You gave birth. Hooray! Now onto the next worry: breastfeeding.
To help new moms, Paula J. Norcott, International Board of Lactation Consultant and co-founder of Maine Mother in Brunswick, Maine, recently partnered with breast pump company BabyBuddha to become its first “pumpologist,” where she’ll assist women with breastfeeding challenges.
As someone who has been working with families of newborns for over 25 years, it’s safe to say Norcott knows more than her fair share about suckling. Plus, Norcott is a mom to five boys ages 10 to 30 (“none of which were easy, straightforward infants!”) who knows breastfeeding struggles firsthand.
Here, Norcott shares her best nursing advice.
What’s a common breastfeeding mistake?
Norcott sees countless clients assume pain is normal. “So many parents tough it out, thinking that sore, cracked nipples are just part of the process. But pain is usually a sign that something needs adjusting,” she said. “I’ve had so many clients come to me in tears, thinking they have to quit when really, a few small tweaks make all the difference.”
For instance, Norcott recalled a mom with a baby in the natal intensive care unit who came to her after weeks of struggling with painful, ineffective pumping.
“She was convinced she had a low supply and was about to quit,” she said. “When we did a flange [the funnel-shaped pump part that goes around your nipple] fitting, we realized she had been using a size way too big, causing pain and poor output. We switched to the right size, and her supply doubled overnight and pain quickly dissipated.”
That’s why Norcott believes the best strategy is to get help early. “A quick consult in the first few days can prevent weeks of frustration. Your best bet is to find a local international board-certified lactation consultant, prenatally if possible,” she said. “Many offer both in-person and also telehealth options and take insurance. You can also look for local breastfeeding support groups.”
What do you tell women who are nervous about nursing?
“Find your people: a lactation consultant, a doula, a support group, a supportive friend, a partner who knows how to bring you snacks at 2 a.m.,” said Norcott, emphasizing that no one expects you to be an expert on Day 1. “Give yourself grace, ask for help and take it one feed at a time,” she added.
What might surprise new parents to learn about breastfeeding?
“It doesn’t have to be all or nothing! You won’t know how it all works or how you feel about it until you are actually doing it,” said Norcott. “The work is definitely front-loaded early postpartum if you want a full supply.”
Still, if a full supply doesn’t happen for you for one reason or another, don’t sweat it.
What’s a key takeaway?
“If something isn’t working, it’s not a failure — it just means we need a new plan.”
