Breastfeeding Basics
| Have a Question? Let our lactation specialist find the answer for you. |
As a breastfeeding mom, you are giving your child the best start in life. Studies continue to find strong links between breastfeeding and infant health. Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of ear infections, are less likely to develop Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and have a lower risk of food allergies. Beyond the health benefits, many breastfeeding moms say the bonding they experience with their child is the single greatest benefit.
As you may have discovered, breastfeeding is natural, but it is not automatic. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it takes practice. At St. Luke's, we also know that the first few weeks can be the most challenging. We're committed to helping you and your baby get off to a good start. This newsletter was designed to help answer your questions, encourage you through any stumbling blocks and give you and your baby the best experience. We also recognize that breastfeeding is a different experience for every woman. Our lactation specialist can help you with your individual needs or give you private assistance. They can be reached by calling 381-2592 (Boise) or 706-3119 (Meridian) . In addition, St. Luke's hosts classes on breastfeeding as well as a weekly support group so that nursing moms can share experiences in the quiet surroundings of our Women'sLife cottage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the best possible food for your baby during the first year of life. Regardless of how long you decide to nurse your baby, you may find the questions and advice presented in this newsletter helpful.
Breastfeeding Benefits
- Breast milk is the best food for your baby.
- Babies are rarely allergic to their mother's milk.
- Breastfeeding may help to develop your babies intellect. Studies show breastfed babies may have a higher IQ.
- Breast milk is always ready and requires no special preparation.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Breastfeeding may help some women lose weight.
- Breastfeeding saves money.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of asthma, colic, juvenile diabetes and ear infections
Common Questions
Q. I find breastfeeding
painful. Will anything help?
A. Breastfeeding
should not be painful; however, some women, especially those
with sensitive nipples, may experience some discomfort in the
first few weeks. It should subside as you and your baby adjust
to each other. Pain usually indicates something is wrong, or
that your baby is latched incorrectly. If the pain is severe
or continues, talk to your doctor immediately, call St. Luke's
lactation specialist at 381-2592 (Boise), 706-3119 (Meridian).
Q. Should I breastfeed on demand
or keep my baby on a schedule?
A. This
is a matter of personal choice. Some believe that
feeding on demand is better for adapting to your
baby's needs or is a good way to ease a fussy baby.
Others believe a schedule works best, because it
organizes feeding times around the family's needs
or lifestyle and provides a consistent routine
for baby. Experts make the case for both sides,
so do what you feel works best for your child and
your household. It's also important to remember
that no two days are the same. So be flexible with
whatever decision you make–newborns will tend
to nurse at irregular times and shouldn't be forced
onto a schedule in the beginning. Likewise, if
you're feeding on demand it's important not to
exhaust yourself.
Q. My newborn wants to nurse every
two hours–and sometimes more often than that. Does
this mean that I don't have enough milk? Is there a way
to tell whether my baby is getting enough milk?
A. Your body produces milk
based on supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the
more milk you produce. In the beginning, it's not unusual
for a newborn to nurse every one to three hours. While this
may exhaust you, your baby is not starving. She's just doing
her part to encourage lactation flow. The good news is, in
time your supply will match your baby's demand. On average,
infants nurse about eight to 10 times in 24 hours, but don't
be surprised if your baby nurses more often than that or
at irregular times (more often during the day, for example,
and maybe just once at night). You can tell if your baby's
getting enough to eat if he has at least six wet diapers
and several bowel movements a day.
Your pediatrician will also be able to monitor your baby's growth and development as another measure. Be sure to discuss any feeding questions or concerns with the pediatrician.
Q. Does what I eat affect my breast
milk?
A. Many women neglect to eat
well during the first exhausting and exciting months of motherhood.
But eating well, drinking enough fluids and getting enough
rest are important to maintaining your milk supply. So make
an effort to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain
bread and cereals and calcium-rich and protein-rich foods,
like milk and cheese. Even if your diet is lopsided, your
baby is getting everything he needs from your breast milk.
