Why You Need Breastfeeding Support

Yep, that's a gorilla!

I know what you are thinking. I spend most of my time telling you how normal birth and breastfeeding are, and now it sounds like I'm telling you that you can't go it alone?

I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth, and I mean both sides whole-heartedly.

Breastfeeding is totally natural, and you have all of the plumbing you need to breastfeed your baby. However, humans are social creatures who don't do well without connection, emotional support, and an extra pair of arms. Even my second-cousin Sven* who lives on a boat for months at a time eventually relents and asks for help.

My favorite story that illustrates this point is the story of a gorilla who had never seen anyone breastfeed. She was utterly helpless when her first baby was born, and the zoo keepers had to support her and supplement her baby. So when she became pregnant again, the zoo asked breastfeeding mamas from La Leche League to come and breastfeed their babies where she could see them. They did, she learned, and by the time her second baby came she knew exactly what to do.

Here are the ways your breastfeeding support person can help you:

1. Coordinate the other things. In the beginning, breastfeeding is a full time job. The closest person to mama can become the captain of the breastfeeding support team. Perhaps this person is dad, or grandma, or sister, or BFF. They tell everyone else what needs to be done (you can always supply a list or remind them, lovingly).
   
   
2. Summon help. Your team captain doesn't need to know much about breastfeeding in order to find you the help you need. There are lots of very common, small hurdles in the first few weeks, and other helpers can squash those hurdles in a phone call or an hour-long appointment so they don't get the best of you. Steer clear of Dr. Google and check out my post on the Breast Experts to learn who is on first.
   
   
3. Hold the baby. I love skin-to-skin contact as much as possible, carriers for hands-free baby-wearing, and even keeping baby within close range of mama at all times for the first few weeks. However, it is significantly easier to take a shower if your baby is happily snoozing in the arms of a loved one.
   
   
4. Explain to others why you are breastfeeding. You might notice that everyone has advice for you (including me). Some well-meaning friends and family members might encourage you to give your baby formula so you can sleep through the night/because they did it and their babies are just fine/because they have a philosophical disconnect with breastfeeding. Let your support person stand between your breastfeeding goals and this unsolicited advice that won't help you meet those goals.
   
   
5. Remind you of why you are breastfeeding. Maybe you are breastfeeding to give your baby the best nutrition, immune system, and palate you can give them, or maybe you're breastfeeding because it can help you lose baby weight faster or save money for the college fund. Everyone has their own reason, and it can be helpful to be reminded about your reason when facing a hurdle.

Check out my upcoming Breastfeeding Basics classes, where your support person can learn all the tricks and tips they need in 2.5 hours.

*Name and details changed to protect the innocent.

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