The decision to breastfed your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new parent. Babies were born to breastfed and breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a baby.

Occasionally pre-existing medical conditions/surgeries and situations MAY have an impact on your breastfeeding experience with your baby.

With good prenatal care, and a prenatal breastfeeding consultation you’ll be prepared to know when to contact a lactation consultant for further help and advice in reaching YOUR breastfeeding goals after delivery. Many times when you have a plan in place you’ll feel more confident in knowing what to do if any breastfeeding difficulties arise.

Here are SOME of the reasons when a prenatal breastfeeding assessment may be beneficial:

• Previous breast or chest surgeries of any kind (even as a child)
• Previous breast augmentation surgery
• Have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• Previous breast infections
• Difficulty conceiving or infertility treatments
• You are a diabetic
• You or your spouse have food sensitivities/allergies
• History of thyroid dysfunction (hyper or hypothyroidism)
• Been diagnosed as having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• History of high blood pressure
• Been told you are obese by your medical provider
• Prior breastfeeding difficulties with other children
• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
• Know you are expecting a baby with cleft lip/palate or any other medical condition (cardiac, neurological, etc.)
• Want to know how to prenatally express colostrum. In the circumstance your baby requires supplementation for medical reasons this avoids the introduction of artificial baby milk (formula) when unnecessary

Please contact me if interested in a prenatal breastfeeding consultation or at any time you have breastfeeding questions or concerns following your delivery.

Congratulations again on your expectant arrival!