Breastfeeding Resources

Why should I consider breastfeeding?

There are many reasons women choose to breastfeed their babies. Health benefits for breastfed babies include fewer ear infections, respiratory infections like pneumonia, childhood diabetes, meningitis, allergies and some childhood cancers. The health benefits for the breastfeeding mother include lower risks of pre-menopausal breast cancer, osteoporosis and cervical cancer, as well as faster return to pre-pregnancy weight. Not to mention the financial benefits of not having to pay for formula, and the ecological benefits of no breast-milk packaging.

What are the health benefits of breastfeeding?

• Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma.
• Children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese.
• Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

How many American women breastfeed their babies?

• Three out of four mothers (75%) in the U.S. start out breastfeeding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2010 Breastfeeding Report Card.
• At the end of six months, breastfeeding rates fall to 43%, and only 13% of babies are exclusively breastfed.
• Among African-American babies, the rates are significantly lower, 58% start out breastfeeding, and 28% breastfeed at six months, with 8% exclusively breastfed at six months.
• The Healthy People 2020 objectives for breastfeeding are: 82% ever breastfed, 61% at 6 months, and 34% at 1 year.

What are the economic benefits of breastfeeding?

• Families who follow optimal breastfeeding practices can save between $1,200–$1,500 in expenditures on infant formula in the first year alone.
• A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that if 90% of U.S. families followed guidelines to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the U.S. would annually save $13 billion from reduced medical and other costs.
• For both employers and employees, better infant health means fewer health insurance claims, less employee time off to care for sick children, and higher productivity.
• Mutual of Omaha found that health care costs for newborns are three times lower for babies whose mothers participate in the company’s employee maternity and lactation program.

Source: Mybreastfriend.com

Why have I heard breastfeeding can be challenging when it looks so natural and easy?

Although some women have challenges with breastfeeding, these tough times are usually limited to the first few weeks, as you and your baby learn how to breastfeed. It is not uncommon for women to experience sore, tender nipples in the first few weeks after a baby is born, and to feel tired, overwhelmed and as if they spend their entire day and night breastfeeding.

What can I do to prepare for breastfeeding?

Attending a prenatal breastfeeding class can be helpful in preparing couples for the breastfeeding experience. Topics usually include how milk is produced, recommendations for positioning, how babies latch on, and prevention and treatment for common breastfeeding concerns. Or try to watch a breastfeeding DVD such as “Simply Breastfeeding” by Shari Criso. Good books can allay fears and dispel myths you may have heard about breastfeeding. Finally, talk to friends who have successfully breastfed so you have a support group to count on if you encounter challenges breastfeeding. Finally, shop for items many women find helpful: Breast pump, nursing chair and stool, My Brest Friend nursing pillow, 2-3 nursing bras and camisole, bra pads (1 set washable cotton, 1 box disposable), nipple cream or lanolin (for sore nipples), My Brest Friend travel nursing pillow (inflatable for on-the-go), and nursing shawl or cover up.

How do I get started once the baby is here?

1. Find a comfortable position to breastfeed. For many women, sitting upright in a straight-backed chair with their feet up on a stool and a nursing pillow, like My Brest Friend, works well. In the early days of breastfeeding it may help to un-wrap your baby from any blankets and undo your shirt and bra, allowing your baby to feed skin-to-skin.
2. The most common breastfeeding position is called the cross cradle hold. To feed on your right side in this position, support your right breast with your right hand. Place your thumb and index fingers several inches behind the areola (the dark part of the breast) forming a “U” and compress your fingers together to make your breast into a “sandwich” for your baby’s mouth.
3. Place your baby on the My Brest Friend pillow and cradle him with your left arm, on his side. Your left hand should support his shoulders and the base of his head.
4. Align your right nipple with your baby’s nose and slightly tip the baby’s head back, bringing his chin towards your breast. Stimulate him to open his mouth wide by rubbing your nipple on his upper lip.
5. Once your baby open’s his mouth wide, use your left hand to bring him chin first to your breast. Continue to support your breast until the baby is nursing well.

