Why should I have a prenatal Lactation Consultation?

#3 Plan to initiate breastfeeding within the "Golden Hour"

 Why is this time frame so important? Well, babies are fresh from a nourishing placenta (in most cases) and aren't "starving" to eat right out of their mother's womb. We all learn better when we aren't starving! Babies are awake and alert during this special time. They are soaking up this new environment. If I got a nickel from every mother who said, "He nursed really well right after delivery, but now I can't get him to wake up??" I'd be RICH! Yep, it happens, almost every single time. And Mother Nature created it this way. The hormone that stimulates milk production "Prolactin" has been inhibited by the two hormones produced by the placenta (Estrogen and Progesterone) Once the placenta is delivered, there is a significant change in prolactin levels i.e. They skyrocket!! 🚀 This causes colostrum (also known as mother's "first milk," is literally "pushed" forward (so-to-speak) and is very easy for baby to drink while initially latching on. Interestingly, about 2-3 hours after this easy colostrum made its debut, it recedes back into the milk ducts where it can still be accessed, just not as easily! So let's review: we have an alert baby, interested in learning because she's not starving AND we have colostrum that is easy for baby to remove. Put all of those scenarios together, and we have the "Golden Hour!" Does everything go as planned during that "Golden Hour?" Of course not. Some babies are born early and are working on breathing, or are born with respiratory distress secondary to an infection...We always work on breathing and the health of the baby first and foremost! But there are other distractions lurking in that Golden Hour; Ecstatic grandmothers and grandfathers. Over the moon aunties and uncles, or friends. Basically, anyone whom you aren't comfortable baring it all, and working on latching at that time. If you are free, open, not concerned with keeping covered, I say "let's get started!!" But in my professional experience, most mothers want some initial privacy. You might worry about who gets to bear the bad news to all those visitors, possibly upsetting them? Your L&D RN will gladly clear the room for you! However, In my professional opinion, to make sure you have privacy to work on breastfeeding during that Golden Hour, be sure to discuss this with family and friends beforehand. Let them know that it is important to you and your partner to work on breastfeeding during this optimal time. 

• The conversation might sound like, "We are so excited for you to come and meet our new little one. But we do need to make sure everyone knows that for around an hour or so after she's born, we will be working on breastfeeding. After that, we welcome all with clean hands and no sickness 😬". I find this preserves feelings when everyone knows beforehand that you will need privacy right after delivery, and they aren't shocked at being kicked out. If your L&D RN isn't helping you, ask her! Or ask if there is an available IBCLC who could come help you get started. 
• Need more help than what the RN, or IBCLC is offering? you will find a directory of local private practice IBCLC's
• HERE.