Imagine welcoming your beautiful newborn to the world—a whirlwind of emotions, nurses, and commotion has come and gone. You’re exhilarated and exhausted, and the pregnancy brain hasn’t taken its leave yet. 😉
Now, how would you like to learn an intimate and technical skill from a stranger who’s already late to their next patient?
Breastfeeding offers an incredible opportunity to bond with and nourish your baby. But in the aftermath of childbirth, getting the hang of the task can be challenging. Many women rely on the internet for breastfeeding advice, and while it’s a fine place to start, it’s certainly not the best place to end.
At The Sonography Studio, you can meet with a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls to get one-on-one education and personal support for breastfeeding.
While we encourage scheduling during your 3rd trimester, you’re welcome to come see us during any stage of your pregnancy, from pre-conception to postpartum.
Join us as we examine the benefits of prenatal lactation services, the process of a lactation consultation, and our long-term care options for you!
The Case for Seeing a Lactation Consultant Before Birth
Most women meet with a hospital-staffed lactation consultant in the hours after giving birth, which provides a perfect resource for hands-on help. However, things can go much more smoothly if you already acquainted yourself with the process and have the equipment you need.
Don’t Just Google It
Let’s get this out of the way: Solely relying on the internet for breastfeeding support often leaves you with unsuitable advice and a plethora of misinformation. No matter who you choose, we strongly encourage speaking with a medical professional about this meaningful aspect of your pregnancy journey.
Be Pump-Ready
Having your own, well-fit breast pump prior to giving birth provides enhanced comfort, confidence, and convenience.
While not every woman starts pumping in the hospital, you might need to. If you plan to pump exclusively, it’s essential. And even if you don’t, you may end up pumping unexpectedly. For instance, if your baby has trouble latching, can’t nurse effectively, or if you experience discomfort from overproduction, having a prepared pump on hand helps you to feel in control.
Most hospitals can lend you the equipment you need to pump, so owning a breast pump when you give birth certainly isn’t required. However, if you want to be sure your breast pump flange fits comfortably and have time to learn how to use your own pump, make that purchase in advance. Plus, we doubt you want to stop at the baby store on your way home from the hospital to pick up last-minute parts.
Instead, stop by our practice beforehand to meet with a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls, and get all your breast pump equipment ahead of time!
Give Your Future Self a Break
Postpartum brain fog makes it difficult to learn a new skill, and obsessing over your new mini-me tends to take up whatever mental space you have left. Plus, you might have visitors and fluctuating energy levels as you adjust to your new normal. Knowing how to breastfeed beforehand can bring real peace of mind. And if there’s ever a day to keep things running smoothly, it’s this one!
Feel Self-Assured at the Hospital
When you come in for a prenatal lactation consultation, we don’t only discuss the technical elements of breastfeeding. We go over your birth and feeding plan, breast changes to expect, and much more. It’s hard to know what will come up on that big day, so discussing your options in advance makes it easier to advocate for yourself clearly and calmly at the hospital.
Book Sooner Than Later
For many women, between 32 and 36 weeks provides the ideal window to visit a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls. However, if you’re at risk for an early delivery, consider coming in sooner. And no matter when you want to meet with a specialist, know that we’re always happy to help however we can—talking babies is sort of our thing!
What happens during a lactation consultation?
So, what should you expect when you schedule a consultation? First, we put you through a series of rapid-fire breastfeeding quizzes to assess your skills and whip you into shape—just kidding. 🤭 We actually start by getting to know you!
Getting to Know Each Other
The first step of any appointment at The Sonography Studio is getting to know each other. Learning who you are, what you’ve been through, and your goals helps us tailor our support to your needs. We also review your medical history, pregnancy status, and plans for feeding your baby.
Your Birth & Feeding Plan
A significant portion of your lactation consultation involves talking through your breastfeeding goals: Do you want to breastfeed or pump exclusively? A combination of both? How will you use the colostrum?
Knowing your answers to these questions helps us direct the conversation and understand the type of support you need. Our team never pressures patients to choose a certain path, since the best path for you is a sustainable plan that aligns with your lifestyle.
