Visits typically last 2 hours so I can observe a feeding. I will weigh your baby before and after feeding (sometimes after feeding on each breast) to determine how much milk the baby is able to transfer during a nursing session. I can do a latch assessment and offer suggestions if you are noticing any pain while breastfeeding. We can also talk about feeding/pumping routines, pump flange sizing, positions to help baby or yourself, nighttime feedings, bottle supplementing, pacifier use, etc. I will leave you with an individualized care plan that meets your needs and schedule a follow up to discuss progress.

There are several ways to calculate a baby’s approximate daily needs of breastmilk/formula. The table below is based on the method of multipliers: take the baby’s weight in pounds and multiply by 2.5 for standard gain and 2.7 to 3.0 if the baby needs to catch up on weight (when recommended by your pediatric care provider). Please remember, these are daily intake estimates based on AAP calculations for formula-fed babies and may not accurately represent exclusively breastfed babies. Also note that any one feeding does not indicate how much a baby intakes at every feeding! Just like us, babies’ appetites vary from day to day and from one nursing session to the next! If you have concerns about your baby’s weight, contact your pediatrician. I also offer in-home infant weigh-ins accurate to 2g (.07oz)!

I’m so glad you want to know more about this topic! The effects of breastfeeding make big changes in your body (hormones anyone?). Make sure to listen to your doctor’s advice before resuming vaginal sex [Spoiler alert: It’s usually recommended to abstain for 6 weeks after a vaginal birth].

Not feeling like your in the mood? That’s okay too – almost 40% of women say their libido decreased dramatically…or disappears altogether. If this is your first baby, you may find it more difficult to switch into ‘sexy mode’ so be kind to yourself – you may be surprised to find that your partner’s sex drive has changed too. And be prepared, sex may feel different. Your breasts may leak so discuss this with your partner and take precautions (ex. towels, nursing pads). Your nipples may be more sensitive so warn your partner or explain they are ‘off limits’ for the time being.

Your vaginal tract and uterus has gone through a big trauma (especially if you had tears or stitches) and it may take months before you feel ‘normal’ again down there. I would highly recommend a water-based lube during those first few trials. Take this opportunity to explore different positions and communicate with your partner if you feel any pain/discomfort. And most importantly, make sure you listen to yourself and your body as to what feels right!

Typically, yes! Most common illnesses are not transferrable via breastmilk. If you have a fever or severe symptoms, make sure to call your care provider – your health is just as important as your baby’s! If you are given prescriptions, check to make sure they are safe for breastfeeding.

First of all, I recommend speaking with your insurance agency to verify if they cover a breastpump and specifically which ones. Second question to ask yourself, is how do you plan to use your pump? This can range from ‘just occasionally so someone else can feed the baby’ to exclusive pumping or pumping more often when you return to work. The list below will help narrow down the type of pump that’s right for you.

I would also suggest investing in a single manual pump – these are great for travel or to have as a backup in case the power is out! Check a brief brand comparison chart here, but keep in mind not all breastpumps are listed.

Power pumping is used to replicate what your baby does during cluster feeding. In theory, this will signal your body that baby needs more milk and boost your supply! Power pumping is not for the faint of heart and takes dedication & time. Make sure to read ALL of the following information to use this technique correctly!

When?

• Replace only 1 regular pumping session per day with a power pumping session
• Pick 1 hour each day/night & keep this consistent (ex. 9am every day)
• Make sure this pump session is during a long break where your baby won’t need to be breastfed OR have your partner bottle feed
• TIP: Try power pumping over a weekend or when you have at least 2 consecutive days to commit to a power pump

How?

• Pump for 20 minutes
• Rest for 10 min
• Pump for 10 min
• Rest for 10 min
• Pump for final 10 min
• Total time: 60 min (40 min pumping time)
• Note: Milk flow may stop, but you want to continue ‘dry pumping’ to send the signals to your body for amped up milk production

Results?

• Some women notice an increase in supply 48 hours after 1 power pumping session
• Most women will see results within a 1 week period
• You may notice an increase of 2-4 oz on average

Many factors affect the success of power pumping & there are also alternate schedules you can follow and receive the same ‘boosted’ results. If you would like to discuss this more in depth, please schedule a call with me today.

