“How often do I feed the baby?”
Every 2-3 hours, however, occasionally babies can get fussy in the evening and do what is called cluster feeding. They will want to nurse more frequently – this is normal. After a period of cluster feeding (usually a few hours in length) they should settle back into an every 2-3 hour routine.
“Do I need to feed on both breasts?”
Not necessarily. Let the baby feed on the first side. After a period of active eating and the baby is beginning to slow down or pulls off (approximately 15-20 minutes), take the baby off and burp. Offer the second side- they may or may not want it. This is fine, just start with the second breast the next time that you feed.
“Someone suggested I get all the sleep I can before going home and skip nighttime feedings by giving the baby bottles. Is this okay?”
It would be best for you and the baby to keep feeding throughout the night. It will help bring your milk in faster (this happens when you keep yourself simulated, thus kicking up your prolactin levels-your milk hormone) and you will both get into a rhythm with each other. Research actually shows that moms who send their baby to the nursery for the extra sleep actually get no more sleep than moms who take their babies once or twice during the night. Most new moms are a bit restless, waking frequently to void, ask for pain medication, or wonder when the baby is coming to their room. It can actually be less stressful to feed throughout the night.
“I feel like I don’t have any milk in my breasts. When will it come in?”
It is normal for your breasts to feel as soft as they did during pregnancy. You will notice an increased fullness after about 48 hours. For second time moms, filling occurs by 48 hours, while for first time moms it may take up to 72 hours.
“Breast milk and formula are the same right?”
No. There are no live cells in formula. Statistics and research have proven that breast milk is the healthiest choice for baby AND mom. Most moms don’t realize that by breastfeeding they reduce their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancers and Type II diabetes. They are also at a lower risk of developing postpartum depression and it helps them loose weight and control postpartum bleeding.
“Why is my baby loosing weight?”
It is normal for babies to loose approximately 5-7% of their normal birth weight. Babies are born well hydrated- this extra fluid in their tissues helps them get used to being in an “air” environment. It also compensates for the fact that the colostrum in the mom’s breasts is highly concentrated and in less volume for the first few days. If the weight loss is excessive, we will look closely at latch and frequency of feeds to ensure that the baby is being adequately nourished.
“Do I need to start pumping right away after I deliver?”
Some moms may need to pump for a sick or premature baby or one who is having difficulty latching. If your baby is latching well, your baby is the best pump. A good time for moms to start pumping to store milk for future use is generally around 3-4 weeks after delivery. You can call our lactation consultants office for tips when you are ready to begin.
“Can I take medication while I am breastfeeding?”
Any medication we give you while you are at the Hospital is with the assumption that you will be breastfeeding. When you get home, if your doctor prescribes a new medication, you may call us to check our reference book, Medications and Mothers Milk, or you may borrow a copy of this book from Norwalk Hospital’s Women’s Health Resource Center Library. Feel free to call for advice and reassurance.
“How many months should I breastfeed? I was told that the baby doesn’t benefit after a few months.”
The World Health Organization would like moms to breastfeed for 12 months. The United States is currently trying to get moms to make it to 6 months. Women in the US have a wonderful initiation rate, but a dismal drop off rate; due to poor support and shortened maternity leaves. The longer you can breastfeed, the more benefits you and the baby will receive. Breastmilk changes with the baby and offers new and different nutrition to support the changing needs of the child.
“I can’t wake my baby up to feed. What should I do?”
Many newborns are sleepy the first day of life due to various factors such as, anesthesia, long labor, or trauma. Holding a baby skin to skin may help them establish themselves to an extra uterine life, changing a diaper, burping, washing a face or merely changing position to sitting is enough to cue a baby into feeding.
“You said I should feed every 2-3 hours. My baby is crying sooner, should I feed him again?”
Yes. Babies can’t tell time. They are biologically attracted to their mom and their appetites fluctuate with hormones. They will almost always “cluster feed” at least once a day (notoriously in the evening) when the mom needs a hormonal boost. As long as babies eat at least 8 times a day (some may even eat 10-12 times), it doesn’t matter if they are perfectly spaced.
“What can I do about sore nipples?”
Most moms report baseline nipple tenderness after delivery starts due to hormonal changes. In addition to those hormones, having a baby at the breast throughout the day can cause more tenderness. The amount of tenderness and the duration of that tenderness can be greatly reduced by learning to latch the baby DEEPLY. Not only does mom feel more comfortable, the baby gets MORE milk. Ask for help from your nurse or the lactation consultant to make sure you are latching the baby properly.