Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Beautiful Breastfeeding and The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Program?

Beautiful Breastfeeding adds an important layer of personalized support to the Thompson Method Breastfeeding Program.

Rather than navigating the online course on your own, a Certified Breastfeeding Educator guides you through the program via virtual or in-person small group sessions.

In addition, Beautiful Breastfeeding gives you access to "Ask a Midwife" calls and postpartum group sessions to fine-tune your breastfeeding and address any concerns you have as you create your birth and breastfeeding plan.

Finally, you receive three bonus guides for your partner, your family, and your health care professional.

When should I start the program?

The sooner the better. The longer you have access to this education, the better prepared you’ll be and the better you’ll understand how breastfeeding really works.

Our suggestion is to get the education now, while you’re motivated to learn and while you have the time to absorb it all.

And remember: You have lifetime access to the Thompson Method Breastfeeding Program and to 24/7 support in the Breastfeeding Club.

This isn't my first baby. Is this program for me?

Absolutely! Whether you're a first-time mother or you've been through it all before, your certified Thompson Method Educator will guide you step-by-step so you can avoid common breastfeeding complications—even if you've experienced them in the past.

How long do I have access to the program?

Your purchase includes lifetime access to the Thompson Method Breastfeeding Program and the support group (The Breastfeeding Club), so you can revisit the program as your family grows.

What are the 3 Golden Hours?

The 3 Golden Hours refer to the immediate hours after a mother gives birth.

Through our program, you'll learn how to self-advocate so you're given the opportunity to be skin-to-skin with your baby during these 3 hours, which allows you to breastfeed and form an immediate bond.

You'll also learn what to do if you don't get your 3 Golden Hours (all is not lost!).

Can't I wait to see if I actually need something like this?

You could. We just don't recommend it. It's not easy to learn how to breastfeed while you're already breastfeeding, let alone if you're already experiencing painful nipples.

Plus, once your baby is born, you'll have less time to get education and support if you need it, and you may feel especially tired and overwhelmed in those first few days and weeks.

That said, if you decide to wait and discover you could use a hand later on, we'll be here for you!

What's so different about The Thompson Method?

The information shared in this program is by Dr Robyn Thompson, a midwife with 50+ years of experience and the world's first PhD in nipple trauma.

The Thompson Method challenges the commonly taught, forceful techniques taught in most hospitals. It's gentle and encourages women to be strong and trust their maternal instincts.

We have an immense amount of respect for the professionals working within the hospital system. However, it’s important to acknowledge that hospital policies aren’t necessarily in the best interests of the breastfeeding mother and her baby, placing the professionals under pressure to conform to unrealistic time constraints. By adopting The Thompson Method, you are more likely to experience a positive breastfeeding outcome.

But it’s not just the method; it’s the belief behind The Thompson Method. A belief that every woman and her baby is unique. It’s a belief that every baby will be born in its own time; not at the convenience of hospital policy. It’s an understanding of the importance of the first breastfeed and that routine procedures should not interrupt or delay this precious time between a mother and her baby. It’s knowledge of how breast milk is produced that empowers the woman to know what to do and trust that her baby innately knows what to do, too. It’s having respect for the strength of one woman to give birth to her baby, with full support of how incredible both she and her baby are.

The aim of The Thompson Method is to share factual information with a woman in pregnancy so she can be more empowered and confident when giving birth so she can get her breastfeeding journey off to a positive start.

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Won't the hospital show me how to breastfeed?

Yes. But chances are, you’ll be shown a variety of different techniques by different people. It’s one of the most common frustrations we hear from women after being discharged from the hospital!

And with the rush to get you discharged, these techniques often include forcing your baby to the breast, just to "get you breastfeeding" before you go home. This is why it’s so important that you are fully prepared and have enough confidence to make wise choices. Sometimes that includes saying "No thanks, I’ve got this."

I'm already breastfeeding. Is this program for me?

Beautiful Breastfeeding is designed for pregnant women. If you’re already breastfeeding and experiencing some challenges, The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Programme may be more suitable for you.

This self-guided program addresses common complications such as painful nipples, low supply, and engorgement. Plus you'll gain access to The Breastfeeding Club for 24/7 online support to get you through the challenging times.

If your challenge is more complex, or you’re feeling overwhelmed, a private one-on-one Breastfeeding Rescue with a Thompson Method Certified Practitioner may be more appropriate for you. When you purchase a Rescue, you also receive full access to the online program and the Club.

Are you anti-formula?

Absolutely not. Every woman and her baby is unique, and we support a woman’s decision to feed her baby how she chooses. Our only motivation is to ensure women who want to breastfeed have the education and support they need to do so for as long as they wish.

I'm planning a C-Section. Is this suitable for me?

Most definitely. Clearly communicating what's most important to you with your medical team, whether you're planning for a vaginal birth or C-Section, means that your wishes are more likely to be heard and understood. Our Birth & Breastfeeding Plan Template guides you through the process of writing down your priorities with the understanding that if anything changes, a gentle discussion will take place when appropriate.

How do I know if The Thompson Method will work for me?

The Thompson Method can work for any woman and her baby. However, it’s important to acknowledge that every woman and every baby are unique. It’s not a one size fits all approach.

The principles are based on the anatomy of the breastfeeding baby (Dr Robyn’s PhD research) to help women reduce the risk of painful complications, which also helps women establish and maintain their milk supply.

Of course, there are exceptions depending on your unique circumstances and there are no guarantees. If you’re not sure, or if you’re really struggling with breastfeeding and would like some 1:1 help, let us know, and our team will point you in the right direction.

How do I access the program?

Your Thompson Method Certified Educator will set up Zoom calls for your group and will walk you through the material on those calls. You'll also receive access to an online learning platform you can access from any internet-enabled device.

I have _____. Will this work for me?

The Thompson Method can be effective for every kind of mother and baby—mothers breastfeeding for the first time or the last; mothers who’ve had breast surgery or who’ve been told they have insufficient glandular tissue, hyperplasia, or tubular breasts; mothers with large breasts or flat or inverted nipples; twins; C-section; NICU babies; and babies with tongue- or lip-tie concerns.

Should I still do this program if I'm going to an antenatal class?

In the Beautiful Breastfeeding program, breastfeeding is the core focus, and it's likely the information shared in your antenatal class will be different to what’s shared in our program.

According to Dr Robyn Thompson's research, commonly taught forceful techniques are closely linked to painful nipple trauma. In fact, in her research of women experiencing nipple damage, 85% of them were using the most commonly taught technique: cross-cradle.

You’ll also come to understand that the decisions you make during your labor and birth will greatly influence your breastfeeding journey. That means having access to this information will also help you reduce the risk of complications for your labor and birth.

This is the only program where you'll learn The Thompson Method, and it’s designed to help you fully prepare you for your breastfeeding journey, give you the tools to know how to best manage breastfeeding when you arrive home, provide you with information on how to quickly overcome pain if you start to feel it and much, much more.

Be in control of your breastfeeding journey

Katelyn Reed, TMBE

(Certified Thompson Method Breastfeeding Educator)

p:574-249-0810

e: terramomma22@gmail.com

Walkerton, IN

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