Doulas | Lactation Consultants | Breastfeeding | Local Resources
Doulas
Doulas are support people that are usually hired independently by expectant mom. Unfortunately, most health insurances don’t cover them. Many low-income mothers, basically moms that need them, have limited resources that would enable them to hire them.
Studies show that Doula support throughout labor has had many health benefits and lower complications for baby and mom. They are certified through different organizations where they take an intensive workshop and are required to complete a few births and reading requirements. They provide information, massage, and emotional support throughout labor.
I used to be a doula so I’m all about them. Many new doulas will provide support free labor support for the experience as I did.
Get in contact and outreach to different doula instructors or groups (birth centers) to put the word out that you would like to have one. Maybe you can snatch up free doula service.
Links
Lactation Consultants
Lactations Consultants are heaven sent. They are extensively trained as health care professionals.
I had so many issues with breastfeeding my first child. Disheartened that my original plan to breastfeed wasn’t working out like I had hoped, I scraped out the last eighty dollars out of my bank account. I hopped on the bus and walked half a mile with my two week old to my appointment for help. Needless to say I was desperate. I was hesitant to use my last of my money but I hate giving up without a fair try. I came home with new information and better techniques on breastfeeding. On the verge of giving up, the lactation consultant gave me new hope.
Today I work with a lactation consultant which the hospital provides to new moms. Her spirit is so warm and loving. She manages to calmly promote where family can often discourage or miseducate about breastfeeding. It is no easy tasks with the amount of moms undergoing c-sections in painful recovery of c-sections and hesitancy that new moms experience. No easy task. WIC, hospitals, and birth centers may offer a lactation consultant. You can also make an appointment with them locally at their office.
Find a consultant
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is way more economical than bottle-feeding. There are even studies out on the cost differences. But all you have to do is check the baby aisle in your supermarket. Anyway, that being said, there are some things that can be helpful in the beginning of your breastfeeding life.
Back support
First, I feel like a breastfeeding pillow is important for back support.
Try a Boppy.
They must have a monopoly because there are other brands but those are the only ones I see at the store.
I own a Boppy but at the birth center I go to for women’s care they have
My Brest Friend and I like them better
but they are not easy to find. You can find them online.
They are worth it, especially those uncomfortable first few weeks of breastfeeding.
If you’re on the low budget tip, try craigslist or
ask a mom friend to borrow hers. A breastfeeding book will serve you a great deal.
Public breastfeeding
Here are a few items that can help make breastfeeding in public easier:
- Blanket - A small, light weight blanket to throw over baby when you’re trying to breastfeed in public is very handy. They have breastfeeding cover cloths. They are pretty costly for a piece of fabric. A receiving blanket will do. Be resourceful. You can place it over the side you are breastfeeding. It covers you when you are trying not to show your booby to the world. Unless it’s okay with you then by all means free the boob!
- Breastfeeding bra - The front cup unsnaps. It’s a necessity. If you buy it when you’re pregnant, try a slightly larger size because you will mostly get a cup size bigger when your milk comes down. Available in maternity stores.
- Breast pads - For preventing breast milk leaking onto your clothes. I suggest the washable breast pads - I think the disposable ones are wasteful. One box of washables was enough for me. When it’s all said and done, you can used it like a sponge to clean the sinks or toilet. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Save the Planet y’all!
Flat or cracked nipples
Tired nipples can get a lot of assistance from a nipple shield. It’s a plastic shield that has a larger nipple
placed over your nipple. It's supposed to facilitate latch-on and baby sucks breast milk through it.
You can sooth a cracked nipple by rubbing some of your own milk over it or you can try a Lanolin based product.
Lanolin works so good.
Nipple shields are usually not found in stores but available online. Babycenter's online store carries lots of good products. Be my guest and shop around.
Pumps
I have heard that WIC offers pumps at low cost. Many birth centers have rentals.
The good ones like Medela and Ameda are very expensive ($200-$300).
I actually found someone on craigslist that was selling it cheap.
Some people may think that’s gross but you can always buy new tubes and bottles or sterilize.
To me it was worth it. It is better than paying 300 bucks.
Ebay has them too, but not a whole lot cheaper.
I think it’s terrible that they are so expensive, but it does make life easier.
My Medela Pump in Style looks like a back pack with a cooler bag inside.
And I usually pump from both breast a few ounces in 15 minutes. They have rental places online.
You can buy a hand pump for a lot cheaper.
I recommend avent but I have heard other moms have issues with them.
For pumping at work the medela pump-in-style is nice but people rave about the
Ameda Purely Yours too.