LACTATION SUPPORT

BELLA OFFERS LACTATION COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS AS YOU BEGIN BREASTFEEDING YOUR NEW BABY

Breastfeeding can come with it’s own special challenges. So whether you just had you first baby, or are on number five, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

WHY BREASTFEED?

Breastfeeding is proven to be the healthiest and most beneficial option for feeding your baby. When you breastfeed there is a releases of hormones that are both calming and bonding to mother and baby. Breastmilk supports babies’ immune and digestive systems by giving them important antibodies and proteins needed for the little ones overall health. Breastfeeding also reduces a mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Breastfed babies tend to have less:

• Ear infections

• Colds

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

THINGS TO EXPECT

Expected cluster feedings due to growth spurts:

• 7-10 days of age

• 3 and 6 weeks old

• 3 and 6 months old

Initial milk produced, called colostrum, is thicker, more yellow and very nutrient rich. Milk should come in between days 3 to 5, and more mature white milk is expected by days 10 to 14. Introduce the bottle before 4 weeks old to assist with smooth transition, if you plan on returning to work or bottle feeding.

DIET RECOMMENDATIONS

While exclusively breastfeeding vitamin D supplementation is needed for baby. Either Mother can take 5,000-6,000IU or baby can be fed 400IU with a dropper. While breastfeeding it is important for mom to eat a healthy variety of foods, stay hydrated, get rest, avoid foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and avoid eating too much mercury (limit certain fish, like king mackerel, orange roughly, swordfish, shark, etc. to once a week).

Most medicines are safe while breastfeeding but always check with your provider if you are unsure. Continue prenatal vitamins as long as you are breastfeeding/pumping. Caffeine is safe in breastfeeding but should be limited to 1-2 cups, keeping in mind that some teas and chocolate have caffeine too. Alcohol, in moderate amounts, is safe while breastfeeding. However, it is recommended to wait 2 hours after drinking to feed baby, as alcohol passes through the milk and can affect how much milk baby will take.

GETTING A DEEP LATCH

Baby’s tummy is touching mom’s tummy. Baby’s nose is aligned with the nipple. Baby gapes (opens mouth wide) after their upper lip is tickled by the nipple/ Pull baby toward the chest, chin first, so baby has most of the breast tissue under the areola and chin is touching the chest. Is ensured when the angle of baby’s mouth is wide (over 160 degrees), lips are sealed (not folded inward). Break the seal and relatch baby if the latch isn’t deep or baby slips off the nipple.

RECOGNIZING HUNGER CUES

Normal newborn feeding cues include clenched fists, bringing hand to mouth, “rooting” or turning mouth toward the breast, sticking out tongue, etc. Crying is a late sign of hunger. You will be able to learn hunger signs specific to your baby.

BLOCKED DUCTS

Engorgement can cause blocked or plugged ducts, causing soreness and tenderness at the breast.

Interventions for a clogged duct include:

• Taking a warm shower

• Applying warm

• Moist heat

• Gently massaging the breast before feedings

• Breastfeeding often

To ensure milk transfer from the breast with the clogged duct, begin massaging the breast while feeding to allow the plug to move toward the nipple. Pay attention to where the lump is felt to know if it moves. Try changing posture and/or baby’s position to allow the plug to exit. When the lump comes out it may be stringy milk or a hardened blob that is not harmful for baby to drink. The plug should be resolved within 24-48 hours though tenderness may be felt for a few days after resolution. If not resolved, this can cause a breast infection called mastitis.

USING A NIPPLE SHEILD

It is recommended to pump 4-8 times a day to ensure enough milk production until baby proves to be transferring enough milk through the shield.

MASTITIS

Symptoms of mastitis include flu-like symptoms fever painful, red, firm area on one or both breasts. If experiencing, call our office to be assessed and receive a prescription of a course of antibiotics if needed. Continue breastfeeding from both breasts, drinking lots of fluids, resting, and pumping or hand expressing milk to drain your breasts in order to maintain milk supply.

SIGNS YOUR BABY IS EATING ENOUGH

Baby is breastfeeding about 8-12 times in a day. You can visualize and hear baby swallow during feeds. Baby has at least 4 bowel movements and 6 or more wet diapers. Baby appears content and full after feedings. Breasts feel softer after feedings.

NIPPLE CARE

Ensuring a good, deep latch will help prevent nipple damage. After any nipple damage feed more often but for shorter intervals to allow nipple healing. After breastfeeding it is recommended to wash your hands and apply organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, or lanolin to the nipple for comfort. Damaged nipples could lead to yeast or bacterial infections. If your nipples are red, sore, and shiny you may have infection. Look at your baby’s mouth to check for white patches as it may be yeast infection passed from mother to baby causing thrush in the baby. Monitor for any nipple pain or cracks and if they don’t heal on their own, call the office.