August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and we reached out to Marion “Lou” Lamb, RN, MS, IBCLC. Lou is a local mom and founder of Breastfeeding Blues & Bliss, a lactation support consultant. Below, Lou shares #HERstory about how motherhood led her to create Breastfeeding Blues & Bliss.

Are you a parent? If so, how did that journey shape your career path? 

Yes! I had 3 boys, whom I breastfed with varying degrees of difficulty. As a registered nurse, I realized that although I knew a lot about pregnancy & birth, I knew very little about breastfeeding. My frustration and the lack of professional support made me realize that new parents need more preparation for breastfeeding, much more than childbirth. I was determined to learn as much as I could about lactation and in 1997, became a board-certified lactation consultant, or IBCLC. I worked as a hospital-based lactation consultant for many years before opening up my private practice, Breastfeeding Blues & Bliss. I love helping mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.

What are some misconceptions about breastfeeding that you come across with clients and/or the media and wish you could help clear up? What about misconceptions of working with a lactation consultant (e.g. expense, pressure to keep breastfeeding, etc.)?

Many parents believe baby should be put on a “schedule,” however, on-demand, or, baby-led feedings work best in the newborn period. It will take several weeks for baby to get into a pattern of feedings and naps. Go with the flow and learn what baby’s natural rhythms are. Schedules don’t tend to work until the baby is a bit older and bigger. 

If experiencing breastfeeding challenges, resist the urge to ask “Dr Google” and instead, reach out for help from a lactation consultant. While financial considerations can be a concern, many LCs can bill to insurance, or have sliding scale or payment plans for the consults. Also, years ago, some LCs had a reputation for being overly passionate, or vigorously anti-formula, but actually, an IBCLC is professionally required to support an individual mother to reach her feeding goals, whatever they may be. I have told many mothers, “your worth as a mother is not measured in ounces of breastmilk.”

Is there anything expecting moms can do to better help prepare for the breastfeeding journey (if they chose to/are able to)? 

Take a preparation for breastfeeding class before delivery. Your ability to absorb information is much better then, before holding the baby in your arms. I offer classes through my private practice, in addition to our two local hospitals. Ideally, your partner attends as well!

What are words of support you can provide to someone who is really struggling with breastfeeding, both physically and mentally?

A very smart MD, IBCLC once told me, “I ask a mother what parts of her day are bringing her joy and peace and if breastfeeding is not part of that, it’s time to get help.” Don’t make any rash decisions when you are exhausted or overwhelmed, instead reach out to an IBCLC for breastfeeding help and support.

Anything else you would like to say or share?

Babies are born to breastfeed…hardwired. And your body undergoes an amazing process during pregnancy to ready your breasts to nourish baby after birth. Sounds pretty simple, right? Just put the baby to breast after birth & he/she will do the rest. Well…breastfeeding may be harder than you think, often due to barriers put in place by our health care system, society and employers, but it doesn’t have to be. I believe that breastfeeding is a public, physical and mental health imperative. I don’t think every woman should have to breastfeed, but, please, let’s support those that do, both at home and in the workplace.