In my work as a lactation consultant, I consider it important to respect the family's wishes and offer the family information on all issues related to feeding their baby and toddler (see the video at the end of the post).
My breastfeeding journey
When I was expecting my first child, I firmly believed that I didn't need any breastfeeding lectures because breastfeeding is a natural skill.
My illusion was shattered on the second day of my baby's life, when I put him to my breast at 11 am and he still wouldn't let go of it without crying at 7 pm. I had never felt so exhausted and hopeless as I did that night when the midwife came into my ward and I just cried, cried, and cried in response to her questions.
When I got home, I started looking for information about breastfeeding on the Internet, and no video showed a baby nibbling on its mother's breast like a tiny woodpecker trying to get an insect from under the bark of a tree. But mine did just that, until my nipples were completely broken. In all the clips, the babies were like exemplary baby birds, who, when they saw their mother, would throw their heads back, open their "beaks" wide, and then take a big mouthful of nipple and areola in their mouths. My woodpecker nibbled and nibbled until I had to resort to using a nipple shield to breastfeed my baby at all. Fortunately, a lactation consultant soon came to my help me.
By the time my second child was born, I was a trained lactation consultant and doula. I had the knowledge, I had the experience, but this breastfeeding journey didn't start without difficulties either. My baby's latch needed adjusting, but now I knew how to do it.
Breastfeeding counseling as a passion
Today, lactation consulting is one of my favorite things to do. My soul starts to ring when I see the happy families I have helped achieve their goals. It is never too early or too late to see to turn. You can feel free to contact me during pregnancy, even if it is just to establish contact if you need support after giving birth.
When consultant to turn?
Whenever you or your loved one has questions about breastfeeding:
- if you want information about breastfeeding
- if breastfeeding is painful
- if a newborn eats less than 8 times a day
- if a breastfed baby urinates less than 6-8 times a day in the first months of life
- if it is not clear that the baby swallows while breastfeeding
- if the baby is not gaining enough weight without additional feeding
- if it seems that there is not enough milk
- if it seems that there is too much milk
- if you suspect mastitis
- if the baby is restless at the breast or refuses to suck
- if the baby is premature
- if you are concerned about the effects of food, lifestyle, etc. on the breastfed baby
- if your are weaning the baby
Source: Estonian Birth and Breastfeeding Support Association
Source: Estonian Birth and Breastfeeding Support Association (SIET)
Since the spring of 2022, I have also been a member of the board of the Birth and Breastfeeding Support Association in order to contribute even more to the well-being and health of mothers and babies. This summer, thanks to the kind sponsor BTA Baltic Insurance Companyand professional videographer Anre Kuldja Mediawe also filmed a video clip introducing SIET's activities, in which I share with other lactation consultants the worries and joys that mothers may encounter on their breastfeeding journey. I hope you will find moments in it that evoke recognition or give you the courage to turn to a lactation consultant with your questions.
For a home visit from a lactation consultant, please make an appointment with me by writing to doula@neljastrimester.ee or calling +372 5198 0345.
