Breastfeeding Basics

New parents often anticipate breastfeeding to be natural, beneficial and the healthiest way to feed their baby.  When questions arise while in the hospital, new parents have the help of the nursing staff to aid them in this process.  However, time and time again new or expecting parents read all the latest information and attend every class they can, yet still feel overwhelmed when they are at home with their new baby.  It is normal to have a period of adjustment for the new family.   Feeding, diapering, bathing, burping-all these new tasks and so little time!.

Breastfeeding is very beneficial to the baby, as well as the mother.   Women who breastfeed are at lower risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis.  Because we want breastfeeding to be a joyful and an easy experience, our lactation consultant is always available to answer questions and offer suggestions for our patients who may be having a difficult time with breastfeeding.

Below are just a few myths associated with breastfeeding:

? It hurts!  Breastfeeding is not supposed to be uncomfortable.  If a mom is experiencing pain when breastfeeding, there is usually a cause that can be corrected.

? What if I can’t make milk? It is very rare for a mom not to produce breast milk.  When the baby is not fed from the breast early after delivery, and frequently thereafter, production may be decreased.  If the milk supply is not adequate, there are methods that can increase the supply of breast milk.

? I have to go back to work, so I have to stop breastfeeding! Breastfeeding is not an all-or-nothing decision.  Moms have the option to breastfeed while at home and have someone bottle-feed the baby while she is not there.  She can pump and store breast milk or supplement with formula if she does not have enough expressed milk.

 Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process.  The more a women breastfeeds her baby or expresses milk, the more milk her body will produce.  On the other hand, the more she supplements with formula or does not stimulate the breast, the less milk her body will produce.

Breast Milk Handling and Storage

Breast milk is extremely perishable and must be properly handled and stored.

• It can be stored in the refrigerator in a clean container for up to 48 hours.

• Freezing is the preferred method of storing breast milk. It should be put in the freezer immediately after you collect it.

• Breast milk can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen breast milk in a refrigerator or in a container under warm running water. It should not stand at room temperature to thaw, and it should not be heated on the stove top or in a microwave oven.

• Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours, and it should not be refrozen.

For more help call for an appointment with the Children's Clinic's certified lactation consultant, Therese Deroche, RN, IBCLC

Lactation visits are scheduled by appointment only by calling

 478-6480