In this episode, Amsy talks with Stephanie about a service that's often overlooked until it's too late: the prenatal lactation assessment. The core idea is simple but powerful — it's so much easier to build a plan for feeding success before a baby is in your arms than to troubleshoot it in the fog of those first days postpartum.
Why do this before birth?
A prenatal assessment gives you the chance to identify and address potential feeding challenges while you still have the time and headspace to act on them — including:
Breast anatomy considerations like flat or inverted nipples, or a history of breast surgery, trauma, implants, or reductions
Underlying health conditions that can affect supply, including PCOS, insulin resistance, and thyroid dysfunction
The two-bucket framework:
Stephanie breaks lactation issues down into two categories:
Mechanical — things like tongue tie, oral motor dysfunction, infrequent latching, or pumping with the wrong flange size
Hormonal — underlying health conditions that signal to the body it needs to prioritize survival over milk production. The body will always protect the parent first; if it senses a "famine," it won't divert energy toward making milk. Often, simple nutrition changes, movement, and properly managing conditions like thyroid dysfunction can shift that signal and support supply.
Timing matters: Stephanie now recommends an initial assessment around 28 weeks (right after the gestational diabetes screening) to allow time to actually implement changes — followed by a second visit around 34–36 weeks to cover positioning and latch mechanics, which are easier to retain closer to delivery.
On including partners: A recurring theme — partners play a real, trainable role in supporting feeding, beyond just being present. Stephanie often has partners physically look down at the baby during a latch to understand positioning from the baby's perspective, so they can spot and gently correct issues at home. She's also candid that the old "wait until six weeks to introduce a bottle" advice is outdated — by the time most families come in for an appointment, baby has already had a bottle, often well before three weeks, with no negative impact on breastfeeding.
A key distinction: There's a real difference between a partner saying "it's okay if breastfeeding doesn't work out" as a way to relieve pressure, versus actively supporting the work — practicing oral motor exercises, learning positioning, showing up to appointments. Reassurance is kind, but active support is what actually helps a parent meet their goals (or pivot with peace, not trauma, if the goal changes).
On Stephanie's "Better Than Basics" class: Rather than another standard breastfeeding 101 class focused solely on the benefits of breastfeeding, this course dives into the realities families actually face — formula, bottles, pumping, and returning to work — and the relational side of feeding in a modern world.
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Find Amsy Dees
Website: amsydeesdoula.com
Instagram: @amsydees.doula
Find Stephanie Dawson
Website: growlakeland.com
Instagram: @grow.lakeland
DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care.