Can I make enough milk for my
baby?
How
will I know if I have enough breast milk for my
baby?
How
long do I nurse on each breast?
What
does a mother need to know
parentally?
How
do I test for inverted or flat
nipples?
What
if I have had breast surgery?
Why
should you breastfeed?
Does
breast size matter?
How
does breastfeeding work?
Will
breastfeeding make your breasts
sag?
Does
a breastfeeding mother need a special
diet?
How
can the dad help?
What
about public nursing?
What
about when nursing is
inconvenient?
Q:
Can I make enough milk for my baby?
A; Breastfeeding is totally determined
by supply and demand. The more frequently you nurse,
the more milk you make. Many mother's are told that
if they wait long periods between nursing they will have
more milk for the baby; however, the truth is that it's
just the opposite.
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Q:
How will I know if I have enough breast milk for my baby?
A: If you breastfeed frequently (at
least eight to twelve times a day) and let your baby be the
determiner of the breastfeeding time you should have enough
milk. By day four or five after the baby is born you
should look for at least six wet diapers and about three
stools in 24 hours. Some baby's stooling patterns are
different and some may stool once to twelve times a day
(anywhere in this range is normal). A baby should be
back to birth weight by about two weeks after birth.
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Q:
How long do I nurse on each breast?
A: A baby can usually empty a breast in
ten to twenty minutes. Let the baby be the
determiner and nurse as long as he/she is actively suckling
in frequent bursts (This is a pattern of several sucks
followed by short pauses). When the baby is no longer
actively suckling and gentle stimulation does not succeed
in getting the baby continuing nursing well, the baby is
finished. Break suction by putting either your pinky
or index finger in the corner of the baby's mouth.
Offer the second breast after attempting to burp the baby
and let baby finish this breast as well. The second
breast should be followed by a burp attempt.
Remember, breastfed babies do not always burp.
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Q:
What does a mother need to know prenatally?
A: The breast should increase in
size. Tenderness may be present. Women with
small breasts may notice more change than women with larger
breasts. A well fitting, supportive bra is
recommended. The nipple and areola become darker in
color. The "bumps" on the areola become larger.
These are Montgomery glands, which produce a lubricating
solution that keeps the PH of the breast normal, cleans the
area, fights germs, and makes the nipple area soft and
elastic in preparation for breastfeeding. No
preparation is needed except you may find that warm water
only (no soap) is preferable for bathing. A purified
Lanolin may be used.
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Q:
How do I test for inverted or flat nipples?
A: If you think that you have flat or
inverted nipples you may want to check for nipple
integrity. Inverted nipples are caused by adhesions
under the areola. A mother can be taught to
breastfeed with inverted nipples, but most moms prefer to
work on this prenatally. A simple pinch test can be
performed. Gently pinch the breast right above the
nipple on the areola. If the nipple protrudes
no treatment is needed. If the nipple appears to
protrude, but goes in when pinched it is inverted and
treatment may be needed. If the nipple appears
inverted and is still inverted when pinched treatment is
needed. Breast shells can be used after birth (they
are generally thought not to help prenatally, though some
moms want to use them). They are worn in the bra and
put gentle pressure around the base of the nipple to
stretch or break up the adhesions. Start by wearing
the shells an hour a day and work up to wearing them during
waking hours. Do not sleep in them. Gentle
stretching of the areola by hand will also help stretch out
the adhesions. If found after birth use a combination
of hand stretching, shells, and short term use of a good
grade breast pump are recommended.
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Q:
What if I have had breast surgery?
A: Generally speaking, breast
enhancements do not cause problems with breastfeeding, but
reductions may. It is important to talk to your
doctor or lactation consultant prior to breastfeeding and
be followed by a lactation consultant or specialist when
initiating breastfeeding.
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Q:
Why should you breastfeed?
A: Breastfeeding is easy and no
preparation is needed. You don't even have to get up
in the middle of the night. Babies have fewer
illnesses, such as: colds, diarrhea, reflux, constipation,
colic, or ear infections. Breastfed babies are not likely
to become overweight later as children and adults.
The bonding is very close between the mother and
baby. The immune properties of colostrum and mature
breast milk help baby have far fewer allergies.
Breastfed babies have higher IQ's and lower rates of
SIDS. Long time breastfeeding can give baby
protection against childhood cancers and childhood onset
diabetes. Moms who breastfeed also have
benefits. They get back in shape faster and bleeding
is less right after birth because the uterus contracts
better. Prolactin, a hormone that is released when
you breastfeed, produces milk and acts as a maternal
tranquilizer. Moms also lose weight more
quickly. Long term nursing gives the benefits of
protection from breast and ovarian cancer and
osteoporosis.
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Q:
Does breast size matter?
A: No. Breast size is determined
by fat deposits in the breasts. The more frequently
you nurse the more milk you make. Size and shape have
nothing to do with milk production.
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Q:
How does breastfeeding work?
A: When a baby suckles at the breast,
milk is produced in and released from glands in the back of
the breast and carried down milk ducts to pool under the
areola. The milk is delivered to baby through
multiple pores on the nipple.
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Q:
Will breastfeeding make your breasts sag?
A: If the breasts sag after having a
baby it is due to the results of pregnancy, not
breastfeeding.
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Q:
Does a breastfeeding mother need a special diet?
A: No. Please remember that every women
in every other country naturally breastfeeds and they all
eat their national foods. You should try to eat a
good diet, rich in protein and calcium. Good snacks
are peanut butter and crackers or cheese and
crackers. You need about 500 extra calories.
Drink to thirst. Limit caffeine and alcohol. If
something you eat upsets you or the baby, leave it off for
a week or two and try it again, unless there is a severe
reaction. Moms who do not have an adequate diet may
find that their milk supply may be less. Moms should
continue vitamins.
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Q:
How can the dad help?
A: He can help mom in the beginning by
helping get the baby to the breast, holding the baby after
nursing, and in infant care such as diapering, bathing, and
dressing. After nursing is well established dad can
feed expressed milk by bottle when mom is not
available. Dads also provide needed support when mom
is tired. He can help with house work and cooking
meals too.
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Q:
What about public nursing?
A: Moms can nurse discreetly in public
by using button down shirts, vests, loose tops, nursing
clothes, a sling, a front carrier, a shawl, or a
blanket. Practicing in front of a mirror helps you
get comfortable. Some stores or malls provide nursing
areas for moms, but a fitting room makes a great nursing
room.
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Q:
What about when nursing is inconvenient?
A: Nursing should never keep you from
doing what you want. As a matter of fact, it is much
easier not to have to deal with bottles. Baby can be
carried with you and nursed when necessary. However,
there are times when it is not convenient to nurse.
At those times breast milk can be expressed and stored for
the baby when mom is away.
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