It's nature's remarkable way of ensuring that your milk contains
all the nutrients and calories your baby needs. If you don't
eat well, you often suffer the most. You need to replace
the extra calories your body uses up through nursing and
receive the extra energy that a healthy diet provides.
Q. Can spicy foods or certain things
I eat cause gas or an allergic reaction in my baby?
A. There is little evidence
that this actually happens, but many moms believe they see
a difference in their child. Many babies go through a fussy
stage when they are generally fussy in the evening for a
few hours. It is usually not necessary to avoid spicy or
strong foods. Talk to your child's doctor before foregoing
critical foods like dairy products or vegetables. Your doctor
can help you determine whether a true allergy is the cause.
Q. How many bowel movements should
my baby have in a day?
A. At least 2-5 bowel movements
every day indicate a baby younger than 6 weeks is receiving
enough breast milk. After 8-12 weeks, a baby may not have
bowel movements every day. As long as your baby is breastfeeding,
his stool will be loose, unformed and seedy.
Q. If I introduce a bottle, will
that confuse my baby?
A. Babies have the remarkable
ability to adapt. Some will find it easier to switch from
bottle to breast than others. Even if you plan to exclusively
breastfeed, introducing a bottle is a good idea, just to
give yourself a break once in awhile. Bottle-feeding will
also allow other loved ones the opportunity to bond with
your baby. Pumped or expressed milk is recommended. If you
plan to supplement with formula, talk to your doctor about
when and how much. It is best to introduce a bottle after
3-4 weeks or when you feel breastfeeding is going well and
you have a good milk supply. After 3 months, your child will
more likely resist a new approach.
Q. My baby fusses
while nursing. Is my milk not coming fast enough or is
something wrong?
A. There are many reasons for a fussy baby. It may
take a little time and patience to figure it out, but it
probably has nothing to do with your milk. Your baby may
need to burp, is colicky, have gas or is just tired. She
may also not be hungry or is disinterested, so you may want
to take a break and try another time. If the fussy behavior
continues every time you try, call St. Luke's lactation specialist
for assistance.
Q. Can I drink alcohol
or caffeine while I'm still nursing?
A. Alcohol is absorbed in your breast milk and can
be passed to your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics
Committee on Drugs considers alcohol consumption compatible
with breastfeeding, although side effects are noted if alcohol
is taken in large amounts. An occasional drink has not been
found to be harmful to the nursing baby. Drinking alcohol
can affect you and your ability to care for your child. If
you have questions about alcohol, talk to your doctor or
baby's doctor. Large amounts of caffeine can affect your
milk production and can make your baby irritable. One or
two cups of coffee a day should not affect your baby, but
if your baby is having trouble sleeping or appears fidgety
avoid caffeine.
Q. What if I get
sick? Should I still breastfeed?
A.Yes, if you're physically able, continue nursing.
Your breast milk provides the antibodies that help protect
your baby from getting sick. Nursing will also continue to
encourage your flow. Talk to your doctor before taking any
medications.
Q. When will my
baby begin sleeping through the night? Does breastfeeding
help or hinder my baby's sleep?
A. Most babies begin sleeping longer at about 8 weeks
of age, regardless of how they are fed. It is also normal
for babies who are 4 to 12 months old to wake up during the
night due to hunger, teething, separation anxiety or other
reasons.
Q. Can I breastfeed in public?
A. Yes. This is a natural way
to nourish your baby, and nursing mothers can breastfeed
any time and anywhere they feel appropriate. These tips may
make you feel more comfortable:
- Wear a loose-fitting blouse or top that pulls up from the bottom.
- Bring a shawl or blanket to throw over your shoulder and loosely cover your nursing baby.
- Wear a nursing bra.
- Look for a bench, restroom lobby or quiet spot to give you and your baby some privacy.
Q. What arrangements
do I need to make when leaving the baby with a sitter or
family member?
