Breastfeeding

Most pediatricians and obstetricians agree that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. There are very few contraindications to breastfeeding.

Benefits:

Baby’s benefits:

  • Passage of antibodies to the baby to help boost the baby’s immune system
  • Better digestion of breast milk than formula
  • Decrease in the risk of SIDS.
  • Breastfed babies often have less gas and less constipation than babies who are fed formula.
  • Babies who are breastfed also have lower risks of allergies.

Mom’s benefits:

  • Breastfeeding will increase your metabolism and may help with postpartum weight loss
  • Less expensive than formula
  • Can decrease the risk of certain cancers
  • Releases a hormone that helps the uterus to contract and return to its normal size more quickly

What to expect:

At first, do not be discouraged if this is a painful and frustrating process. That’s normal! The good news is that there are things that can be done while you’re in the hospital to minimize this and make breastfeeding a very positive experience for you and your new baby. When your milk lets down, you may feel engorgement or fullness of the breasts. You may not have this sensation for some time after the baby is born. Let your nurse know while you are on labor and delivery that you plan to breastfeed. If possible, try to nurse in the first hour after your baby is born—they are most alert at this time. If you need help during your hospitalization after delivery, lactation consultants are available to help! Even after you go home, these consultants are available to answer questions and help you through this process.

Dietary tips for the nursing mother:

  • Just like when you were pregnant, eat a well-balanced diet with foods from all food groups.
  • Breastfeeding will burn an extra 500 calories a day (approximately). This will help eliminate some of that extra baby weight!
  • Supplement with calcium. You need at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day. You can get this with some vitamins, milk or milk products, or with over-the-counter Caltrate.
  • Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.

Be reassured, particularly if this is your first baby, that breastfeeding is not always easy and not always intuitive. It may take time for the milk to come in. Until a routine is established with the baby, it may take a while before you and the baby are comfortable and successful. This is normal! While breastfeeding is the best option, do not be discouraged if this does not work for you. Not being able to breastfeed is nothing to feel bad or guilty about and is not an indicator of your success as a mother. Babies can receive what they need from formula.

Breastfeeding and birth control:

If you are breastfeeding regularly, the hormones produced can prevent ovulation and menstruation, things needed for you to become pregnant. However, for you to avoid pregnancy, this requires regular breastfeeding with no supplementation to the baby. It is also important that the baby is less than six months old and you have not had a period since delivery. To see more information on this, you can refer to the following website or call us with questions:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/

How to store breast milk:

  • Refrigerator (40F or below) Use within 2 days
  • Frozen in deep freeze (0F or below) Use within 3 months
  • Thawed and refrigerated (40F or below) 24 hours

Note: To thaw frozen milk, either place in the refrigerator or put the bottle or bag in a bowl of warm water. Microwaving can destroy antibodies present in the milk.

Common breastfeeding problems:

  • Engorgement—the breast will feel full and firm. This can be painful. The easiest way to resolve is by feeding the infant or pumping.
  • Sore or cracked nipples—you can try applying Lanolin for this after feeding. Other things that may help can include using cotton bra pads to keep the nipples dry, using only mild soaps, and using your finger to break the suction before you remove the nipple from the baby’s mouth. On an encouraging note, this improves with time!
  • Blocked ducts—the best way to resolve this is also by feeding the infant. Warm water can also be beneficial.
  • Mastitis (an infection of the breast caused by bacteria in the milk ducts). This is characterized by redness, pain, rash, and fever. This can be complicated by an abscess, so it is important that you call if you have any symptoms concerning for this.