Triangle Mothercare Doulas & Night Nurses have extensive training in breastfeeding support, bottle-feeding guidance and pumping support.

Today, almost 70% of new mothers breastfeed their babies. This is a great head start toward a healthy childhood. Today hospitals have lactation consultants on hand to help new moms and babies “get a good latch” and learn to be a successful nursing duo.

But after you leave the hospital, will you have anyone at hand to help you continue getting this little guy properly latched and nursing efficiently? Most mothers will not have had their milk “come in” before they get home, and when that happens on the second or third day home, it can be a surprise to realize that baby can’t easily latch on to those bowling balls on the chest! A lot of tears can be shed by both mom and babe, and dads get pretty discouraged because really, they don’t know quite what to do.

While breastfeeding is natural, still it is a learned art. In this age of convenience, we tend to distance ourselves from things that seem less “modern.” Cultural views about breasts and our subsequent feelings about our bodies may complicate a woman’s decision to breastfeed. Because bottle-feeding seems so easy, breastfeeding may be seen as unnecessary or complicated. As a result, many women become frustrated and self-doubting when breastfeeding challenges arise. Just having help at the right moment can make all the difference in having the confidence and know-how to get past the first few days of uncertainty and struggle to the relaxed and rewarding experience of nourishing your child with “designer milk,” made just for this baby by the body that gave birth to her.

If you are considering breastfeeding or have already decided to do so, remember that up-to-date information, good preparation (for both birth and breastfeeding) before baby comes, and family and community support are essential to breastfeeding success.