The Magical Latch
Every parent dreams of their baby’s birth. The anticipation, the hard work for birthing, the first moments of elation and relief, and that first magical latch. Then a time of resting, recuperating, and lots more latches! But sometimes what we dream of doesn’t happen. A birth process might be disrupted with complications. A baby with breathing difficulties or an infection. Before we know it, baby is getting whisked off for specialty care in the NICU. Where does that leave a new breastfeeding mama? Often feeling bereft, scared, and very uncertain about what the next steps are to hold on to her breastfeeding dreams.
The most important thing to remember is - all is not lost! Breastfeeding success looks like lots of ways of walking through tricky situations, and still coming out with mama’s milk in baby’s tummy. Many times if baby is getting some special care (aren’t we so grateful for NICUs?) mamas have some help right away from hospital lactation consultants to help get pumping started so milk supply is protected until baby can get that magical latch going again. This is a great resource, but is that all there is?
Not at all! That’s why I love connecting with mamas before their baby is born. We can go over all the prenatal education before the birth, be ready with a plan in case something goes sideways, and then that mama has me ready in the wings as soon as baby is born to work on getting things back on track.
I’ve worked with many mamas around the Baltimore area whose baby wasn’t latching well when they went home from the hospital. Some babies weren’t even latching at all. I’ve met several lovely mamas who thought it was too late. Even 3, 6, or 8 weeks later, with some patience and the right tips and tricks - those sweet little babes got back to the breast and filled their mamas’ hearts with delight when they finally latched and fed at the breast well!
And what is the most common exclamation I hear then? “I wish I had called you sooner!” Breastfeeding is a wonderful journey but it can sometimes be a bumpy start on a twisty path. The best time to connect with a lactation consultant is before your baby is born. But the next best option is — today! Don’t hesitate to find qualified, expert help, and don’t think that it is too late for you and your baby. I see miracles happen everyday and I’d love to walk that path along side you and your family too.
Wolf Lactation, LLC, founded by Jennifer Wolf, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, CBE, offers compassionate, evidence-based support for families throughout their feeding journey. Jennifer provides prenatal education and breastfeeding consultations, both virtually and in-home visits, with services that include guidance on bottle feeding and pumping. Her care is personalized, accepting, and grounded in clinical expertise. With a warm, supportive approach, Jennifer helps families feel confident and informed as they navigate the early stages of parenthood. Jennifer serves families all over the Baltimore area, down through Catonsville, and up through Bel Air, Maryland.