Lactation Support & Community Resources for New Parents
- Maggie Williams
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Welcoming a new baby can bring a lot of joy, challenges, and, certainly adjustments. For those of you who choose to breastfeed or chestfeed, feeling supported can make all the difference in your feeding journey. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you’re looking for ways to establish that support. Let’s jump into the good stuff–all the resources available to you–and then we’ll circle back and talk about when you should get lactation support.
Community Resources for Lactation Support
Fortunately, many community-based resources are available to help parents navigate their lactation journey. Here are some great options:
Hospital-Based Lactation Consultants: Many hospitals offer lactation support services before and after birth, often through outpatient clinics or support groups.
If you’re in Charlottesville, VA, both UVA and Sentara Martha Jefferson offer guidance from internationally board certified breastfeeding counselors (IBCLCs). UVA has a Breastfeeding Medicine program and parents can receive support from them even if they did not deliver at UVA.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Programs: If eligible, WIC provides lactation support, including access to consultants, peer counselors, and breast pump assistance.
La Leche League International: A worldwide nonprofit that provides peer-to-peer support, local meetings, and virtual consultations for parents seeking lactation guidance. LLLI has a Charlottesville chapter that meets in person and via Zoom.
Breastfeeding USA: An all volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides evidence-based breastfeeding information and peer-to-peer support.
Private Lactation Consultants: Many certified lactation professionals offer home visits, virtual consultations, and personalized support.
Local Charlottesville Lactation Consultants:
Local Parenting Groups: Many communities have parent-led support groups where individuals can share experiences, ask questions, and receive encouragement.
Pediatrician & Family Health Clinics: Many pediatric offices and family clinics have lactation specialists on staff to assist parents during routine visits.
Utilizing Donor Milk: Special Considerations & Where to Find It
Some parents may find it helpful to use donor milk when feeding their baby. If they’re unable to produce enough milk, are unable to lactate, or have a premature or medically fragile baby, donor milk may be an important option to consider. Donor milk can provide essential nutrients and immune-boosting properties that support infant health.
Before using donor milk, however, you should consider the source. If your baby is hospitalized, the hospital may be able to source milk from a certified milk bank which uses strict donor screening and pasteurization procedures. Some parents use private donors, from loved ones in their lives or from community members. Share the Drop is an app that connects milk donors to recipients in their area. You can also do a Facebook search for informal milk sharing groups specific to your locality, such as “Human Milk for Human Babies” or “Eats on Feets.” It is important to screen your donor carefully (discuss milk storage practices, their diet, medications, and any prohibitive diseases).
Consult a healthcare provider to determine if donor milk is the right choice for your baby’s nutritional needs and ensure safe handling and storage practices.
When to Seek Lactation Support
Lactation support can be beneficial at any stage of the feeding journey, whether during pregnancy, immediately after birth, or months down the line.
During Pregnancy
Receiving lactation support during pregnancy can help parents feel more prepared and confident about their feeding journey. Learning about proper latch techniques, milk production, and common challenges beforehand can reduce stress and set realistic expectations. Prenatal consultations with a lactation specialist can also help address any medical conditions, anatomical concerns, or past feeding difficulties that might impact lactation.
Just After Birth
Immediately after birth, early support can be crucial in ensuring a successful start to feeding. Lactation professionals can assist with positioning, latch issues, and recognizing hunger cues, all of which contribute to establishing a healthy milk supply and minimizing discomfort. The first few days and weeks are a critical period for milk production and infant nutrition, making prompt and accessible support invaluable for both the parent and baby.
If Something Seems Off
If you feel like something is wrong, trust your instincts. Even if you can’t name it exactly, consult a trained peer-to-peer counselor or a certified lactation consultant.
Some common reasons to seek support include:
Latch Difficulties: If the baby has trouble latching, causes pain during feeding, or doesn’t seem to be getting enough milk, a lactation consultant can assess and provide guidance.
Milk Supply Concerns: Whether you’re worried about producing too much or too little milk, support professionals can help with strategies to regulate supply.
Pain or Discomfort: Feeding shouldn’t be painful. If you experience nipple pain, engorgement, mastitis, or other discomforts, professional help can offer relief.
Pumping & Bottle-Feeding Guidance: If you’re returning to work, exclusively pumping, or incorporating bottles, lactation consultants can help navigate this transition.
Weight Gain Concerns for Baby: If a pediatrician expresses concern about weight gain, lactation support can help identify feeding adjustments to better meet the baby’s needs.
Weaning Support: Whether transitioning to solids or stopping lactation altogether, professional guidance can help make the process smoother for both parent and baby.
Special Considerations for Special Needs Babies and Pumping Parents
Parents of special needs babies may require additional lactation support to navigate unique feeding challenges. Babies born prematurely, with cleft palates, or other medical conditions may need specialized techniques, adaptive feeding tools, or supplemental nutrition plans. Lactation consultants with experience in special needs can offer guidance tailored to each baby’s needs.
For parents who pump exclusively or partially, support is available to establish and maintain supply, ensure efficient pumping techniques, and navigate challenges like storing milk, managing schedules, and finding comfortable equipment. Many hospitals, WIC programs, and private lactation consultants provide assistance with selecting the right pump, creating a pumping routine, and overcoming common obstacles.
Reaching Out for Support
Seeking lactation support is a sign of strength and care for both yourself and your baby. Whether working through challenges, gaining confidence, or simply looking for reassurance, there are many compassionate professionals and community resources available to help. No parent should feel alone in their feeding journey—help is just a call, click, or local meeting away.
For more information on lactation support in your area, reach out to your healthcare provider, local community centers, or parent support organizations.
A Personal Note
I, Maggie, LilyPads Housing Operations Assistant, recall the frustration and fear I felt while trying to feed my firstborn baby. I often sat up in the middle of the night, attempting to latch my baby while simultaneously scouring a book on nursing, desperate to know that I was doing it right and that my baby was getting enough to eat.
Later, I went on to train as and serve as a peer-to-peer lactation counselor and I worked as a birth doula, supporting parents before and after birth in their feeding endeavors. I’ve witnessed many struggles of parents in their endeavors to feed their baby with their body.
If you’re having a hard time or feeling as if nursing isn’t as easy as you thought, please know that you are not alone. While unpleasant, your experience is not uncommon and it does not speak to your abilities as a parent. Seek support. You deserve it.
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