What I hear moms saying to me when they have called me with a problem at 6 weeks rather than at 1 week when the problem started is I did not know if this was a problem.  Moms have a hard time differentiating whether what they are feeling or experiencing is a problem or just the normal transition into a mom/baby breastfeeding relationship.   I have listed below some reasons that you would need to have a Lactation Consultation.

Prenatal

• History of surgery to nipple or breast
• History of hormonal or anatomical challenges
• No breast changes during pregnancy
• Earper difficult or unsuccessful breastfeeding experience
• Family history of allergies 
• Problems with conceiving  

Birth

• Premature baby
• Multiples
• Special-needs baby
• Mom or baby are required to be separated
• Baby’s mouth or tongue is preventing easy breastfeeding (cleft palate, tongue-tie, or other challenges)
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Latching or positioning difficulty
• Traumatic birth

Getting Started

• Milk is not transitioning to mature milk and becoming engorged by Day 5
• Breast or nipple pain or trauma at any time (Breastfeeding should never hurt)
• Baby is not latching and sucking well by hospital discharge
• Fewer than three large stools each 24 hours by Day 5
• Stools that are not soft and mustard yellow by Day 5
• Baby is not nursing at least eight times each day
• Baby falls asleep quickly at breast, or sleeps through feedings
• Baby has jaundice
• Baby is given supplements of any kind for any reason
• Baby is crying, collicky, “never stops nursing,” or “never seems happy” at breast

Any Time

• Nipple or breast discomfort at any time
• Questions about medications
• Questions about pumping
• Returning to work or school
• Where and how baby should sleep
• Help for Baby Wearing / Baby Slings
• Concerns or questions about continuing breastfeeding while pregnant