Prenatal Breastfeeding Education: Why It’s Important

PREnatal education is key to a smooth experience whether you choose to breastfeed or not.

The pregnant person starts lactating as early as 16 weeks into their pregnancy!

“Even if you choose not to breastfeed, or cannot breastfeed, seeking prenatal education with a lactation consultant is important.”

Most families I work with are surprised to learn how early milk production begins. Your milk is tailor-made for her baby's age and stage. One reason early milk production is important is in the instance of a premature delivery. Breastmilk contains antibodies that are critically important for premature babies who are incredibly vulnerable. Even if you choose not to breastfeed, or cannot breastfeed, seeking prenatal education with a lactation consultant is important. Read on to see why.

Prenatal breastfeeding is the most important education I provide parents for so many reasons— here are a few of them:

• Alleviates concerns this is especially beneficial to victims of abuse, people with body dysmorphia or dysphoria, including LGBTQ+ people regarding nursing

• Answers questions and corrects false beliefs

• Informs parents about the benefits of human milk, and the risks of formula (artificial baby milk)

• Empowers parents regarding decisions regarding and during delivery that can impact lactation such as medication, visitors, and which hospital to deliver at based on what training the staff have had regarding best practices in lactation (the gold standard here is a hospital that is part of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, or a midwife who has specific lactation training)

• Teaches parents how to manage family members who's views on breastfeeding are different from their own

• Establishes rapport with a lactation consultant (look for an LC who is board certified, IBCLC; the gold standard in lactation care) who is a call away- lactation is very personal and you want to find someone you click with rather than someone randomly assigned or who you have to scramble to find

• Helps you navigate special circumstances like early delivery, birth injuries for mom or baby, or infant loss*

• Gives you access to their network of lactation friendly perinatal specialists should you need referrals from everything from a night nurse to a therapist.

I cannot breastfeed

Some people cannot breastfeed, or cannot provide full nutrition via breastfeeding for medical or mental health reasons; these families can also benefit from working with a lactation consultant to discuss their options- such as using donor milk. Lactation consultants can also provide support and refer you to professionals such as therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health, to support you through what may be a difficult time.

I plan to use formula

As healthcare professionals, lactation consultants are here to help you make informed decisions: this means that we also help people who aren't sure about breastfeeding, and people who for various reasons do not want to breastfeed. We support you which ever decision you make. So why would you need a prenatal visit? If you don't plan to breastfeed, but you're physically able to, your body will still produce milk— so speaking with a lactation consultant about how to halt lactation once you deliver, and what to expect drying up your supply will help you avoid upsetting or unpleasant experiences. We can also help you learn how to advocate for yourself when you communicate your choice to hospital staff and family members or friends.

*My baby will be delivered stillborn / My infant passed away

Lactation consultants are trained to help you manage and navigate infant loss. Because bodies that have gone through pregnancy produce milk, unless physically unable to do so, you'll face the decision of whether to halt milk production or continue milk production, possibly with the goal of donating your milk. These decisions are highly personal and having a specialist by your side will facilitate getting the care you want and need during this most difficult time. Some lactation consultants have additional training in infant loss. If you're local to the San Francisco Bay Area you can contact me, otherwise you can find other perinatal mental health trained lactation consultants (and more support) at postpartum support international: https://www.postpartum.net/ or call 1-800-944-4773 / or Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 / or Text en Español: 971-203-7773.