Preparing for Breastfeeding
Even though your baby might no come for a while, there are some important things you should know to help get ready for the best breastfeeding experience possible. Here are some frequently asked questions.
Q: How can I best learn about breastfeeding?
A: Speak with a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for the most up-to-date, evidence-based information on breastfeeding. Sign up for a breastfeeding class tonight by IBCLC. The most prepared parents say that they took a class. Attend a La Leche League (LLL) meeting, read books by Dr. Sears, LLL, Amy Spangler, Marsha Walker, Dr. Jack Newman and go online to websites such as American Academy of Pediatrics, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Joint Commission, World Health Organization, Womenshealth.gov, and Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet as often the information is opinion rather than fact.
Q: How will I make breastmilk?
A: Your breasts continue to change throughout pregnancy as special cells called “alveoli” begin to make milk. Sensitivity, fullness, darkened areola (dark skin around nipple) and discharge of early milk called “colostrum” are normal during pregnancy. This early milk is ready for your baby at birth and full of ingredients that help fight infection and keep your baby healthy. Every time you feed your baby or pump your milk, it tells your body to make more milk.
Q: How will I know that my baby is getting enough milk?
A: Most mothers make more than enough milk for their baby or babies. You can be sure your baby is getting enough milk if s/he seems mostly satisfied after feedings, is gaining weight steadily after the first week and has regular wet diapers and bowel movements. Breastfeed early (as soon as possible after birth preferably within the first hour) and often (8 – 12 times a day) in the first few days to assure a good milk supply. Limit visitors and keep your baby close to you. Early introduction of formula can interfere with the amount of milk you will make so unless there is a medical reason, only breast milk (directly from the breast or pumped) should be fed to your baby while in the hospital (and if possible for the first 6 months). Trust your body and surround yourself with people who will support your decision to breastfeed.
Q: Does breastfeeding hurt?
A: When your baby is breastfeeding, you will feel some tugging and pulling. Some mothers say their nipples feel a little sore in the first week. If your nipples are hurting, ask your nurse or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is sucking correctly at the breast. Also, by feeding your baby only at the breast in the beginning, your baby will learn to breastfeed well, and you are less likely to have nipple pain.
Q. How can I breastfeed when I am working?
A: Pumped milk can be fed to your baby so that the baby only receives breastmilk. A double electric breast pump is covered by most insurances at this time. Ideally, pumping should occur at least every 3 hours while away from the baby. Federal law requires “(A) a reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child’s birth; and (B) a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.”
Q. How do I get a breast pump?
A: A double electric breast pump is covered by most insurances at this time. The timing when you are able to receive your insurance covered breast pump varies between insurance companies usually between 28 weeks and delivery. Insurance companies require a prescription from your doctor in order to provide a breast pump. We routinely provide these prescriptions through a local breastfeeding supplier called Acelleron, who will confirm your insurance benefits so that you don’t have to. After your prescription is sent by the office you can expect a phone call within the next week to confirm your information and choose a breast pump. The covered breast pumps vary by insurance provider and Acelleron will tell you which pumps are covered. If you have chosen to use a different supplier simply ask your provider for a prescription or have your supplier fax us a prescription request.
The 5 . Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
- Skin to Skin
Right from birth or as soon as possible place your baby on your chest. Skin to skin helps stabilize baby’s temperature and heart and respiratory rates. Babies cry less and both mom and baby feel more relaxed when they are skin to skin, resulting in an increased milk supply. - Early Feeding Cues
When babies are hungry they become more active and alert. They may make sucking motions and noises with their mouths, suck on their hands or turn their heads looking for the breast showing that they are hungry. Crying is usually a late sign of hunger. Generally babies feed every 1 – 3 hours in the first few days. If your baby is sleepy, be sure to wake your baby if it’s been 3 hours since the last feeding. - Rooming In
Keep your baby close to you but in a separate sleeping space throughout the night. “Rooming in” encourages skin to skin to contact and helps you recognize early feeding cues. In studies, new mothers slept an average of 2 more hours in a 24-hour period when their babies were close by. - Exclusive Breastfeeding
Unless there is a medical reason not to breastfeed, babies should receive only breast milk for the first 6 months of life and continue with breastfeeding for 12 months. Early introduction of formula can interfere with breast milk production and even one bottle can destroy the protective acidic environment of the intestines present from breast milk. If your baby is born early or needs special care, your breast milk will be especially important for proper development and helping your baby get better faster. Your nurse and Lactation Consultant can teach you how to pump your milk if your baby cannot breastfeed. - Ask for Help
Ask your nurse to help you breastfeed. She should watch you breastfeed several times before you leave the hospital. Talk to your Lactation Consultant if you are having any roubles. After you leave the hospital contact your Lactation Consultant when you have trouble with breastfeeding. Ask your Lactation Consultant about new mother’s groups in the area.