Questions and Concerns
Breastfeeding can bring on many questions and concerns for the new mother. Things that can lead her to believe that she should supplement or switch to formula altogether. On this page, and with some very helpful links to some great pages on the web, I hope to help alleviate some of those questions.
How often should my baby eat?
Well, that is a hard question, because some babies will eat every 1-2 hours in the early days, and some will go longer. Keep in mind that babies can not watch the clock, so there really is no reason for you to. Just like how long should the baby be at the breast for a feeding. Some babies are very efficient and can nurse for 5 minutes per side and get enough, and some may take 20 minutes and only nurse one side. (Just remember, if baby only nurses one side per feeding, you should always nurse the opposite breast next feeding. Being lop-sided is not fun. Although if baby develops a preference and will only nurse from one breast - don't fret - your body will adjust accordingly.)
Is my baby getting enough?
The first thing to look at when worried about baby getting enough to eat is how satisfied baby is after a feeding. Most babies will nurse until they are full. Stopping them from nursing before that point will cause problems with weight gain and milk supply. Then keep track of the diapers you change each day. They used to say 6-8 wet diapers and 2-4 messy ones. But with the new super-absorbent disposable diapers, its harder to tell how wet baby is so it becomes 5-6 disposables. You can test what is considered a "wet" diaper by putting 2-4 tablespoons of water into a dry diaper and see what it feels like. That is the equivalent of one wet diaper.
Baby should be eating 8-12 times in a 24 hour period and should be awake and alert during some periods of the day. A lethargic, sleepy baby (sleeping more than 3-4 hours at a stretch consistently) is cause for concern and should see the doctor.
If you're still having concerns about baby getting enough, there are many ways to increase your milk supply. A nurse-in is a great way to boost supply, especially during growth spurts. Basically, you take baby to bed and do nothing but eat, sleep and nurse. This can be difficult for a mom with older children as well, but it can be handled simply by offering the breast before any other form of feeding or calming.
GREAT SITES REGARDING INCREASING MILK SUPPLY
I have to pump for my baby...
This is a difficult situation for many mothers. From mothers of preemies, to babies with latch issues that just can not be resolved (cleft lip/palate are big ones). But there are mothers out there who are determined to give their milk to their baby - no matter what. I am not an expert on this, but I will say that the folks at PumpingMoms.org are.
I have to take medications, and XXX said I can't breastfeed.
Well, sadly, most people are not aware of the research that has been done regarding medications and breastfeeding. Most physicians will even stand on the side of caution and not recommend it. But one expert stands head and shoulders above the crowd and I trust his advice over anyone for which medications are safe during nursing. Dr. Thomas Hale has even written a book called Medications and Mothers Milk.
You can sign into his forums as a guest and search the specific medication you're looking for to see if it is truly deemed safe for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Pharmacology The site is a wealth of information, from how medications enter the milk to other research being done.
My baby weaned too early due to XXX and I want to start nursing again.
YES! It is possible to start nursing again after baby has stopped. This is commonly called "relactation" and is not an easy thing to do, but a determined mother can do it. It has even been done by mothers adopting a baby. These methods and sites can also work for a baby who has gone to the bottle prematurely, but the mother's milk hasn't dried up yet.
Relactation, an alternative to untimely weaning
Do you have a question or concern that isn't addressed here? E-Mail me.