| * Wash your hands. * Find a place with some privacy. * Center your nipple in the breastshield. * Start on the lowest pressure and increase to your own comfort level. Low pressure may work as well as higher pressures. * Double pump to save time. Single pump if you need to massage your breasts. * Pump for 10-15 minutes (pump for a few minutes after the milk flow stops). * Pump every 2-3 hours while away from your baby, including travel time. Milk supply depends on regular and effective removal of milk from your breasts. * Take good care of yourself. Rest and good nutrition are always important. * Remember: Frequent breastfeeding is the most important thing you can do to protect your breastmilk supply when with your baby. Frequent pumping when separated from your baby is equally important. 2. Some breastfeeding FAQ’s: How often should I nurse my baby? * Newborns should breastfeed well at least 8-12 times per 24 hours. * It is important for babies to practice breastfeeding often, because not every feeding is perfect in the beginning. * Some babies will cluster feed, that is, they will feed several times within a few hour period and then sleep for a while. This is normal as babies get older, they feed less often. My nipples or breasts are sore. What can I do about this? * Early mild breast and nipple tenderness is not unusual. * Purified lanolin is safe and effective for soothing sore nipples. * Cracked skin, continuing pain, or bleeding nipples are not normal. These canbe signs of latch problems or infections. Should I time feeding? * It is better to watch the baby rather than the clock. * Some babies seem to take forever to finish feeding. They breastfeed with closed eyes, and few sounds of swallowing can be heard. These babies may need help waking up. They may need help to breastfeed well. * When well attached at the breast, a baby will usually finish the first breast and then come away. you then can offer the second breast. The baby may or may not take the second breast. It is not necessary for baby to feed at both breasts at every feeding as long as he or she is gaining weight properly. How do I know my baby is getting enough milk? A healthy breastfed baby: * Returns to birth weight within 14 days. * Makes yellowed colored bowel movements by day 3 or 4. * Makes 6 or more wet diapers each day starting on day 3 or 4. * Makes at least 3 large bowel movements each day starting on day 3 or 4 (breastfed babies older than 6 weeks may go several days between bowel movements). * Gains about 1 ounce a day during the first few months. * Doubles birth weight in about 6 months. Can I take medicine and still continue to breastfeed? * Most medications can be used when breastfeeding. * Some moms notice a reduced milk supply when taking birth control medications or over-the-counter cold medications. * Check with your doctor before taking medications. My breasts are engorged. What can I do? * Take a warm shower, or apply warm compresses for 2-3 minutes before breastfeeding/expressing milk. * Latch baby onto the breast frequently and comfortably. If your baby is not latching well, use a pump to reduce engorgement and help milk to flow. * Rest and breastfeed frequently, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. Pump if breastfeeding is not possible. * Use cool compressed in between feedings to reduce swelling. * Consult your doctor or professional lactation consultant if the problem does not resolve or if you have increased pain, fever, or red, hot streaks on your breast. You may need professional help and medication. |
| BREAST FEEDING TIPS |
AS EXPLAINED BY MOTHERHOOD.COM
AND MEDELA
AND MEDELA
3. Breastmilk Storage:
My defrosted milk is sour smelling. What is wrong?
* Some mothers have a higher level of an enzyme called lipase in their milk.
While this is normal, it can cause expressed milk to be sour smelling or tasting.
* If this happens, try scalding your expressed milk briefly before cooling and storing.
There is no way to reverse the souring once it has occurred.
My baby took part of a bottle of breastmilk. Can I reuse whats left at a later feeding?
* While some experts suggest the milk be discarded, many mothers immediately
refrigerate the milk if it will be used up within a few hours. There have been no
reports of problems in doing this. Check with your doctor.
How do I thaw and warm my breastmilk safely?
* Warm the milk under cool and then warm running water for a few minutes.
* Or, put the container in a pot of water that has been heated on the stove.
* Do not heat the milk directly on the stove.
Can I microwave breastmilk to warm it?
* No. Breastmilk should never be microwaved.
* Microwaving can cause severe burns to your baby’s mouth, and can increase
the risk of bacterial contamination.
4. About Your Breastmilk Supply:
How do I know if my supply is low?
* If your baby is not gaining weight well on your breastmilk alone, then your
supply may be low.
* Fussiness at the breast does not necessarily mean that your supply is low,
but it is a good signal to get professional breastfeeding help.
What should I do if my supply is low?
* Many things can temporarily decrease milk supply: illness, hormonal changes,
stress and especially lack of frequent breastfeeding or pumping.
I have a cold (or the flu), is it ok for me to breastfeed my baby?
* Yes. Breastfeeding helps to protect your baby from getting the cold or flu.
* If your baby does become ill, he or she often has a milder case of the illness
because of the protection of your milk.
* Your supply may go down for a day or two if you are ill, but with extra rest
and nursing, it will return to normal.
* Some over-the-counter antihistamine/ decongestants can lower your milk
supply temporarily. Ask your doctor before taking these medications.
My defrosted milk is sour smelling. What is wrong?
* Some mothers have a higher level of an enzyme called lipase in their milk.
While this is normal, it can cause expressed milk to be sour smelling or tasting.
* If this happens, try scalding your expressed milk briefly before cooling and storing.
There is no way to reverse the souring once it has occurred.
My baby took part of a bottle of breastmilk. Can I reuse whats left at a later feeding?
* While some experts suggest the milk be discarded, many mothers immediately
refrigerate the milk if it will be used up within a few hours. There have been no
reports of problems in doing this. Check with your doctor.
How do I thaw and warm my breastmilk safely?
* Warm the milk under cool and then warm running water for a few minutes.
* Or, put the container in a pot of water that has been heated on the stove.
* Do not heat the milk directly on the stove.
Can I microwave breastmilk to warm it?
* No. Breastmilk should never be microwaved.
* Microwaving can cause severe burns to your baby’s mouth, and can increase
the risk of bacterial contamination.
4. About Your Breastmilk Supply:
How do I know if my supply is low?
* If your baby is not gaining weight well on your breastmilk alone, then your
supply may be low.
* Fussiness at the breast does not necessarily mean that your supply is low,
but it is a good signal to get professional breastfeeding help.
What should I do if my supply is low?
* Many things can temporarily decrease milk supply: illness, hormonal changes,
stress and especially lack of frequent breastfeeding or pumping.
I have a cold (or the flu), is it ok for me to breastfeed my baby?
* Yes. Breastfeeding helps to protect your baby from getting the cold or flu.
* If your baby does become ill, he or she often has a milder case of the illness
because of the protection of your milk.
* Your supply may go down for a day or two if you are ill, but with extra rest
and nursing, it will return to normal.
* Some over-the-counter antihistamine/ decongestants can lower your milk
supply temporarily. Ask your doctor before taking these medications.
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