How Can Your Doula Provide Breastfeeding Support

As you guys know I am a mom of three beautiful girls. I am also a breastfeeding mama, but I wasn’t always. Breastfeeding can be very difficult and that is why I became very discouraged with my first daughter and started EP (Exclusively Pumping). I actually loved it because it was very convenient, and Dad was able to feed baby girl and I got a lot of rest. Pumping too early can cause an overproduction which is why I had 6-month stash in a short amount of time. After about 4 months I revisited breastfeeding and she latched with no problem. With my last two, I was confident enough to breastfeed and I knew how to advocate my needs.

I really wish I had a doula or a breastfeeding counselor for my first because I was pushed to formula feed my daughter in the hospital and I just became more and more discouraged plus the language barrier being in Germany it was hard to express what I needed help with. I had a great hospital experience, but they really wanted to keep baby girl’s weight up, so they started giving her formula and I didn’t fight it because I just wanted to go home.

Doulas play a crucial role in offering breastfeeding support to postpartum moms. A lot of doulas become breastfeeding counselors. Their support extends beyond the labor and delivery room, and they can provide valuable assistance during the early postpartum period when many moms are learning to breastfeed. Here's how doulas can help with breastfeeding:

1. Education and Prenatal Preparation:

• Doulas often provide education about breastfeeding during prenatal visits, helping expectant parents understand the benefits, techniques, and potential challenges of breastfeeding.

• They can help moms and partners create a birth plan that includes breastfeeding goals and preferences.

2. Initial Latch and Positioning:

• Doulas can assist moms with the initial latch and positioning of the baby during the first breastfeeding sessions after birth. This is crucial for establishing a comfortable and effective latch.

3. Observation and Feedback:

• Doulas can closely observe breastfeeding sessions, providing feedback and guidance on proper latch and positioning. They can help make adjustments to ensure a comfortable and effective breastfeeding experience.

4. Comfort Measures:

• Doulas are skilled in providing comfort measures to moms, such as positioning pillows or cushions to support the baby during breastfeeding. They can also assist with finding comfortable sitting or lying positions.

5. Assistance with Breastfeeding Challenges:

• Doulas can offer guidance and emotional support if moms encounter common breastfeeding challenges, such as nipple pain, engorgement, or latch issues.

• They can provide information about potential solutions and connect moms with lactation consultants or other healthcare professionals if needed.

6. Promotion of Skin-to-Skin Contact:

• Doulas encourage skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby, which has been shown to support breastfeeding initiation and bonding.

7. Emotional Support and Reassurance:

• Doulas provide emotional support to moms who may experience anxiety or self-doubt about breastfeeding. They offer reassurance and encouragement, reminding moms that it's normal for breastfeeding to have a learning curve.

8. Advocacy and Communication:

• Doulas can help facilitate communication between the mom and medical professionals, ensuring that the mother's breastfeeding preferences and concerns are addressed.

• They can advocate for the mom's right to make informed decisions about her and her baby's care.

9. Assistance with Breast Pumping:

• Doulas can guide moms on how to use breast pumps effectively if they need to express milk, whether it's for milk supply stimulation or for feeding expressed milk to the baby.

10. Postpartum Support:

• Doulas offer postpartum support, which includes continued breastfeeding assistance as the mom and baby transition home. They can provide guidance on establishing breastfeeding routines and managing any challenges that arise.

11. Community Resources:

• Doulas often have knowledge of local breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, and other community resources. They can connect moms with these services for ongoing help.

Overall, doulas play a vital role in empowering and supporting postpartum moms as they navigate the breastfeeding journey. Their knowledge, experience, and emotional support can make a significant difference in helping moms successfully breastfeed and achieve their breastfeeding goals.