Yes, You Need a Prenatal Breastfeeding Consult
A Prenatal Breastfeeding Consultation? Yes, You Need One, Here’s Why
Parenthood can hit you like a freight train. It’s fast and hard, and as we’ve written before, preparation for infant feeding is key to that 4th trimester survival. Again, do not wait until they hand you your baby to decide.
Why Book Before and Not After?
Getting your consultation done before is the same as prepping for a marathon - you have goals, expectations, proper training and education, and a chance to speak with a professional to guide you to the finish line.
Just as it makes zero sense to attempt to run 26.2 miles without setting foot on the pavement months in advance, it doesn’t make sense to begin your breastfeeding journey on the day of the race. Choices like that are why I get calls in the 4th trimester - to fix a problem, not usually to prepare for one.
Many parents who had a negative first experience with breastfeeding had negligent care or were underprepared and unable to rectify the problems well. There is no greater honor than watching a client achieve success with their infant feeding goals on kid number 2 after hearing about their infuriating mistreatment stories with kid 1.
When is the best time to book a prenatal consultation?
Anytime is better than none at all, but I usually recommend the end of the 2nd trimester just so that you aren’t feeling overwhelmed while the delivery clock is ticking. However, if you are a nervous nellie and anxious beyond measure, book whenever you feel like you need answers. I’m even happy to help you unpack that prior experience before you are expecting that next bundle of joy!
What can you do for me so early on when I don’t even have my baby yet?
We will talk about your lifestyle, your infant feeding desires, your comfortability with pumping, formula, latch positions, need to return to work, how you can stay home and exclusively pump, or even how you can pump, nurse, and give formula if you so choose.
Many of my clients are pumping parents, so I offer flange sizing during this consultation. It helps you to get a better understanding of what pumps and flanges might be a good fit, and it helps you to prepare for the financial costs associated with pumping.
You’ll receive different types of resources to read that are easy to understand and don’t take hours of your time. And it gives you a private, HIPAA compliant messaging portal so that I am there for you when that beautiful baby finally arrives and you start to get nervous about something - or heck, even if you just want a cheerleader!
Final Thoughts:
To be as best prepared for breastfeeding as you can, to unpack a previously negative experience, or to learn about current infant feeding options, and more, book today!
Not ready to book a consult, but want to take a virtual prenatal breastfeeding class? Check out our On-Demand™ video courses.
