Breastfeeding & Pumping
Pregnant and considering breastfeeding and/or pumping? From the moment your baby is born, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances for breastfeeding success.
Stay together after birth
Keeping your baby with you after the birth will promote a feeling of closeness and a strong hormonal response that is linked with breastfeeding success. In many cases it is even possible to have your baby with you immediately after a caesarean birth.
Get your position and attachment right from the beginning
The first few days after the birth offer the best opportunity for you and your baby to learn to breastfeed. Your breasts are still soft for a few days after the birth, then as breast milk changes from highly nutritious colostrum to mature milk, your breasts can become quite full and firm. Try and use the first few days to get your position and attachment right, this may help to avoid potential problems down the track
Be patient
Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby are learning and for some mothers and babies it is harder than it is for others. Like anything new, it takes time and patience. Relaxation is important for both you and your baby. If you find you are getting frustrated or angry at yourself while you’re trying to breastfeed, stop and try again in a little while. If your baby is distressed, and if it is possible, ask someone to keep them distracted until you are ready to try again. You could also express for this feed and try feeding from the breast for the next feed.
Feed on demand or according to need
While you are establishing your breastfeeding your baby will feed between seven and twelve times in 24 hours. This will settle over time. Frequent and effective feeding will help you to make enough milk for your baby.
Keep baby in the room with you
Having your baby in the same room as you will help you to learn your baby’s cues which will help you recognize when your baby is hungry, tired or in need of a cuddle; it will make it easier for you to know when your baby is ready to nurse.
Avoid supplementary feeds unless medically advised
If your baby has fluids other than breast milk they will breastfeed less, and your breast milk supply will decrease. Frequent, unrestricted suckling at the breast will satisfy your baby and ensure that your milk supply continues to meet your baby’s needs.
Breast milk only for the first six months
When babies are exclusively breastfed, they need no other food or drink until at least six months of age. You can be confident that your baby is receiving enough breast milk in the early weeks if they have six or more heavy, wet diapers and at least one bowel movement a day. It’s also a good sign if your baby settles after most feeds.
What are some tips for more milk production?
Ahh, the million dollar question, right? First, check your baby’s diapers. Output is a good indicator of input, so if your baby is having the recommended number of wet and poopy diapers each day, your milk production is likely just fine! The following are some things to try if you want to give your body a boost:
The biggest tip is to nurse your baby frequently and on demand. The more times your baby nurses, the more stimulation your breasts will receive, which can lead to an increase in milk production.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. It’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing it. Keep a water bottle close by where you nurse or pump as a reminder to keep drinking!
Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Oats are especially beneficial, as they contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to increase milk production.
As tough as it might seem, try to relax and let your body do its thing. Stress can have a negative impact on milk supply, so take some time for yourself and practice some self-care.
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not seeing an increase in production, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant to see if there are any other options.
Do I need to figure out pumping now?
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may be wondering if pumping is something you need to learn about. The answer is a definite…maybe. Some mothers exclusively breastfeed and never pump, while others find that they need to pump occasionally or regularly. Some decide to pump exclusively. If you think you might want or need to pump, the best time to learn about it is before your baby is born. Prepare ahead of time and you’ll be familiar with the equipment and the process if you need or want to use it down the road. Even if you don’t plan to pump at all, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics in case the need arises!
What should I expect with pumping in my first few weeks home with a newborn?
Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of pumping. It’s normal for it to take your body a few days or even a week or two to adjust to pumping and produce the right amount of milk.
Try to pump at least every four hours during the day, even if you don’t think you have much milk. This will help stimulate your body to produce more milk. You can also pump after feedings to empty your breasts.
Should I and how can I set up my pumping schedule?
If you’re like most new mothers, you’re probably wondering how often you should pump and what the best pumping schedule is.
The short answer is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – every mother and baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you determine what pumping schedule is right for you.
The first thing to consider is how often your baby is feeding. If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, you’ll need to pump about as often as your baby eats – which is typically 8-12 times per day. If you’re supplementing with formula or solid foods, you may be able to get away with pumping less often. It’s also important to consider your own pumping goals. If you’re trying to increase your milk supply, you’ll want to pump more frequently than if you’re just trying to maintain your current supply.
What’s the best way to store and transport pumped milk?
Always make sure your pump parts and bottles are clean. Wash them with warm soapy water, then rinse well and air dry.
Check the date on your milk. Freshly pumped milk can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, but if you’re not going to use it right away, freezing is your best bet. Frozen milk will keep for up to six months in a regular freezer, or twelve months in a deep freezer. Just remember to label each container with the date it was pumped!
When it comes to thawing frozen milk, always do so in the fridge, never at room temperature. And when you’re ready to use it, give it a good shake first – freezing and thawing can cause the fat to separate from the rest of the milk.
As a new mom, there are so many things to learn and juggle. Breastfeeding and pumping can seem daunting at first, but by learning the basics and seeking help when you need it, you can set yourself up for success!
Lactation Resources:
Astoria, Oregon/North Coast:
CMH Lactation – (503) 338-7581 (Astoria) (limited services)
Providence Hospital Lactation (503) 717-7060 (Seaside)
WIC – Women, Infants and Children (Astoria)
Health Department – (503) 338-3682 (Astoria)
Astoria Birth Center (Astoria) (limited services)
Lower Columbia Clinic – Sue Skinner (503) 325-9131 (Astoria)
North Coast La Leche League – Monthly meetings in Astoria
https://www.lllusa.org/locator/
Bras2Moms – Free/Donation Nursing Bras – Through North Star Doulas
Southwest Washington:
Kaiser Permanente – Mother Baby Program 360.571.3017
La Leche League – Monthly meetings in multiple locations around Southwest Washington
360.213.5109 or 360.887.6960
https://lllusa.org/locator/
Legacy Salmon Creek – Vancouver, WA 360.487.4050
Nursing Mothers Counsel – Portland and Southwest WA
www.nursingmotherscounsel.org
503.282.3338
Sea Mar Community Health – Vancouver, WA
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors 360.397.4370
WIC program – 360.397.8459
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors 360.397.4370
WIC program – 360.397.8459
PeaceHealth Lactation Help Line 360.514.4027
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