Clementina
Expert Guidance
From Feeding to Feelings: Who to Reach Out To
Iza Thiago-Munoz, MA, IBCLC
3 min read
One of the most common questions I get is: "Should I be worried about this, or is it normal?" When you're in the thick of postpartum life (exhausted, overwhelmed, healing, and trying to keep a tiny human alive) it's incredibly hard to know what needs immediate attention and what can wait.
Your peace of mind is worth the call. Never feel like you're 'bothering' your care team.
That's exactly why your support team matters. This includes: Your lactation consultant, Your doctor and baby's pediatrician, And your Postpartum Pro. Here's a clear guide to help you decide who to reach out to and when—without second-guessing yourself.
When to Reach Out to a Lactation Consultant
Even if it seems minor, latch issues are worth addressing early. A small adjustment can make a huge difference in comfort and milk transfer.
- Latch and Positioning: "Does this latch look right?" "My nipples are sore—is this normal?" "Baby keeps unlatching and relatching."
- Supply Concerns: "I'm not sure if my baby is getting enough milk." "My breasts don't feel full anymore." "Baby wants to nurse constantly—is this cluster feeding or a supply issue?"
- Pumping and Bottle Feeding: "What flange size should I use?" "How do I pace bottle feed?" "Baby refuses the bottle—what now?"
- Feeding Schedules: "How often should my 2-week-old eat?" "What are hunger cues vs. just wanting comfort?"
When to Reach Out to Your Virtual Clementina Postpartum Pro
This is where real-life postpartum support comes in—the stuff that doesn't always feel "medical," but absolutely affects your well-being.
- Recovery & Body Support: "Is this much soreness normal?" "How long should bleeding last?" "What helps with pelvic floor pressure or swelling?"
- Mental Load & Overwhelm: "I feel like I can't shut my brain off." "I'm carrying everything and I'm exhausted." "I don't feel like myself yet."
- Routines & Day-to-Day Survival: "How do I structure my day with a newborn?" "I don't know when to eat, shower, or rest."
- Sleep Struggles: "Is this normal newborn sleep… or something's off?" "How do I sleep when the baby won't?"
- Emotional Health: "I cry all the time—should I be worried?" "How do I know if this is baby blues or something more?"
When to Call Your Doctor (or Baby's Pediatrician)
- Weight Gain Issues: Baby hasn't regained birth weight by 2 weeks, or is losing weight after the first week.
- Signs of Infection (In You): Fever over 101°F, or a red, hot, swollen area on your breast (possible mastitis).
- Signs of Dehydration (In Baby): Sunken soft spot, dry mouth, dark yellow urine, or baby is unusually lethargic.
The Gray Area:
If you're unsure whether something is worth reaching out about—it probably is. A quick text to your support team can clarify feeding concerns and help you get the support you need.
This is an Emergency—Call 911 or Go to the ER:
- Baby is not breathing normally or has blue/gray skin.
- Baby is completely unresponsive or extremely difficult to wake.
- You have severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- You're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
The bottom line? You don't need to know everything. You don't need to diagnose yourself. And you absolutely don't need to do this alone.
About the Author
Iza is an IBCLC, postpartum doula, and mom of three. She founded Clementina Health to give parents the kind of support she wished every family had.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone.
Join Clementina today and start texting your dedicated consultant.
Get Started