Mama, you will have questions as you navigate your breastfeeding journey and there will be times when you will need to determine who to reach out to for support. Read on for guidance about when it is appropriate to seek support from a lactation professional and when to contact your medical provider or in certain cases, seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care or hospital emergency room.
Reach out to a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for Breastfeeding Concerns
- Milk supply concerns—Especially in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding, mothers often question whether their baby is getting enough to eat. Your lactation consultant will evaluate your baby's milk transfer at the breast by performing a weighted feed, where baby is weighed before and after breastfeeding and then provide guidance on how to increase your milk supply, if needed. Suggestions will be provided for decreasing your milk supply in cases of oversupply.
- Difficulty latching baby—Assistance will be provided with positioning and latching your baby at your breast comfortably and effectively. Tips will be provided for obtaining a deep latch.
- Nipple soreness, cracks, breast pain—Home-based remedies and treatments for healing sore or cracked nipples and relieving breast pain caused by engorgement will be explained.
- Pumping, bottle feeding, transition from bottle to breast—You will be fit with a comfortable flange and educated on the proper use of your breast pump for maximum comfort and milk removal. You will be educated on how to pace bottle feed your baby and provided with practical tips for transitioning your baby to feeding directly at your breast, if desired.
Contact Your Doctor or Midwife for Emotional Support
- Feelings of sadness beyond the initial baby blues—Your doctor or midwife will evaluate you for postpartum anxiety and depression and prescribe medications, if needed, that are safe and compatible with breastfeeding.
Urgent Red Flags for Mom
Call Your Physician/Midwife or Go to Urgent Care/Emergency Room if you are experiencing:
- Sudden, severe breast pain, swelling or hard area that does not improve within 24 hours of rest, frequent feeding, and ibuprofen
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher with Flu-like symptoms (chills, body aches, fatigue)
- Spreading redness, red streaks, pus or blood in milk, and one or both breasts feel painful and inflamed
- Feelings that you may harm yourself or your baby
Urgent Red Flags for Baby
Call Your Pediatrician or Go to Urgent Care/Emergency Room if your Baby is experiencing:
- Signs of dehydration or failure to thrive (infrequent urination, sunken soft spot on head, excessive fussiness and sleepiness, losing weight, thin with loose skin folds, decreased muscle tone, difficulty feeding)
Why Seeking Professional Help Matters
Seeking medical or lactation care when challenging breastfeeding times arise is very important. When you have a specific breastfeeding related question, contact your lactation consultant who will assess your breastfeeding issue and provide a care plan which is individualized and appropriate for you and your baby. Your lactation consultant will provide reassurance if your baby is doing well and assistance in improving you or your baby's circumstances if you are experiencing problems or pain. Your lactation consultant will also refer you to seek medical attention if the care you need is out of their scope of practice. In cases, where the immediate health of you or your baby is compromised, seek medical help right away.
