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Maternity - Lactation Services Print Page

Feeding is one of the most important and rewarding experiences for a mother and baby. A certified lactation consultant will visit each new mom at The Family Place to discuss feeding method and assist as necessary. In addition to personal help, we offer classes, written information and videos on infant feeding. Electric breast pumps are also available to rent or purchase. The following breast-feeding tips and instructions address issues related to frequency of nursing, diet, supplements, nipple care, returning to work and more.

Positioning Baby at Breast

  • Sit or lie comfortably with pillows to support your back.
  • Make sure your baby hugs your breast as you pull him close.
  • Use pillows or folded blankets under your baby to keep him supported during the feeding. As your baby gets older, you probably will not need the pillows.
  • Support your baby’s back and shoulders firmly. Do not push on the back of his head.
  • Pull your baby quickly onto the breast, once his mouth is open wide.

Latching-on

  • Hold your breast in one hand with your fingers underneath and the thumb on top.
  • Have your hand back from the areola (the dark skin around the nipple).
  • Line up your baby’s lips with your nipple.
  • Touch his lips with your nipple until his mouth opens wide and his tongue is down.
  • Pull your baby quickly onto the breast.
  • If nursing hurts after the first few sucks, take your baby off the breast and start over.

Frequency of Nursing

  • Average 8–10 times every 24 hours.
  • Every 2–3 hours during the day, from the start of each feeding.
  • Every 4–6 hours at night (wait until your baby wakes up).
  • Let baby finish first breast (average 15–30 minutes) before offering second breast.

Baby’s "Feeding Cues"

Baby is getting ready to feed when some (or all) of these cues are present. Crying is a sign of stress, not a feeding cue. Cuddle and feed your baby frequently during the day to encourage sleeping a longer stretch at night.

  • Rapid eye movements
  • Sucking motions of mouth and tongue
  • Small body movements
  • Small baby noises
  • Hand to mouth movements

Breast Engorgement

  • Normal process that takes about 24 hours to resolve.
  • Wake baby to nurse every 2–3 hours.
  • Let baby finish first breast (average 15–30 minutes) before offering second breast.
  • If baby is too sleepy (or full) to nurse the second breast, pump just until the breast feels comfortable.
  • Follow this schedule for 24 hours around the clock or until engorgement is resolved.

Getting Enough?

  • Listen for swallowing sounds.
  • Three or more bowel movements (mustard yellow color and consistency) every 24 hours.
  • Six or more wet diapers every 24 hours.
  • These diaper checks begin after the milk is in.
  • Remember, the more frequently your baby nurses the more milk you make.

Supplements

  • None necessary for the first 6 months (unless ordered by your doctor).

Rest

  • Sleep when your baby sleeps (at least 2 naps a day).
  • Accept help with meals, laundry, siblings, etc.

Diet

  • Return to your diet before pregnancy.
  • No specific foods to avoid or add.
  • Drink liquids to thirst (minimum of 64 oz. every 24 hours).
  • Small, frequent, low-fat meals high in protein and carbohydrates help facilitate weight loss (minimum of 2,000 calories per day).

Nipple care

  • Do not use soap when bathing.
  • If nipples are tender, use only pure lanolin (Pure-Lan or Lansinoh).
  • Hand express before latch-on to minimize tenderness.
  • Use nursing pads without plastic liners.
  • If soreness or problems develop, call your doctor or Concord Hospital (603) 227-7000 ext. 4909.

Returning to Work

  • Breast-feed exclusively for three weeks, then start pumping once a day in morning.
  • First feeding of the day: nurse first breast, pump second breast 10 minutes, then nurse on second breast after pumping.
  • Offer one bottle a day in evening (someone other than mom).
  • Good books: Nursing Mother, Working Mother (Gale Pryor), Breastfeeding Success for Working Mothers (M. Grams), or Working Woman’s Guide to Breastfeeding (N. Dana).

Feeling overwhelmed?

  • It’s normal with a newborn. Adjusting to change takes time.
  • Take care of yourself – eat well and rest.
  • Keep a sense of humor.
  • Talk with other breast-feeding mothers.
  • Call The Family Place for an appointment for a mother and baby return visit.

Contact

Ph: (603) 227-7000 ext. 4909

Related Pages

Maternity Overview
Articles for Baby’s Comfort and Care
Giving Birth at The Family Place
Support Groups

Where Can I Find Out More?

Pregnancy Condition Center