The Value of a Prenatal Lactation Consultation

Breast/chestfeeding is a beautiful way to connect with your new baby while also nourishing them. There are so many benefits for mom and baby, yet there is so much misinformation about breast/chestfeeding. That’s why we recommend a prenatal feeding consultation with an IBCLC or CLC, who can provide evidenced-based information and support you. 

If you are looking for a lactation consultant, Jaren offers prenatal and postpartum consultations in your home or at your computer (we know how hard it is to leave the house!

Who needs a prenatal breast/chestfeeding consult?

Anyone! Knowledge is power. This consult is a great opportunity to learn about what is normal for feeding and getting your questions answered from the lactation expert. 

There are circumstances where a prenatal consult would be particularly helpful. These include:

• Tandem feeding 

Feeding one baby is a feat in and of itself, but two? Whew! You are going to need more tools in your toolbox! Your IBCLC will walk you through identifying your goals for tandem feeding and create a plan for how to balance the needs of both children. 

• PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can include hormonal shifts, changes in menses and for some womxn difficulty conceiving and this can translate into challenges when breast/chestfeeding. 

• Infertility

There is a relationship between parents who conceive using assistance in reproduction due to infertility and shorter breastfeeding duration. Part of this is thought to be related to the nature of what contributed to the infertility and a higher incidence of multiple births. An IBCLC can evaluate your health history to learn the root cause of your fertility challenges and then create a plan to support your feeding goals. 

• Multiple birth pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets)

Whether a multiple pregnancy is a result of assistance with reproduction or is just a surprise, more babies to feed means more support is warranted. An IBCLC can assist you in devising a feeding plan which may include breast/chest feeding, combination feeding, pumping and bottle feeding and more depending on your goals. 

• Difficult breastfeeding experiences in the past

If this is not your first time navigating breast/chest feeding and you experienced challenges the first time around, a prenatal consultation can assist you in creating a plan to navigate the challenges that came up for you and identify any that may have had root causes to be able to enter into postpartum fully prepared to meet your feeding goals! 

Partners are encouraged to join as well! They play such a vital role in a parent’s choice to breast/chestfeed. It is important for them to be there as another source of support. In fact, there has been research to support that when partners are involved and committed to supporting the breast/chestfeeding parents goal that breast/chestfeeding duration is longer.

Why should you do a prenatal breastfeeding consult?

With a newborn comes lots of joy and excitement! Those first few weeks are some of the most wonderful moments with your baby. They can also be stressful and exhausting as you try to care for your baby. 

Doing a consultation before the baby comes can help you and your partner learn about normal breastfeeding and build confidence. Studies have shown that breastfeeding initiation and duration are improved with prenatal breastfeeding consults. How to get started, how often to feed, the number of diapers to expect each day, what normal weight gain looks like - these are just some of the things that can be covered.

These sessions are also personalized to you! What you have going on in your life is unique to you. Your IBCLC or CLC can help come up with strategies that will work best for you and your family. The lactation counselor will get to know you and be able to personalize recommendations that will work best for you. 

What to expect in a prenatal consultation?

Each person’s experience will be unique to them. There are some common questions that new parents have, but those questions can be tailored to your family’s needs in a prenatal breastfeeding consult. Feeling prepared for the first few weeks of baby’s life can be very helpful - especially since this is also a critical time to establish breastfeeding. 

Your IBCLC or CLC will provide you guidance and support to better prepare you before the baby comes. From positions that will be comfortable for you and baby to what a proper latch looks like can all be helpful to know ahead of time so there’s less stress around feeding. Other topics that can be discussed include:

• How breastmilk is produced

• How mom can stay properly nourished and hydrated

• Baby’s cues before, during, and after feeding

• Benefits of skin-to-skin contact

• How to know if your baby is getting enough milk

• How your partner and family can support you and also bond with the baby

Breast/chestfeeding can be challenging at times and knowing where to turn can be very helpful. Those resources will be shared with you during these sessions as well. 

Breast/chestfeeding consultations can start at any time! Whether you’re in the third trimester or in your baby’s early days of life, it’s never too late to see an IBCLC and get the support you need.
Curious about scheduling a prenatal breast/chestfeeding consultation? You can schedule a consultation with Jaren here. Consultations are available in person in the North County San Diego communities of: Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido and Solona Beach & virtually nationwide!