Breastfeeding consultants? Newborn sleep help?

[PeachSalsa]

I have an almost 5 year old and pregnant with #2. DC1 was a horrible sleeper, cried alot and had trouble breastfeeding in the first 1-3 months and it totally wore me out.

I am worried that DC2 will be the same and am thinking of maybe reaching out to a breastfeeding consultant. Does one go about doing this before or after giving birth? Where do I start? I am in the US.
Any other resources, ways to prep, things to do to avoid the same situation with DC2?

 

[SpringCrane]

I'm sorry your first was so hard in the early months!

My first cried a lot, only slept on me, and was very needy. My second barely ever cries! Babies are all individuals, so try to keep in mind you might not have a repeat situation. However, it's wise to have a plan if you do run into issues! For me (in the US, with Kaiser), I had to be observed by a lactation consultant before being discharged from the hospital. After that, LCs are made readily available at my local pediatrician's office. I can contact them by phone or request an appointment. Perhaps check with your pediatrician's office, call your insurance provider, or check with the hospital you'll be delivering at. My local baby supply store also has contact info for LCs and often classes/workshops, too.

As for sleep... I'm not sure who you'd contact. The pediatrician might be helpful, but they aren't sleep specialists. I know for me, second time around, I'm much better at recognizing sleep cues and avoiding letting baby get overtired, and I think a lot of early sleep trouble stems from overtiredness. Remember though, newborns aren't meant to be good at sleeping. And I honestly think having a good sleeper is luck of the draw. I asked that exact question on here several months ago, and nearly everyone who has a good sleeper agreed--they didn't do anything, it just happens.

Good luck

 

[DebbieF]

Soon after I had my babies a lactation consultant showed up in my hospital room. She made herself available after discharge if we had and questions or concerns as well. Neither of my kids were great sleepers so I can't be of too much help in that area.