💛 Tiffany's personal story
From discouraged to confident — my breastfeeding journey
As you guys know I am a mom of three beautiful girls. I am also a breastfeeding mama — but I wasn't always. Breastfeeding can be very difficult, and that is why I became very discouraged with my first daughter and started EP (Exclusively Pumping). I actually loved it because it was so convenient, and Dad was able to feed baby girl while I got some much-needed rest. Pumping too early can cause an overproduction though — which is why I ended up with a 6-month stash in a very short amount of time!
After about 4 months I revisited breastfeeding and she latched with no problem. With my last two, I was confident enough to breastfeed from the start — and I knew how to advocate for my needs.
I really wish I had a doula or a breastfeeding counselor for my first. I was pushed to formula feed my daughter in the hospital and I just became more and more discouraged. Plus, the language barrier being in Germany made it so hard to express what I needed help with. I had a great hospital experience overall, but they really wanted to keep baby girl's weight up — so they started giving her formula and I didn't fight it because I just wanted to go home.
"I really wish I had a doula for my first. Having someone to advocate for me and support my breastfeeding goals would have changed everything."
11 Ways Your Doula Can Support Your Breastfeeding Journey
Doulas play a crucial role in offering breastfeeding support to postpartum moms. Many doulas even become certified breastfeeding counselors. Their support extends far beyond the labor and delivery room — here's exactly how they can help:
Education and prenatal preparation
- Doulas provide education about breastfeeding during prenatal visits — covering benefits, techniques, and potential challenges
- They help you create a birth plan that includes your breastfeeding goals and preferences
Initial latch and positioning
Doulas assist with the initial latch and positioning during your first breastfeeding sessions after birth. This is crucial for establishing a comfortable and effective latch — and it makes such a difference in those early hours.
Observation and feedback
Doulas closely observe breastfeeding sessions, providing real-time feedback and guidance on proper latch and positioning. They can make gentle adjustments to ensure a comfortable and effective experience for both mama and baby.
Comfort measures
Doulas are skilled in providing comfort measures — like positioning pillows or cushions to support baby during feeding. They can also help you find the most comfortable sitting or lying positions for your unique body and situation.
Assistance with breastfeeding challenges
- Doulas offer guidance and emotional support for common challenges like nipple pain, engorgement, or latch issues
- They provide information about potential solutions and connect moms with lactation consultants or other professionals when needed
Promotion of skin-to-skin contact
Doulas encourage and facilitate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, which has been shown to support breastfeeding initiation, improve milk supply, and strengthen the bond between mama and baby.
Emotional support and reassurance
Doulas provide emotional support to moms experiencing anxiety or self-doubt about breastfeeding. They offer steady reassurance and encouragement — reminding you that it's completely normal for breastfeeding to have a learning curve, and that you are doing an amazing job.
Advocacy and communication
- Doulas help facilitate communication between you and medical professionals to ensure your breastfeeding preferences are heard and respected
- They advocate for your right to make informed decisions about your and your baby's care — no pressure, no guilt
Assistance with breast pumping
Doulas can guide moms on how to use breast pumps effectively — whether for milk supply stimulation or for feeding expressed milk to baby. Whether you choose to exclusively pump, breastfeed, or combine both, your doula is in your corner without judgment.
Postpartum support at home
Doulas offer continued breastfeeding assistance as you and baby transition home — providing guidance on establishing feeding routines and helping you navigate any challenges that come up in those early weeks.
Community resources
Doulas have knowledge of local breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, and community resources — and they can connect you with these services for ongoing help whenever you need it.
🤱 Every breastfeeding journey looks different
Whether you breastfeed exclusively, pump, combine both, or choose formula — what matters most is that you and your baby are fed, bonded, and loved. There is no wrong way to nourish your baby, and your doula will support whatever path you choose without judgment.
Overall, doulas play a vital role in empowering and supporting postpartum moms as they navigate the breastfeeding journey. Their knowledge, experience, and emotional support can make a significant difference in helping moms achieve their feeding goals — whatever those goals look like for them.