North Shore Lactation-Breastfeeding Support

FAQs

Why should I breastfeed, it's seems so easy to bottlefeed?

The first 2-3 weeks of breastfeeding can be more difficult than bottle
feeding because it takes time for you to learn how to breastfeed. At first
you'll feel that nursing your baby is time consuming and all consuming, and
that everything revolves around breastfeeding. But with time and patience,
you'll learn how to position your baby easily and your baby will learn to
latch on quickly. Before you know it, you'll be breastfeeding while preparing
meals, reading, watching TV or eatting! You'll even run out of the house for
a quick errand without thinking about "preparing bottles." In the end,
breastfeeding is much easier than bottle feeding and much healthier for
your baby than formula feeding.

How do I know if I have enough milk?

Starting off the right way is the best way to assure an adequate milk
production. Breastfeeding is a positive feedback mechanism. When your
baby breastfeeds the hormone prolactin is released from the pituitary
gland. Prolactin stimulates the breasts to produce milk. You produce the
most milk DURING the nursing session as milk is being taken from the
breast. Any interruption of this cycle will interfere with the mother's milk
supply. So allow your baby to breastfeed frequently, make sure your baby is
breastfeeding well, don't time the feedings, avoid supplements (unless
medically indicated) and delay artificial nipples for the first month.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Always make sure your baby is latching on deeply, watch and listen for
swallowing, and look for milk in the baby's mouth. These are good signs
that the baby is removing milk from your breast.

Count Wet diapers- By day three or four of life your baby should have
six or more wet diapers a day
Count "poopy" Diapers- By day three or four your baby should have at
least three large yellow bowel movements each day
Your baby returns to birth weight by week three
Gains about one ounce a day during the first few months

My baby nurses for more than 30 minutes and is still crying, he never
seems content.

Your baby should feed frequently and without time limits. Offer the first
breast and allow your baby to feed until he releases the breast himself,
then offer the second breast. He may not seem interested, but 30 minutes
later, he may want to feed again. This is normal. If, however, you feel
your baby is nursing a very long time and doesn't seem content, your baby's
latch may not be correct and suckling efforts ineffective. Seek support from
a board certified lactation consultant. To find a lactation consultant in your
area, click here.

My nipples are sore, is there anything I can do?

Early on some nipple tenderness is normal, however, cracked skin,
continuing pain, or bleeding nipples is not normal. This is usually caused
by an incorrect latch, whereby, the baby is not taking enough breast tissue
into its mouth. Seek help from a lactation consultant as soon as possible.
Cracked skin is a source of infection.

Can I take medicine and still continue breastfeeding?

Most medications can be used when breastfeeding. Be sure to let your
doctor know that you are breastfeeding so he can prescribe a medication
that is safe for you to take. If you still have questions about a certain
medication please call me.

When should I contact a lactation consultant?

If you need breast-feeding advice or support.
If you are experiencing nipple pain.
If you have bleeding, cracked or bruised nipples that are not getting
better
If there is an inadequate or questionable weight gain or inadequate
wet/dirty diapers any time.
If your baby cannot latch on the breast or seems to latch on but “falls
off” after a short time.
If after day two, your baby is at the breast for long periods of times
(over 45 minutes of continuous nursing), wants to go to the breast
very frequently (every hour or more); stays on the breast for a very
short period of time (less than 5 minutes), or is unwilling to go to the
breast at least every three hours.
If you're having problems with your milk supply
If you've had breast reduction or augmentation surgery.
If you have Multiples (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
If you have a baby that is premature or ill.
If you expect to be away from your baby on a regular basis for work,
school or travel
Previous breastfeeding experience that was unsatisfactory.