Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. Some benefits for baby include easier digestion, passage of antibodies to improve immune system function, lower risk of asthma, allergies, colic, less gas and feeding problems, lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Some benefits for mom include convenience, speeds up metabolism and helps with weight loss after delivery, cheaper.

Breastfeeding is a natural process but this does not mean that is comes easily to all moms and babies. It can take lots of practice. There are many different breastfeeding positions and not all positions work for all moms and babies. After delivery, take advantage of the lactation specialists to help guide you through the techniques that work for you.

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

1. Your baby should nurse every 2-3 hours a day and feed about 10-15min on each breast at each feeding
2. Your baby is drowsy and content after nursing
3. Your breasts feel firm and full before feeds
4. Your baby has 6 wet diapers per day and his/her urine is clear.
5. Your baby has 3 bowel movements per day. These should be yellow/seedy in appearance
6. Your baby is gaining weight

Maintaining proper health during breastfeeding

1. Drink plenty of liquid (especially water). Average 8 glasses per day.
2. Continue your prenatal or multivitamin
3. Make sure you get 1,200 mg of calcium a day to protect your bones and prevent osteoporosis
4. Avoid foods that bother the baby. If your baby gets fussy, a rash, diarrhea this could signal a food allergy. Contact your pediatrician.

Problems with breastfeeding

1. Low breast milk- continue to stimulate the breast on a normal feeding schedule (every 3 hours). If this is not working, try phenugreek 1 gram every 6 hours (this can make your urine smell like maple syrup). If this is not working, call the office for a prescription for a raglan taper.
2. Breast pain- if your breasts are red, hot, and painful this may be a sign of an infection of breast (mastitis). Please call the office.
3. Breast burning or stabbing pain during feeds- this may signal a yeast infection in the breast. Please call the office.
4. Breastfeeding questions- contact the lactation specialists (455-2229).

Desire to stop breastfeeding

1. Weaning breastfeeding is a gradual process. Slowly cut out 1 feed per day. Wait 3-4 days before eliminating the next feed. Continue this process until all feeds have been eliminated
2. If you do not want to breastfeed try to the following: vitamin B6 200mg tid x 7 d, wear a tight sports bra, decrease breast stimulation, and use ice packs, motrin or Tylenol for pain.

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