[Our doula], especially in those first few nights, was an amazing support. Her encouragement, knowledge of breastfeeding and baby care, and peaceful nurturing presence was so valuable. Having her there so I could get some sleep was priceless. I am a better mom because of her!!
Lactation Support
Planning to breastfeed? Committed to breastfeeding but experiencing challenges?
Birthways can help you enjoy your breastfeeding relationship.
Our wide range of options – from our warmline to skilled doula support to board certified lactation consultants – can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
Breastfeeding warmline
All Birthways clients – including postpartum, labor support, and childbirth education participants – have access to our breastfeeding warm line. Staffed during regular business hours, our administrators are happy to answer your basic breastfeeding questions and make referrals where needed. Administrator experience ranges from a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) to a La Leche League leader and breastfeeding educator.
Helping you assess your support needs
Please feel free to call us to explore your questions and needs. Often a simple resource or answer is all you might need! We may also suggest a doula visit or support from a lactation consultant. We also have a unique partnership model that optimizes your care by pairing together the skills of the doula and the lactation consultant. Options include:
Doula care. A Birthways’ postpartum doula provides reassurance and solid information about breastfeeding, getting you off to a good start in the early days at home. Your doula is there to answer your questions during that important window when mature milk ‘comes in’ and supply and demand get established. Any family with breastfeeding goals benefits from the postpartum doula model.
Support from a lactation consultant. Mothers with known or prior risk factors or a challenging breastfeeding situation may benefit from a full evaluation with a clinical expert known as a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).
Doula/lactation consultant partnership. Birthways has developed a unique model of care where a lactation consultant and postpartum doula can work as a team to meet your needs. Your IBCLC (either our in-house provider or one of your choosing) will provide your clinical services, while your doula can provide the additional care that our longer shifts allow. You doula can help by reinforcing the new skills you learned, providing observations for you and your IBCLC, and give you confidence as you apply the knowledge gained from your IBCLC visit. Of course, your doula will also meet your practical needs, including care for your baby or older siblings, prepare meals, and run errands.
Birthways doulas are all versed in lactation and participate in our lactation continuing education. Some doulas have additional training and certification in breastfeeding management and are actively in our apprenticeship program as they work towards certification. We can pair you with these doulas when available.
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