Knowing When to Call Your Pediatrician or Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding is a learning experience and it’s normal to have questions along the way. While most parents get more comfortable with time, there are moments when reaching out for professional support can make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable, and more successful.
You don’t have to wait until a problem becomes overwhelming. Metro pediatricians and lactation consultants are here to answer questions, address concerns early, and help you feel confident as you care for your baby.
Question: When Should I Call My Pediatrician or Lactation Consultant?
Asking for help is always the right choice, whether you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding, your own comfort, or simply want reassurance. The answers below explain when to seek support, how your pediatrician and lactation consultant work together, and why early guidance can make a positive difference for both you and your baby.
Answer: Signs your baby should be seen by a pediatrician
The big things that need immediate attention would include: fevers, dark urine or not making enough diapers, if the baby is having trouble waking up to eat often enough (every 3 hours or sooner for babies under 2 weeks), signs of infection, and worsening jaundice. These are all signs to see your baby’s pediatric provider right away.
Contact Metro’s advice nurses by phone, available 24 hours every day, to talk about any concern. They’ll help answer your questions, make a plan, and assist with scheduling visits with your baby’s provider.We also have same-day care to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Answer: Signs you may benefit from breastfeeding support
It can be normal to feel some tenderness with latching in the first week of life, with a peak from days three to five, but you should notice that it decreases week by week. Bleeding, cracking, or color-changing nipples go beyond typical tenderness and we encourage you to see a Lactation Consultant to work on solutions.
If you are concerned about milk production, we urge you to set an appointment with a lactation consultant instead of spending time searching for ideas online. Our IBCLCs will provide customized guidance for your unique needs and breastfeeding goals.
Metro Pediatrics’ IBCLCs also support babies who are “happy spitters” or who have reflux, stooling challenges, or other digestive concerns. If your baby spent some time in the NICU, we can help support your transition home and make adjustments to your feeding plan as the baby grows and develops.
Answer: How pediatricians and IBCLCs work together to support breastfeeding families
Our medical team works together and we communicate about your baby and feeding goals. When you see an IBCLC at your pediatrician’s office, it means everyone is on the same page, reducing the need for you to verbally communicate your feeding plan to your baby’s provider.
Seeing the IBCLC at your provider’s office also reduces the number of visits you need to book, as those appointments can be scheduled together!
Answer: Why asking for help early can make breastfeeding easier
When it comes to breastfeeding, there’s definitely a learning curve over the first couple of weeks, but you should start to notice that nursing your baby gets easier with more practice by parent and baby. Over time, latching should be faster, comfort should be increasing, and you should be feeling more confident about recognizing what your baby needs.
If you feel that feeding isn’t getting easier, we want to support you sooner than later to reduce your stress and quickly find solutions. It’s also much easier to work on your feeding goals while you, and potentially the other parent, are on parental leave.
Metro Pediatrics Lactation Consulting Support
We offer support for families who choose breastfeeding and chestfeeding, including help with concerns and feeding challenges. Even when feeding is going really well, we can support parents in finding the right setup for their pump and flange sizing, discuss a back-to-work or back-to-school plan, and support you with introducing bottles to your baby.
We maintain a relationship that can help with the transition to solid foods. Consider us your newborn nutrition consultant.
We recommend seeing an IBCLC at our office with your baby’s two-week or one-month well visit to answer your questions, and set yourself up for success meeting your feeding goals. Give us a call at 833-PDX-KIDS or book your visit online.