A. When you plan to be away from the baby for just
a few hours, you can manually express or pump some breast
milk ahead of time. You can leave the breast milk with the
sitter to give to the baby in a bottle when the baby wants
to eat. Pump or express your milk well in advance of the
time you plan to leave so that you are not too rushed. Breast
milk storage guidelines are provided on the following page.
You may also want to keep a supply on hand to use any time
you plan to be away. After breastfeeding is established,
some mothers use formula for feedings when they are away
from their babies. Check with your baby's doctor before making
any change in your baby's diet.
Q. Can I return
to work and continue breastfeeding?
A. You don't have to stop breastfeeding if you return
to work. Planning ahead is the most important thing to do.
One of the choices you will have to make is whether to provide
breast milk for your child care provider to give to the baby.
Check with the person who will be caring for your baby; most
are happy to feed your baby breast milk. Discuss proper storage,
thawing and preparation, because it’s important to keep
your milk fresh. You will have to make adjustments in your
nursing routines and decide if you will pump while at work.
If you plan to pump at work, you will need a pump and the
help of your employer to find a good place to pump and a
method of storing the milk. If your childcare is located
conveniently to your work place, you may want to use your
lunch break to breastfeed your baby there. St. Luke's can
help you prepare. Talk to our lactation specialist about
your options.
Q. If I breastfeed
less often or change the time of day I nurse, will I lose
my milk?
A. Your body has the amazing ability to change with
your needs. As long as you continue to breastfeed with some
consistency, your milk should keep up with demand. It's more
important to ensure your baby is getting enough fluids and
nutrients. Talk to your baby's doctor about your baby's daily
requirements.
Q. I would like
to try expressing my breast milk. What are the best kinds
of pumps?
A. There are three kinds of breast pumps: manual,
electric and battery operated. The last two use a motor to
create suction, requiring less energy from you. Portable
battery-operated pumps give you some control over the suction
force and work fairly fast. You don't need a pump, however,
to express breast milk. It may take practice, but you can
express by hand. Position your thumb and index finger one-and-a-half
inches behind your nipple. Push your fingers straight back
and then squeeze them together. Release and repeat. You can
express directly into a bottle or a special bag, created
to store and freeze breast milk for later use.
Breast pumping for times away from
your baby
When you are regularly separated from your baby due to
work outside your home, attending school or any other outside
commitments, you can continue to breastfeed.
To prepare, consider the following:
- Choose an effective breast pump and learn how to express milk.
- Begin storing breast milk in your freezer.
- Find a child care provider who you can trust will support you in continuing to breastfeed.
- Arrange and plan for a time and place
for nursing your baby and/or expressing milk at
work or school. - Help your baby adjust to taking a bottle/cup from his caregiver while you are away.
- Plan on taking the class Breastfeeding: Working, Weaning, Whatever offered monthly at St.Luke's Medical Center. (See coupon back page).
- Join the Breastfeeding Bunch that meets weekly at St. Luke's. FREE. Call 381-9000.
Storage Guidelines for Breast Milk:
Freshly Expressed Breast Milk
(in sealed container)
Freezer:
- 2 weeks in freezer compartment located inside the refrigerator
- 3-4 months in separate door refrigerator/freezer
- 6-12 months or longer in deep freezer (0°F or less)
Refrigerator:
- 3-5 days (mature milk) (39°F or lower)
Room Temperature:
- 12-24 hours (colostrum)
- 6-8 hours (mature milk) (78°F or lower)
Previously Frozen
Breast Milk:
(thawed in refrigerator or under running water – not
warmed or used)
Freezer: Do not refreeze.
Refrigerator: 24 hours
Room Temperature: 4 hours or less
There is no research indicating whether it is acceptable to save reheated breast milk.
Breastfeeding Instruction
Breastfeeding Classes
St. Luke's offers classes to assist expectant mom's.
Join the "Breastfeeding
Bunch"
Meets weekly at St. Luke's in Boise and Meridian. Call 381-2592.
For Breastfeeding Assistance:
- St. Luke's lactation specialist, 381-2592 (Boise), 706-3119 (Meridian)