Sore nipples happen! Yes, it’s true breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, but you are bound to experience discomfort – this is normal. Soreness can be alleviated by applying cool/warm compresses to your nipples. They make special cooling pads and ice packs for this, but you can also soak a reusable cloth nipple pad in water and then cool/freeze. Along with the previous suggestions, you may also want to consider alternate feeding positions to see if this reduces nipple soreness or use a boppy/breastfeeding pillow. If things still don’t feel right, contact me for a consultation.

Research shows the best thing for cracked nipples is…nothing! Nipple creams, lanolin, coconut oil, and breastmilk are the most common go-to ‘treatments’, but as long as the root cause is treated (latch issues, better positioning, etc) then the healing process will begin naturally. Some studies even say that bacteria from your fingers can actually slow the healing process when you are constantly applying creams or touching the area. But, if you find relief from safe creams or extra drops of breastmilk, by all means do it! – Just make sure to wash your hands beforehand.

Yes. Tanning does not alter your breastmilk and is considered safe as long as practiced safely. It is recommended to take extra care and protect your nipples from harmful UV exposure for your own comfort during breastfeeding.

If you choose to use a spray tan, make sure to rinse off the area of skin around your nipples prior to breastfeeding. The active ingredient in most fake tanning agents is non-toxic, but it may rub off on your baby’s skin and cause discoloration.

Yes. But if possible, choose non-scented deodorant for the first few months of breastfeeding. And avoid putting perfume or heavily scented lotions directly on your chest/breast area.

Caffeine comes in many different forms: coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, pills. Right off the bat, I would suggest avoiding energy drinks, pills, pre-workout, or any form of ‘artificial’ caffeine sources; These usually have other negative effects on the body (like liver or kidney function) and are best avoided even when you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding!

When it comes to coffee, tea, and chocolate…go ahead! I fully understand and support needing a little boost to get you through the day – especially if you’ve been up every 2 hours throughout the night! As with all foods, it’s best kept in moderation which is <300mg. Research shows most of the time caffeine will NOT affect your baby’s sleep or fussiness. The table below gives a general idea of caffeine content in drinks.

I am sure you have heard of the basic ways your partner can help (with bottle feeding & bringing you water), but let’s talk about some other ways your partner can support you and be involved. Start out with having your partner attend a breastfeeding class WITH you! Learning about breastfeeding is going to make it easier to understand later down the road AND they will have some tools already on hand to provide support when you need it most. Also have him/her watch some videos on different ways to burp your baby after you are done feeding. This will give you a few minutes to finish your snack or use the bathroom in peace. Lastly, communicate how and when you would like help – or more importantly – when you don’t! Write a list on the fridge with reminders of ways to help and support you.

I highly recommend continued use of a Prenatal or Postnatal vitamin that has added DHA/EHA and folate/folic acid. I would also suggest supplementing with additional vitamin D and calcium. Be on the lookout for a full post about this topic with specific dosage recommendations and more!

Before I get into this answer, I want to stress that it is most important to keep breastfeeding your baby if you suspect mastitis! Frequent milk removal is the most effective at relieving pain and can cure/prevent mastitis. The most common and significant signs of mastitis are flu-like symptoms and breast tenderness associated with a sore area that is warm to the touch and red/flush in color. You may also experience a fever, body aches, and chills.

It is highly recommended to call your care provider and set up an appointment if you have symptoms of mastitis. Antibiotics are usually prescribed and symptoms resolve themselves in 48 hours. Remember to keep pumping/breastfeeding your baby frequently! If you have any additional symptoms besides the specific ones described above, like open sores or nipple discharge, please explain to your health care provider.

Lastly, there are ways to prevent and avoid mastitis!

• Plugged ducts, which feel like small pea-sized lumps on your breast, are an early indicator! Don’t panic though because plugged ducts are common and should resolve within 48 hours simply by continually removing milk (preferably by baby since they have a stronger suction than a pump!) and doing some breast massage.
• Avoid tight fitting bras – which may disrupt or block milk flow and lead to discomfort.
• Keep feeding on demand and avoid sudden long periods without breastfeeding or pumping. Sometimes this is unavoidable and unplanned, but you can always step away into a bathroom and hand express some milk. Another option is to bring a manual pump wherever you go just in case – you can keep fresh milk at room temperature for 4 hours!