Where to find breastfeeding support if you're struggling

Whether it's your first baby or your third, breastfeeding isn't always easy—especially in the early days. And even when nursing is going well, you may still want to find some breastfeeding support. Most new parents have loads of questions. How do you know when your milk will come in? Is it safe to nurse lying down? Are nipple shields a no-no? Should you worry about tongue tie? And what the heck is APNO?

First of all, try to narrow down the results from all your frantic Googling with more trusted web sites. Here's our list of the most common breastfeeding problems—and how to fix them. You may also want to talk to an actual human, too—lactation consultants can assess and adjust your breastfeeding position, and provide hands-on help. Many larger towns and cities have free lactation clinic hours at hospitals and health centres, if you're feeling ready to leave the house with your newborn. Scheduling a phone call, video call or private home visit with a lactation consultant for one-on-one breastfeeding support is also a great option.

Breastfeeding support resources

Here are the free or affordable online resources our editors have relied on over the years:

1.) Go to todaysparent.com/breastfeeding for articles on just about everything, including combination feeding (bottle + boob), and videos about how to get a good latch. (We’re on YouTube, too!)

2.) The MyMedela app (Android and Apple) offers a 24/7 lactation consultant add-on option. A one-month, three-month or 12-month membership includes live breastfeeding support via video chat, at various price points.

3.) Check out KellyMom.com for evidence-based breastfeeding info. The site is run by a lactation consultant with a science background, and is a trusted go-to resource for moms on staff at Today’s Parent.

4.) The International Breastfeeding Centre website, which is affiliated with the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic in Toronto, is also a great site to bookmark. Visit them at ibconline.ca; the library of videos under the “Info & Videos” tab provides examples of what breastfeeding looks like as an infant grows, and demonstrates the difference between nibbling and “good drinking.”