Why Every New Parent Should Consider Seeing a Lactation Consultant
I remember people talking about lactation consultants when I was in early pregnancy and having so much birth-related stuff in my head, it was all a bit overwhelming. There was talk of birth plans, contractions, hospital bags, and perineal massage learning about breastfeeding felt like just another thing on the never-ending to-do list.
It wasn’t until months later, when I was home with a screaming baby, sore boobs, and the creeping fear that I was doing something wrong, that I finally understood why those conversations mattered. I wish I had listened more closely.
[ez-toc]
The importance of lactation consultants goes far beyond fixing breastfeeding problems after they start. They can be a lifeline during pregnancy, helping you prepare, build confidence, and create a feeding plan tailored to your needs. With the right support early on, many common challenges can be avoided altogether.
Planning Ahead: Why Prenatal Lactation Support Matters
Some experienced lactation consultants say that seeing someone while you’re still pregnant is not just helpful—it’s a proactive strategy that could save you a lot of stress later.
Many women choose to book antenatal breastfeeding appointments if they had difficulties breastfeeding their first baby and want to avoid the same issues the second time around.
Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, a prenatal consultation can help you understand how breastfeeding works and how to set yourself up for a smoother experience.
Much like a birth plan, a breastfeeding plan outlines your preferences around things like immediate skin-to-skin contact, avoiding formula unless medically necessary, and when to introduce a pacifier. It can be a powerful tool for communication between you and your care team.
Why You Should Learn All You Can About Breastfeeding
Expecting parents often dedicate hours to reading about labour and birth, but sometimes breastfeeding is treated as an afterthought. If you want to breastfeed, it’s worth preparing yourself mentally and practically ahead of time.
For many people, breastfeeding is the first time they’ve seen a baby feed at the breast up close. So it’s important to watch videos, read books, and ask questions.
Watching the mechanics of breastfeeding, how a baby latches, what a good latch looks like, and how a baby’s hands and body move during a feed can be eye-opening. It also helps your partner understand the process, which is invaluable when you’re both sleep-deprived and overwhelmed.
It’s also important to understand newborn feeding reflexes and what natural breastfeeding initiation looks like. Telling your support people that you want uninterrupted skin-to-skin time immediately after birth and allowing your baby to do a “breast crawl” can help make those first feeds successful.
Newborns are born with instincts that guide them to the breast if we give them the chance. That means keeping your baby on your chest, not swaddled in a bassinet beside your bed. Close contact helps regulate a baby’s temperature, heart rate, and blood sugar, and it’s also where babies naturally learn how to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding: More Than Just a Physical Process
Lactation consultants often take a holistic approach when supporting new parents. They know that feeding isn’t just about technique; it’s deeply tied to emotional well-being, lifestyle, relationships, and cultural expectations.
Breastfeeding challenges can be physical, but they’re often rooted in the broader circumstances of a parent’s life. Stress, lack of support, unrealistic expectations, or a previous traumatic birth can all affect feeding.
Sometimes the solution is education—helping families understand what normal newborn behaviour looks like and gently adjusting expectations. For example, it’s normal for newborns to want to feed frequently, to fuss at the breast, or to cluster feed in the evenings. But when parents think their baby is feeding “too much” or “not getting enough,” they can quickly lose confidence.
Lactation consultants offer reassurance, emotional support, and perspective—often when new parents need it most.
Does Rest Affect Milk Supply?
We’re often told to “rest as much as possible” after having a baby, especially if we want to maintain a good milk supply. And while rest is certainly helpful, the idea that it’s essential for supply isn’t entirely accurate.
Many new parents don’t have the luxury of long naps and downtime. Partners return to work quickly. Older siblings need attention. Meals need cooking. The reality is that few people get to spend weeks curled up in bed bonding with their newborn—and that’s okay.
If rest were necessary for milk production, the human race wouldn’t have survived!
