Anonymous wrote:Is it possible to avoid a pushy lactation consultant when giving birth in a hospital? I’m a first-time mom but have heard an unsettling story from my SIL about the lactation consultant at the hospital she delivered in (granted, this did happen in another state - South Dakota). My SIL had made it clear that she would not be breastfeeding, but the LC (who was also a nurse at the hospital) still came into the room not long after birth and basically tried forcing it. (SIL did say that the LC was nice and friendly but still heavily tacked on the guilt and pressure.)

I plan to exclusively pump. I’m open to the plan changing (if I find that pumping isn’t working out), but I’m certain that I do not want someone grabbing my breasts right after I’ve given birth and will realistically be exhausted. I’m typically a very passive person and people pleaser, so I know that it will be challenging for me to communicate my wishes in this situation. Respectfully, I really don’t want this thread to be derailed by turning into a debate on breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. I respect everyone’s personal choice.