Hormone/Endocrine/Medical
- Older than 35
- Use of infertility treatments
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes
Your Anatomy
- Flat or inverted or large nipples
- History of breast surgery, especially a reduction or lift.
- Lack of noticeable change in breasts during pregnancy
- Very large breasts
Mental, Emotional, and Social
- First baby – being a novice sucks a lot.
- Past history of breastfeeding difficulty aka “Boobie Baggage”
- Mental health disorder (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
- Tendency toward perfectionism, need to control, hyper-planning.
- Tendency toward negative self talk, shame, self-blame
- Difficulty sitting
- Strong attachment to being able to breastfeed or breastfeed exclusively.
- Giving birth during a major life change
- Giving birth during a global pandemic.
- Limited options for in person peer support
- Giving birth during the cold, dark months.
- How you FEEL while you are breastfeeding MATTERS. A LOT.
- High blood pressures at the end of pregnancy
- Planned or suspected Cesarean birth
- Planned or suspected induction of labor
- Baby with special needs.
- Complications of birth or postpartum
- Separation from baby -baby to NICU or mom to high risk.
- Baby with oral anatomical differences
- Baby that won’t latch
- Significant nipple trauma within the first days.