What matters for milk supply is how frequently and effectively milk is removed from the breast. This means feeding your baby often, especially in the early weeks, and ensuring your baby is latched well and feeding actively.
The Truth About Milk-Boosting Foods
There’s a lot of hype around certain foods that are said to increase milk supply—oatmeal, brewer’s yeast, lactation cookies, and herbal teas, to name a few.
Some of these foods are known as galactagogues, meaning they may help support milk production in some people. However, they are not miracle cures. A nutritious diet supports overall health and healing, but it won’t solve deeper feeding issues.
The key to building and maintaining a milk supply is regular and effective milk removal. If your baby isn’t feeding properly or if you’re skipping feeds without expressing, your supply will likely dip, regardless of what’s on your plate.
For some parents, galactagogue herbs or medications may be helpful under the guidance of a healthcare provider. But they should never replace frequent feeding, a good latch, and hands-on support when needed.
Breastfeeding Multiples: Extra Challenges, But It’s Possible
Parents of twins or triplets face additional challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. It’s not impossible, but it often requires more planning, flexibility, and support.
Whether feeding both babies at the same time (tandem feeding) or taking turns, consistency and a strong support network are essential. Feeding on demand is still possible, but parents often benefit from having extra help at home to manage the increased workload.
Practical help, such as someone preparing meals or caring for older siblings, can make a big difference. Support groups for parents of multiples can also offer community and valuable tips from others who’ve been through it.
Support Beyond the Newborn Phase
Lactation consultants don’t just help during the early days. They also support parents of older babies and toddlers with a wide range of feeding-related challenges.
Many parents seek support for things like:
-
Pain during feeding
-
Weaning
-
Introducing solids
-
Night weaning
-
Returning to work and pumping
-
Feeding a sick baby or one with special needs
For example, night weaning can be especially confusing for parents of toddlers who still rely on breastfeeding for comfort or sleep. A lactation consultant can help you develop a gentle, respectful plan that suits your family’s needs.
Feeding is never static; it changes as your baby grows. Support from a lactation consultant can help you navigate those changes with confidence.
What to Expect from a Lactation Consultant Visit
A consultation can vary depending on your situation, but generally includes:
-
Discussing your feeding goals and concerns
-
Observing a breastfeed or bottle-feed
-
Assessing the baby’s latch and position
-
Checking for oral anatomy issues (such as tongue-tie)
-
Creating a feeding or pumping plan
-
Weighing the baby before and after a feed
-
Offering education and emotional support
Some consultations happen in clinics, others at home or online. You may also be given follow-up support via phone or email to check how things are progressing.
Importantly, these appointments are about empowering you, not judging or pressuring you. It’s okay to ask questions, cry, or say you’re struggling. Lactation consultants understand how vulnerable those early weeks can be.
How to Access Lactation Support?
Lactation consultants work in various settings—public health clinics, private practices, community centres, and maternity wards. You can often find one through your local maternal and child health service or by searching online directories.
Some consultations may be covered by insurance or local healthcare services, while others may require out-of-pocket payment.
Even a single appointment can make a big difference in your breastfeeding experience. If you’re having any concerns, big or small, it’s worth reaching out.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural thing in the world. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s a learned skill for both you and your baby.
Whether you’re preparing during pregnancy or trying to troubleshoot weeks into parenthood, know this: You are not failing. You’re learning. And there are people ready to help.
Lactation consultants offer more than clinical advice. They provide reassurance, build confidence, and remind parents that they’re doing an incredible job, often at a time when they need to hear it most.
If you’re expecting a baby or already navigating those newborn nights, consider adding lactation support to your postpartum plan. It might just be the one resource you didn’t know you needed.
Conclusion
Lactation consultants play a vital role in supporting new parents, not just in moments of struggle, but right from the start. By seeking guidance early, you can approach breastfeeding with knowledge, confidence, and a plan that suits your family. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or navigating challenges with your third, the right support can make all the difference in your feeding journey.
