When to Find Breastfeeding Support & Help (and Where to Find It)
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, there may come a time when you need a little extra help and support with breastfeeding and there’s no shame in that!
In this post, I’m sharing my knowledge and experience to help you know when you should seek breastfeeding support and where you can find it. Like I said, this is my knowledge and experience so if you have any questions about if you should seek support scroll down to Where to Find Breastfeeding Support below and reach out to a professional in Olympia.
But first, my personal story.
When I was newly at home with my first child I felt super lucky because he slept through the night. And I mean the WHOLE night, 8-9 hours, not the 3-5 that doctors mean when they say the baby slept through the night. I got such good rest. I thought it was amazing. Thank goodness I had a follow up appointment with my midwife that day and that I told her about my awesome night’s sleep. She was alarmed but acted calm as she promptly got me a same-day appointment with a location consultant. Turns out tiny babies who aren’t waking up to feed are babies who are so malnourished they can’t spend the energy required to wake up. I had no idea that my baby was basically getting nothing at the breast. All turned out well as the lactation consultant helped me find other ways to feed him for a few days (hello shot glass and spoon) while we used pumps to get my milk flowing. Throughout my breastfeeding journey I used a few lactation consultants, went to breastfeeding support group meeting, leaned on experienced family and friends and read up on things from reputable websites. Hopefully this post can help you get the resources if you need them like I did.
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
A great time is before your baby is even born! Wait, what?! Yes, connecting with a local lactation consultant while you are still expecting can help you feel comfortable with them - after all, they are likely to be putting their hands on your breasts - and many of them offer lactation basics classes you can attend.
If you little one is already here, then reach out as soon as you suspect there may be an issue. As with any medical professional, there can be a small wait to get an appointment, so delaying until you are deep underwater is not the best idea.
The first few days after birth
The first few days after birth can be an overwhelming time for new moms, and this is when seeking breastfeeding support is crucial.
In these early days, it's common for both mom and baby to be learning the ropes and adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding.
If you're experiencing:
● Difficulty latching your baby
● Potential low milk supply
● or you think your baby isn't getting enough milk…
Don't hesitate to seek out professional help. Experts can help you with proper positioning, latch techniques, and other tips to ensure successful breastfeeding.
Support can often prevent more significant breastfeeding challenges down the road, so don't be afraid to reach out for help as soon as you need it (and we’ll talk more about those options in this blog post)
If you experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding
While some mild discomfort is expected as you and your baby adjust, ongoing or severe pain is a sign that something is not right.
If you're experiencing pain, soreness, or discomfort while breastfeeding, it's time to seek support. There are professionals who can assess your breastfeeding technique, check your baby's latch, and offer suggestions to improve your comfort while breastfeeding.
Delaying seeking help can lead to more severe pain or even infection. For the most part, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and there is no need to suffer in silence!
Special note here that common causes of pain are the latch itself (too shallow), lip or tongue tie in the baby, mastitis which is an infection, cracked nipples, and clogged ducts. All of these need to be treated by a professional!
If your baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight
Remember how my baby slept for a million hours without waking to feed? He had lost far too much weight after birth and I had no idea. Newborns don’t feel heavy whether they are 7 pounds or 10 pounds so doing your follow up appointments with the pediatrician or midwife those first few days and weeks is super important.
If your baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight, it might be time to seek some breastfeeding support. While it's normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth, if they're not gaining it back or continue to lose weight, that's a red flag that something isn't right.
Don't panic - there's help available! Keep scrolling to Where to Find Breastfeeding Support in Olympia and beyond.
If you're struggling with milk supply
If you're worried that your milk supply isn't keeping up with your baby's demands, it might be time to seek some help.
But before you do, let's make sure you're actually struggling with milk supply. Keep in mind that as your baby ages the amount of milk they need will change, so you might have had zero problems in the beginning but now that your little one is a few months old issues are appearing.
Are you getting fewer than six wet diapers a day? Is your baby fussy and seems like they're still hungry even after a feed? If so, it's time to seek some help from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your milk supply is the issue or if there's something else going on. And if it is a milk supply issue, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to boost your milk production and keep your little one well-fed.
