Breastfeeding support helps new mom find confidence after delivery

Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

When her son needed specialized care after birth, Kaitlyn Pulos turned to the IU Health Fishers Lactation team for support, ultimately achieving her breastfeeding goals and gaining confidence as a new mom.

After an unexpected and emotional delivery, Kaitlyn Pulos considers one accomplishment especially meaningful: successfully breastfeeding her son, Logan. With support from the Lactation team at IU Health Fishers, she was able to reach that goal despite a challenging start.

Laura Haven, a lactation consultant at IU Health Fishers, met Pulos shortly after Logan's birth in late February. Delivered early at 37 weeks following an unexpected labor, Logan experienced breathing complications and was transferred to the hospital's Level II Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU).

"Laura is amazing. She came to my room that morning and asked me if I wanted to go see Logan and if I wanted some help with breastfeeding or pumping with him as soon as possible," Pulos says. "She took me to his room and helped me learn about all the things I needed to do so I could get him my own colostrum and milk as soon as possible."

For Haven, providing personalized support is at the heart of her role.

"The role of a lactation consultant at IU Health Fishers is to fully support both the breastfeeding parent and the infant as they learn," Haven says. "Our process involves obtaining a thorough history of any previous breastfeeding experiences and really listening to each family's feeding goals so we can tailor our support to their individual needs."

Celebrating early wins

Despite the challenges surrounding his birth, Logan latched successfully soon after delivery. For Pulos, it felt like a major milestone. What made the moment even more memorable was Haven's enthusiasm.

"She wasn't neutral about it. She was celebrating with me," Pulos recalls. "Her excitement made me realize how big a deal it was. It was contagious how excited she was for me."

While lactation consultants visit every breastfeeding family during their inpatient stay, support does not end at discharge. IU Health Fishers offers outpatient lactation consultations, phone support and a weekly Breastfeeding Support Group designed to help parents navigate both the practical and emotional aspects of feeding their babies.

Finding reassurance through community

Once home, Pulos encountered a new wave of concerns. Logan experienced weight loss and jaundice, leaving her feeling overwhelmed during those first days of parenthood.

She found reassurance through the Breastfeeding Support Group at IU Health Fishers.

"Breastfeeding Support Group is beneficial for moms because it combines skilled clinical support from lactation nurses with peer support from other parents," Haven explains. "Attendees often hear others say, 'Me too,' when describing challenges they're facing. Many also form meaningful friendships during what can be an overwhelming and isolating time."

The weekly support group quickly became a cornerstone of Pulos' 10-week maternity leave. She appreciated the welcoming environment, the opportunity to bring her mother for support and the regular weight checks and feed assessments that helped track Logan's progress.

"That support group was like a godsend in my recovery and beginning of parenthood," she says. "It gave me so much reassurance knowing that he was gaining weight every week. Getting that weekly weigh-in was amazing. It's one of the most reassuring feelings you can get."

Support that lasts beyond the hospital

Today, Logan is thriving, and Pulos enjoys watching him grow and reach new milestones. Looking back, she credits Haven and the IU Health Fishers team for helping her build confidence during a vulnerable time.

"Logan's doing great. He breastfeeds very well. Pumping is easy. Breastfeeding has been, I think, as good as it possibly could be," she says.

August marks National Breastfeeding Month, an annual observance that highlights efforts to improve breastfeeding support and outcomes around the United States.

For Haven, Pulos' experience highlights an important message for new parents: help is available.

"I'd love to encourage moms who are struggling during their breastfeeding journeys to reach out for help," Haven says. "You deserve not only clinical support for things like latch and feeding concerns, but emotional support from lactation team members and peers who can walk alongside you, celebrating the wins and problem-solving through the challenges."

IU Health Fishers offers lactation services to all community members seeking breastfeeding support. To schedule an outpatient lactation consultation or RSVP for the Breastfeeding Support Group, call 317.678.4726. The group meets Thursdays, except for major holidays, from 10:30 am to noon in Conference Room C1110.