK. I trudged through weeks and months of 3 a.m. feeding problems all alone and somehow managed to successfully nurse my son. But what I’ve learned after working in reproductive health, labor and delivery, and lactation is that not reaching out for help is the worst thing you could do.
So, if you’re feeling like you can benefit from a real person looking you in the eye and helping you, a private breastfeeding consultation with me is what you need! For many lactating parents, just one tweak can save so many tear-filled trips to the pediatrician and change the entire breastfeeding journey for the better.
In general, a private consultation is helpful if your intuition is telling you something is wrong — or multiple things are derailing your breastfeeding journey. I can tell you if your supply problems are perceived or real. Or maybe you’ve got an unsupportive partner and nipple pain. Perhaps your mother didn’t breastfeed and doesn’t understand on-demand feeding, and this stress is wreaking havoc on your life. These are situations when a private consultation is going to be your best solution.
In addition, when you and your family are navigating big changes, it’s great to have a consultation. Before you go back to work, I can help you establish a pumping schedule. When your baby is about six months old, I can walk you through how to start solid foods. Also, anytime you are struggling with unexplained crying, schedule a private consultation with me, so you can pick my brain. I love to be the person who looks at you and says, “You’re doing a good job.” Plus, I can actually figure out why your baby is crying and give you strategies that really help!
Let’s Get Started!
Taking advantage of resources like a digital breastfeeding class or a private consultation will save time and your mental sanity. Are you ready to conquer your breastfeeding challenges with me? Sign up for a course or request a private consultation!
