This post is sponsored by Amwell, all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
When going through pregnancy for the first time, I was shocked at how many people asked me how I was going to be feeding the baby. The pregnancy books and magazines were full of information on both formula feeding and breastfeeding, with pros and cons of each. As someone who is moderately modest, it was uncomfortable for me to have the conversation with well-meaning friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers! With each of my pregnancies, my husband and I talked through all of the pros and cons, and how various factors in our lives would be affected, and each time we decided that we did want to attempt to breastfeed each of our children.
With my oldest child, I had a complicated pregnancy and delivery. We knew pretty early on that he had some medical issues that would need to be addressed, and it reaffirmed our decision to try to nurse him, and give him all of the added benefits that we could. However, it was very difficult. He had issues latching on, and the hospital did send the in-house lactation consultants in to try to help me, but they seemed rushed with so many additional patients to help, and with no prior experience, it was stressful to try to work through the issues and figure out exactly what the problems were and how to fix them. An extended family member is a nurse and had given me a book of breastfeeding that made me feel bad about considering our pediatrician’s advice to try and supplement with a specialized formula, then kept asking me for so many personal details that I became quite overwhelmed. I also developed mastitis, and really could’ve used some professional guidance! However, I didn’t really have any other resources that I was aware of, that could help me work through things. Ultimately, for many medical reasons, we agreed with the pediatrician that supplementing with formula was necessary for this situation, and once I returned to work we moved to formula exclusively.
With my second child, nursing went a bit easier. There were fewer issues, I was more comfortable and confident, and was able to nurse until I returned to work. I worked for a small company, and the only place to nurse was in a bathroom stall, and we only had a single stall for all employees to share, so it wasn’t realistic for me to tie it up for the amount of time I needed to pump. So, once I returned to work we again switched to formula.
With my third child, I was a stay at home mom, so it was much easier to nurse for a longer period of time. However, when he was several months old he caught a stomach virus that was very severe and he had to be hospitalized for about a week. While there he required a specialized formula to help with his condition. He ended up needing that for an extended period of time, so I made the choice to stop pumping. This was a time when I REALLY could’ve used the advice of a lactation consultant because, with the stress of two other children at home – one with special needs, and this child in the hospital, the sudden weaning was a painful experience!
I share all of this with you, to help you understand why I think the Amwell Online Breastfeeding Support & Lactation Consultant Services are such a phenomenal resource for breastfeeding mothers!
Using a telehealth company is a new concept for many people. Our health insurance is through my husband’s employer, and they offer us a drastically reduced rate to use the telehealth system in lieu of a traditional doctor, when appropriate. I’ll admit I was hesitant the first time I tried it, but once I completed the first appointment I was hooked!
Amwell is the nation’s largest telehealth company, connecting users with board-certified, licensed doctors for immediate and live, online visits—day or night, on either mobile or desktop. Some general conditions our doctors encounter include: minor illnesses and injuries, general health and wellness concerns, prescription refills, and chronic condition management. We employ primary care and specialist physicians, as well as licensed behavioral therapists and registered dietitians, to meet our patients’ health and wellness needs. Our most recent addition to our platform is lactation consultants, which is the focus of this influencer campaign. Amwell doctors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are dedicated to keeping you healthy — all from the comfort of your home.
When you use the Amwell Lactation Consultant Service, the lactation specialists will be connected with you via video. They allow you to ask questions, they’ll guide you through any concerns you’re having, and offer professional advice. The lactation services are provided by a network of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), and can provide help on a number of issues such as latching, breast pain due to feeding issues, questions about milk supply, pumping or going back to work and more! A good friend of mine is a Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurse in a hospital, and a Professor in a local college, educating L&D nurses in lactation education. She is lobbying lawmakers in her state to require Lactation Consultants to be IBCLC’s. I hadn’t realized that there was a certification before speaking with my friend, and was surprised that the certification was not always required. Knowing that Amwell uses ONLY Board Certified IBCLC’s strengthen’s my recommendation of their Lactation Service.
When a new mom is in the hospital, there may not always be a lactation consultant available. It’s a question that should be asked during a tour of the L&D facilities while you are pregnant – we took one during our Lamaze classes, but I had no idea what questions I should’ve been asking at the time! Hopefully, the facility you’ll be using will have a lactation consultant available to you during your visit, but it may be more difficult to get back in to see one once you’ve gone home. Additionally, if you need help with the breastfeeding, based on my personal experience, I could’ve used the help during a feeding. Being able to pull up the app, or use the website to connect with a lactation consultant during feeding times, from the comfort of your home, is a HUGE bonus to the Amwell Lactation Service! While not always available on demand, new mothers are typically able to get answers to their questions and issues within 24 hours of request. These are some of the things they can help with:
- Latching issues
- Milk supply
- Breast tenderness
- Persistently hungry baby
- Returning to work
- Pumping
- Plugged milk ducts
- Mastitis
- Sore nipples
- Thrush
- Oversupply
- Weaning
Be sure to “Like” Amwell on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to also visit the Amwell Website and download the Amwell App to use the service on the go! Amwell has generously offered a Reader offer code, for you to save 50% on your first TWO visits!!! Use Reader Offer Code: NEWMOM13
EACH FOLLOWER CAN USE THIS CODE TWICE. FIRST VISIT IS $130 SO WITH DISCOUNT IS WILL BE $65. SECOND VISIT IS $75 SO WITH DISCOUNT IT WILL BE $37.50. EXPIRES 12/31/17.
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