When to Call a Lactation Specialist

A Clear Guide for New Mothers

It’s 2:17 a.m.

Your baby is crying.

You’re exhausted.

Your nipples hurt.

And you’re quietly wondering…

“Am I doing this wrong?”

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

Many mothers are told to “just keep trying” or “it will get better.”

Sometimes it does. But sometimes, you need support and that’s okay.

Here’s how to know when it’s time to call a lactation specialist and when to seek urgent care.

First: What Does a Lactation Specialist Do?

There are different types of breastfeeding support professionals:

• IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) – The highest level of certification with extensive clinical training.

• Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) – Trained in lactation management and breastfeeding support.

• Peer counselors or hospital lactation staff – Provide guidance and basic support.

  
  

All can help, but complex feeding issues may require an IBCLC.

Seeking support early protects your milk supply and your mental health.

A lactation specialist is trained to help with:

• Latch and positioning

• Milk supply concerns

• Pumping support

• Pain during feeding

• Infant feeding behaviors

• Breast conditions (engorgement, mastitis, etc.)

• Feeding plans that support both baby and mother

Support isn’t a last resort. It’s proactive care.

🚩 Signs You Should Call a Lactation Specialist

If you are experiencing any of the following, don’t wait.

1. Breastfeeding Is Painful

Some tenderness in the first few days is common.

But call for help if you have:

• Cracked or bleeding nipples

• Sharp or burning pain

• Toe-curling pain during feeds

• Pain that doesn’t improve after the first week

  
  

Breastfeeding should not feel like suffering.

2. Baby Isn’t Gaining Weight

Contact a specialist if:

• Baby has not returned to birth weight by 2 weeks

• Weight gain is slow or inconsistent

• Your pediatrician expresses concern

Milk transfer matters more than how long baby stays at the breast.

3–4 stools per day in early week

3. Diaper Output Is Low

After day 5, baby should typically have:

• At least 6 wet diapers per day

• Regular stools (in early weeks, at least 3–4 per day is common)

  
  

Call if you notice:

• Fewer wet diapers

• Very dark urine

• No stool in 24 hours in the early newborn stage

Diapers tell us a lot about intake.

4.You’re Concerned About Low Milk Supply

Signs may include:

• Baby seems unsatisfied after feeds

• Constant feeding with no settling

• Minimal output when pumping

• Anxiety about supply that feels overwhelming

Perceived low supply is common but true low supply needs evaluation and support.

If you have a history of hormonal imbalance or breast surgery, early lactation support is especially important.

5.You Have Engorgement, Mastitis, or Blocked Ducts

Call if you experience:

• Hard, painful breasts

• Red, warm areas

• Fever or flu-like symptoms

• Recurrent clogged ducts

Early treatment prevents worsening infection.

6. Baby Has Latch Difficulties

Watch for:

• Clicking sounds while feeding

• Shallow latch

• Lip blisters

• Poor suction

• Suspected tongue-tie or lip-tie

Proper latch protects both your milk supply and your nipples.

7. You’re Returning to Work and Need a Pumping Plan

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

A lactation specialist can help you:

• Build a freezer stash safely

• Create a pumping schedule

• Choose the right pump settings

• Maintain supply while working

8. You Feel Overwhelmed or Defeated

This one matters most.

If you are:

• Crying during feeds

• Feeling anxious about every latch

• Dreading feeding time

• Questioning if you’re “enough”

Support is not just physical. It’s emotional.

You deserve to feel confident , not constantly stressed.

When Is the Best Time to Call?

Sooner is better than later.

Early support:

• Protects milk supply

• Prevents nipple trauma

• Prevents weight issues

• Protects your mental health

You do not need to “wait and see.”

🚨 When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Contact your pediatrician or seek urgent care if baby:

• Is extremely sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds

• Has a fever (especially under 3 months)

• Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken soft spot, no tears when crying)

• Has persistent or worsening jaundice

• Is not feeding at all

A lactation specialist supports feeding but urgent medical concerns require immediate medical evaluation.

Why Early Support Matters

Research shows that early lactation support significantly improves breastfeeding success and duration rates.

Up to 60% of mothers experience breastfeeding challenges in the first week.

You are not alone.

Early support can:

• Protect milk supply

• Prevent nipple trauma

• Reduce feeding anxiety

• Improve infant weight gain

• Strengthen maternal confidence

Waiting often makes things harder.

Breastfeeding is not a test of endurance.

It is a relationship.

Calling a lactation specialist does not mean you failed. It means you are advocating for your baby and for yourself.

That is strength.

Need Support?

If something feels off trust your instinct.

At Melamama Maternal Wellness, we provide compassionate, evidence-based lactation and postpartum support.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Reach out to schedule a consultation or book a support session today.

Support is powerful.