The first hours and days after birth can feel like a whirlwind. You’re healing, bonding, learning, and adjusting—all at once. You don’t have to do it alone.

Your postpartum care team—especially nurses and lactation consultants—are there to support you and your baby. Here’s how to make the most of that partnership.

The Role of Your Nurses

Nurses are the first line of care in the hospital. They are your advocates and guides. They can:

• Monitor your recovery and pain management
• Support your first attempts at breastfeeding
• Teach safe sleep and diapering techniques
• Answer questions about body changes and baby care

Tip: Don’t hesitate to press the call button. Your questions and comfort matter.

How Lactation Consultants Can Help

Lactation consultants (often certified as IBCLCs) are breastfeeding specialists. They offer:

• Guidance on proper latch and positioning
• Help with sore nipples or milk supply concerns
• Support with pumping and feeding plans
• Reassurance that what you’re feeling is normal

Tip: Ask to see a lactation consultant before leaving the hospital—even if feeding seems to be going well. Early support can prevent common problems later.

Working Together as a Team

Research shows moms who feel supported by hospital staff are more likely to report higher satisfaction with their care and breastfeed successfully.

You can:

• Be open about your needs, comfort, and pain
• Speak up if you feel unsure or need more time to learn
• Accept help: there’s no such thing as a silly question—and if you think it is, ask it anyway

What to Do If You Feel Unheard or Dismissed

Sometimes, you may feel like something is off—and that feeling matters. Here’s how to respond if your concerns aren’t being taken seriously:

• Say clearly, “I don’t feel right” or “Something feels off.”
• Ask to speak to a supervisor, nurse manager, or patient advocate.
• Trust your instincts. You know your body and your baby better than anyone.

Your safety, dignity, and care should always come first. Childbirth is one of the most vulnerable times in a mother’s and her baby’s life—don’t leave it to chance.

ME Notes:

• Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down feeding patterns, questions, or new techniques they show you.
• If your partner or support person is present, invite them to observe and ask questions too—they’re part of the team.
• Before discharge, request any handouts, lactation referrals, or follow-up instructions in writing.

The Bottom Line: Through Our Lens

You deserve care that respects your body, your baby, and your voice. Nurses and lactation consultants are there to care for both you and your baby.

Ask, lean in, speak up if needed—you are your own best advocate.

Let care be done with you, not just on you.

Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Optimizing Postpartum Care.” Committee Opinion No. 736. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):e140–e150.
  Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research. “Impact of Early Postnatal Support by Lactation Consultants.” 2024.