What curly hair taught me about inducing lactation

A few days ago, a colleague interviewed me about inducing lactation. In the small talk before we got into our discussion, we talked about something else we had in common besides a career in lactation: we both have curly hair. 

What does this have to do with inducing lactation? Well, at first it seemed like these two topics we discussed were unrelated. But a story my colleague shared stuck in my mind ... she followed someone who had some fabulous curls that she really admired. So, my colleague bought all the same products as this person, but when she used them her hair looked terrible!

Why was this I wonder? Maybe those products were the right products for the other person but not right for my colleague. Maybe those products could have worked well but she didn't know how to use them in the right way.

And this is how it ties in with inducing lactation ... When someone posts online about a product or method they used to induce lactation and had great results, it doesn't mean you will have the same results if that isn't the right product or method for you, or if you are not using that product or method in the right way.

My colleague and I can spend many months - even years - to trial and error curly hair products and how to best use them. No big deal really! But do you have many months or years to figure out by trial and error how to induce lactation by trying things that worked for other people whose bodies and circumstances may be different than your own?

There are no guarantees with inducing lactation, but wouldn't it make sense to use evidence-based recommendations collected from hundreds, if not thousands, who have induced lactation under the clinical guidance of an experienced lactation consultant and the wisdom gleaned from the past 40+ years of published research instead of a handful of peers posting online?

It may sound as if I am dismissing parents' shares on social media. Not so at all! Take those ideas that worked for others to your international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) to see if they might be a good fit for you. And if they are, she can guide you to use them in the most effective way possible. 

Also use social media and other connections with peers -- like my free online support group -- for community, encouragement and support. When we grow our families outside the traditional way, we need and deserve the connection with others who are walking in our shoes. 

If you have any questions or would like guidance on inducing lactation, relactation or co-lactation, feel free to schedule a free mini consultation with me HERE. Or if you are ready to jump right in, check out my consultation packages HERE. I work with parents in person or via telehealth from wherever you are. Many insurance plans are covered.