Did you know that the best lactation support is verbal support? Someone to teach you how to learn the art of bringing your baby to latch or get your milk flowing is best learned if it's something you learn experimentally with verbal guidance!
When it's comes to lactation support, you have a voice in communicating your needs for body autonomy.
It’s ok to....
Ask for verbal support vs hands on support
Say “stop” when someone is putting their hands on you to help
Ask that your partner be shown how to offer hands on support
Trust your baby
Trust yourself
Trust that most of the time Breastfeeding works
Know that you are still an amazing parent when it doesn’t
Ask for help
Ask for help again
Ask for help again
Cry
Tell people supporting you how the experience feels
Ask someone to leave the room because you are going to breastfeed
Excuse yourself to breastfeed somewhere private
Breastfeed in Public
Breastfeed at the table in a restaurant
Cover up
Stay uncovered
Lift your shit up
Pull your shirt down
Nurse a kid who’s walking and talking….a lot.
It’s ok to decide to stop breastfeeding.
It’s ok to breastfeed more than one child.
The world of Breastfeeding or Chestfeeding or Nursing can feel complicated yet simple. Only you know what’s best for you and your family. Enjoy the ride! It’s one of a kind!
- Margaret Romano, Birth Doula
For more info on lactation support provided by Madison Doula Collective, please visit our Lactation Support page.