We just love sharing information and providing guidance so you can make the best decision for you and your growing family!
Breast Pump Prep & Flange Fitting
A breast pump helps express milk from your breasts, and the flange (funnel-shaped part) fits over your nipple to create gentle suction.
Getting set up with your breast pump can feel a lot like assembling IKEA furniture at 2 a.m. So when you visit our lactation specialist in Sioux Falls, we walk you through setting up your pump, step-by-step, with hands-on help—so you can avoid the confusing instruction manual.
Most importantly, we help you find the right flange size, since using the wrong one can make pumping uncomfortable and mess with your milk flow. A proper fit means happier nipples and a better output for your baby.
Breast Changes to Expect
If you aren’t familiar with the ways that breasts typically change during and after pregnancy, we discuss those with you. For example, breasts often grow larger, feel tender, and may darken around the nipples during pregnancy as they prepare for feeding duty. You might even notice early milk (colostrum) leakage as you approach childbirth.
Postpartum, expect fullness, possible engorgement, and changes in nipple sensitivity as milk comes in. Over time, your breasts will adjust to your baby’s feeding schedule, and so will you! Going through these changes can feel alarming, but we can answer your most personal and pressing questions.
Top Breastfeeding Questions We Answer
We get it—breastfeeding can feel super intimate, and asking questions isn’t always easy. But we talk about this stuff all day, so nothing’s off-limits. Here are some of the breastfeeding questions we can answer during your lactation consultation:
- What do I need to buy for breastfeeding?
- What positions do you recommend for breastfeeding?
- How do I get my baby to latch properly?
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
- How often should I pump?
- How do I manage nipple pain?
- How can I increase or decrease my milk supply?
You can find generic answers to these questions online, but none provide the insight and personalized support available at The Sonography Studio from a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls.
Beyond Breastfeeding: Total Postpartum Support
At The Sonography Studio, we understand that pregnancy and postpartum life involve a lot more than lactation and breastfeeding. Because pregnancy affects your whole body, we offer care that goes beyond lactation consulting with services like vaginal rejuvenation, pelvic floor therapy, and hormone support.
Pregnancy & Maternal Care
From pre-conception counseling to ultrasounds and DNA testing, we perform a wide variety of pregnancy-related services. Our team has an impressive background in labor and delivery, gynecological care, and ultrasound administration, so you can feel at ease knowing you have our team to rely on, including a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls.
Vaginal Rejuvenation: Flower Facelift™
Pregnancy and childbirth stretch your vaginal tissues to accommodate your growing baby. Unfortunately, these tissues don’t always fully repair themselves postpartum. Many new mothers experience vaginal laxity, dryness, and discomfort as a result. With our powerful feminine rejuvenation treatment duo, the Flower Facelift™, we can re-tighten these tissues and restore your comfort.
Pelvic Floor & Incontinence Relief
Your baby rests comfortably in your womb for 9 months, but you…might not feel quite so comfortable. The baby’s weight strains your pelvic floor muscles, gradually weakening them. Throw in the intense pressure of the delivery process, and it’s no wonder you can’t make it to the toilet and sex doesn’t feel the same.
Fortunately, our advanced V Tone technology helps you reclaim proper function by strengthening pelvic floor muscles, giving you back control of your life.
Overall Wellness Support
We also perform several wellness treatments to address a variety of symptoms and improve your general sense of well-being. Among these, we offer:
- Hormone testing: Replaces deficient or sub-optimal hormone levels.
- Vitamin testing & IV therapy: Replenishes deficient or sub-optimal vitamin levels.
- PRP shots: Support vaginal health.
- Massage therapy: Relieves tension and encourages relaxation.
Ready to schedule your prenatal lactation visit?
Preparing for lactation and breastfeeding now can save you from confusion and frustration down the road. At The Sonography Studio, we make getting ready for your baby’s arrival simpler, giving you the medical care and compassion you need.
If you’re ready to visit a lactation specialist in Sioux Falls, schedule your appointment at The Sonography Studio.