They can guide you in setting up feeding or pumping schedules, help you figure out if something in YOUR diet needs to change (looking at you dairy intolerance and lack of iron), and even do weighted feeds to see just how much milk is going in straight from the breast.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed about breastfeeding
I wish someone had told me this! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed when it comes to breastfeeding, that in and of itself is reason to seek support!
Sometimes it seems like everyone you know is effortlessly breastfeeding and if you are struggling there is something wrong with you. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey, and it's totally normal to feel like you're struggling to keep up.
Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear and a little encouragement to help you through the tough times. Use the resources below to reach out to either a professional or a friend.
You're doing an amazing job providing for your baby, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Where to Find Breastfeeding Support
There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support.
Here are some of the most common options:
Healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider can be a great resource for breastfeeding support. They can provide guidance on common issues like latching and positioning, as well as refer you to a lactation consultant if necessary.
Pros: Covered by most insurance plans, convenient, reliable.
Cons: Limited time during appointments, may not be specialized in lactation support.
Lactation consultants or breastfeeding counselors
Lactation consultants are highly trained professionals who can provide one-on-one support to help you overcome breastfeeding challenges. Some hospitals and birth centers have lactation consultants on staff, and there are also private lactation consultants available for hire. Breastfeeding counselors may not have the same level of training as lactation consultants, but they can still provide valuable support and guidance.
Pros: Highly specialized, personalized support, reliable. In Washington are often covered by insurance. Many offer virtual visits or even will come to your house to help.
Cons: Can be costly if not covered by insurance.
We have so many great IBLCs here in the Olympia area, some of my favorites are listed here:
https://www.olympialactation.com/
http://www.foveobirth.com/lactation.html
https://www.cuddlesandmilk.com/
https://babiessucklactation.com/
La Leche League
La Leche League is an international organization that provides breastfeeding education and support to moms. They offer local meetings, online forums, and a 24-hour helpline.
Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information.
Cons: At the moment these are only meeting virtually and not in-person, may not be as personalized as other options.
La Leche League of WA - Espanol
Información del líder: Maria Masvidal
maria_masvidal@msn.com
La Leche League of Thurston County
Local Leader: Jessica
lalecheleagueolympia@gmail.com
Call or text 360-975-4826
Online Educational Resources
If you have the mental bandwidth to read or watch videos to help you successfully breastfeed, some great resources are linked below.
Pros: Convenient, accessible 24/7, free.
Cons: May not be as personalized as other options. No one to talk things over with.
Breastfeeding 101 (WIC)
Breastfeeding support groups
There are many local breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms and get support and guidance from a facilitator. These can be found through hospitals, community centers, and other local organizations.
Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information. Open to all expecting, nursing, or pumping parents and their babies.
Cons: The meeting times may not work for you, may not be as personalized as other options.
1. Ongoing Drop-In Lactation Support Group
Where: Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
When: The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month 10:30am-12:00pm (Drop-ins Welcome!)
Who: Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.
2. INFANT FEEDING AND POSTPARTUM SUPPORT GROUP
Where: The Hands on Children's Museum in Olympia
No registration or HOCM membership required.
When: Thursdays between 10:15am-11:45am
This group will be hosted for 12 weeks starting January 22, 2026.
Who: Facilitated by Nila Williamson RDN, IBCLC and Emily Stephens MA, LMHC
Friends and family members who have breastfeeding experience
Finally, don't discount the value of support from friends and family members who have breastfed before. They can provide encouragement, empathy, and practical advice based on their own experiences.
Pros: Free, personalized support, convenient.
Cons: May not have the same level of expertise as other options, may not be available if you don't know anyone with breastfeeding experience.
When deciding on the best source of support for you, consider factors like cost, convenience, reliability, and the level of personalized support you need. Don't be afraid to try out different options until you find the one that works best for you and your baby.
Conclusion:
Remember, there's no shame in asking for help or support when it comes to breastfeeding.
Seeking assistance from a professional or a support group can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the many resources available to you as a breastfeeding mom. You've got this!
