Making your team
When life is going smoothly, we don’t feel the need for a lot of support. The feeling of “I’ve got this!” grows and we start feeling happy, independent and self-sufficient. It’s only when things go wrong that we realize support is crucial.
I would argue that support is ALWAYS crucial, that it helps keep things moving smoothly, but that’s for another post :)
If you planned on breastfeeding, it seems like a natural and easy path. Just put the baby to your breast and feed. you always have food wherever you are, babies know what to do, and after all, it’s natural right?
Unfortunately feeding issues are very common in the US. In the hospital, 84% of parents attempt breastfeeding, however in the first two days of life 20% of newborns are given infant formula. By 3 months the exclusive breastfeeding rate drops to 47% and by 6 months it’s down to 25%. Babies still breastfeeding at all at 12 months of age is down to 35%.
The new AAP recommendations is breastfeeding for 2 years (The WHO has been saying that for decades but nice for the AAP to finally join in). At birth 84% of parents express desire to breastfeed, yet those making it even 1 year, half of what the WHO and AAP now recommend is only 35%. What’s going wrong?
For me, as an IBCLC I can say pretty easily it’s lack of support. No team for these families. Pregnancy should start with midwifery care for most (only high risk need an OB)- the midwife should be Team Leader during pregnancy. Also, a doula and bodyworker (probably chiropractor). As birth gets closer a prenatal visit with an IBCLC is a great way to start writing a postpartum feeding plan. Once baby is born, the IBCLC becomes Team Leader- managing and bringing in other team members when necessary: other bodyworkers, Pediatric OT/PT, release provider if tongue tie, etc.
But how are families to make their team? First START PRENATALLY!!! This is when you have time, aren’t as stressed or in pain. This is when you can build your essential members like midwife, doula, bodyworker and IBCLC. Then after birth if you need more support, those providers you have known and trusted can guide you.
Don’t wait until you have cracked, bleeding nipples and a screaming baby to call for help. Start making your team with the positive pregnancy test. I promise it will be worth it.
Who helped you with your birth? What providers supported you and your growing family?