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.
What we will cover
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
For second (or third, or fourth) time parents
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 or concerns about
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 considerations
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
Including your partner
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.
Continuity of care
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.
A realistic perspective on breastfeeding
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.
Passing on knowledge
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.