Moms Helping Moms: Breastfeeding Help from a Postpartum Doula

By Lisa Clark

Many first-time moms who plan to breastfeed make the assumption that they’ll be able to do it without any trouble. You figure it’s natural, right, so what’s the big deal? It may very well have been easier in the days when there was no question how you would feed your baby. Women were surrounded by other women nursing their babies from the time they were girls. Today few mothers have that sort of training by observation before making the decision to nurse their own baby. You may be in for a shock if breastfeeding doesn’t work the way you expected it to!

Imagine coming home with a happily nursing babe, only to find a day or two later that your breasts are so engorged, baby can’t latch on. Baby is screaming in hunger, and you’re in pain. What do you do? Your mom doesn’t have a clue because you and your siblings were bottle-fed, and none of your friends can help, either. It’s just this sort of scenario that spells an early - and unnecessary - end to many breastfeeding plans.

A postpartum doula can help with breastfeeding in a number of ways that make her a valuable resource to add to your list of consultants. Her only priority in your first days home is to see that you are well cared for. Are you eating and drinking well? Are you resting enough? Do you have a comfortable place in your home to get breastfeeding off to a good start? These are the elements of an essential foundation for breastfeeding success. With this kind of personal attention, she may spot problems before they happen. Do you need more privacy to gain confidence with this not-so-natural mothering task? Are you unwittingly trying to feed on a schedule? Have you developed a breastfeeding routine or technique that inadvertently interferes with nursing? Even mothers experienced with breastfeeding can find themselves facing a dilemma that requires help to overcome.

Most postpartum doulas are not lactation consultants. Their passion encompasses a variety of new parent issues in addition to breastfeeding. But if you encounter a problem that she can’t address, she will have a list of lactation consultants for referral, and can ease your concerns about whether you really need a referral. She can also help you implement the instructions of a lactation consultant. She is your partner in getting your parenting adventure off to a strong start. And there is no better start for you and your baby than successful breastfeeding.

Lisa Clark is a mother of four and breastfeeding advocate. She and her business partner own Mother Care Doulas, a postpartum doula service.