Breastfeeding Services

Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies by boosting their immune systems, reducing the risk of certain illnesses like ear infections and chronic conditions later in life like diabetes. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of some cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer in mom as well as some chronic conditions like heart disease. Not to mention increased bonding.

First, attend a breastfeeding class to ensure you have the information necessary on what to expect as well as have the chance to ask questions prior to delivery. In class we talk about breastfeeding techniques, including positioning, latch and milk production. We talk about how to tell when baby is hungry and also how to know they are getting enough milk. We also discuss common discomforts and when to reach out to a lactation consultant. 

Colostrum is the first milk made for baby and it is made in smaller quantities due to the size of baby’s belly. In the beginning baby’s belly is roughly the size of grape, holding anywhere from 5-7 ml’s of milk per feeding. It is normal to produce small amount of milk the first 2-5 days after birth. Over the first week baby’s belly grows exponentially by the end of week being the size of a strawberry and holding 45-60ml’s of milk per feeding, which aligns with the progression of milk production in mom. Generally, a mother’s milk will “come in” by post-partum day 5. 

Wet and dirty diapers are an indicator baby is getting enough milk, the first day of life we expect to see 1 dirty diaper and 1 stool diaper in 24 hours. By day 2, 2 wets, 2 dirties. By day 3, 3 wets 3 dirties, by day 4, 5+ wets and 4+ dirty diapers. By day 6, 6+ wets and 4+ dirties generally, until baby starts taking solid foods. Another great indicator is steady weight gain. In the beginning it is normal for baby’s to lose some weight, the nurses in the hospital and your pediatrician will monitor weight loss and how baby is doing in terms of what is normal. Most often when your milk “comes in” baby’s start to gain weight getting back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age. 

It is normal to feel engorged when your milk first comes in (usually by post-partum day 5), but there are things you can do to help. Continue to nurse baby on demand, use warm packs prior to nursing and use cool packs to help with discomfort after, hand expression of milk to soften the breast, and OTC pain relief.

Seeing a lactation consultant provides personalized care based on you breastfeeding goals as well as what you are experiencing at that time. A lactation consultant can help with positioning, latch and help with troubleshooting current issues. I would say the main benefit is a personalized approach to feeding your baby.