Once your baby is actively sucking, you can experiment with letting go of your right breast and switching arms. You might also choose to experiment with other positions.

How will I know when my baby is hungry?

Most newborns breastfeed about every 2-3 hours, which is 8-12 times in 24 hours! Breastmilk is easy for babies to digest and since a newborn’s stomach is only the size of a walnut, small frequent meals are a necessity.

Most health care providers recommend waking a baby to feed every 3 hours if the baby is less than 2 weeks old or is not yet back to birth weight. Once a baby returns to his birth weight after the typical 5-10% weight loss in the first few days, parents are encouraged to allow their baby to sleep 4-5 hours (if the baby will do so!) before waking for a nighttime feed.

It is helpful to respond to a baby’s early signs of hunger rather than waiting for the late sign of hunger, which is crying. It is much easier to latch a baby who isn’t frantically hungry! Early signs of hunger include: the baby opens his mouth and turns his head to the side in search of the nipple (called the rooting reflex), sucking and licking motions, tense, clenched fists and leg movements such as “bicycle riding.”

How long should a breastfeeding session last?

For most new mothers, a breastfeeding session will usually last 45 minutes, including time spent feeding, burping and changing. A typical newborn will nurse 15-20 minutes on the first side. Some lactation professionals believe the mother should then return the baby to the same breast to help completely drain the first breast while others believe you should offer both breasts at every feed. Experiment to see what works for you and for your baby. Allow your baby to breastfeed for another 10-15 minutes until he is drowsy and full, and then burp him at the end of the feeding.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?

There are several concrete ways to determine if your baby is eating well. First, pediatric health care providers will be monitoring your baby’s weight frequently in the first few weeks to ensure good weight gain. The goal is for a newborn to regain his birth weight by 2 weeks of age and then gain 1 ounce per day or 7 ounces a week for the first 12 weeks of life. After 12 weeks of age, babies slow down their growth and gain 1/2 ounce per day or about 3 1/2 ounces per week. Therefore, if your baby is gaining appropriately, you are feeding your baby enough.

Second, what goes in must come out! Watching your baby’s output can help you see how well he is doing. If you see an appropriate number of diapers for your baby, you can usually count on a good weight gain.

The usual expectation for wet diapers with a newborn is

• 1 day old, 1 wet diaper
• 2 days old, 2 wet diapers
• 3 days old, 3 wet diapers
• 4 days old, 4 wet diapers
• 5 days old, 5 wet diapers
• From 6 days old and onward, expect 6-8 wet diapers a day.

For stools, you should see the progression from the black, tarry meconium in the first few days to brown transitional stools, to green stools to yellow seedy, stools by day 5 of life. Stools remain yellow until you start solid foods around six months. Most infants have at least 3-4 stools a day.

Thirdly, most women can notice the difference in their breasts before and after a feeding. Breasts should feel full before a feeding and much softer after a feeding if a baby has had a good breastfeed.

Lastly, watch your baby feed, listening to the soft breathy sounds of swallows and observe the classic “drunken baby” look after a great feed. A full, satisfied baby is a wonderful sight.

If you have any concerns about how your baby is doing, be sure to contact your pediatric health care provider.

How can I manage pumping and storing milk?

Freshly pumped milk can safely stay at room temperature for 4-8 hours. If the milk has been chilled in the fridge or freezer, do not leave it out for more than 1 hour. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Most milk will only last 72 hours in a refrigerator that is opened and closed frequently. Smell the milk before offering, since spoiled breast milk will smell like sour cow’s milk and should be discarded. Breastmilk can be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months, depending on your freezer.

What should I do to care for myself as I care for my baby?

Set up a nursing station in your home, that includes a glider chair, foot stool, glass of water, and My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow. My Brest Friend’s patented, wrap-around design has unique features that most completely address the needs of both mom and baby during breastfeeding. Developed in a “laboratory” of new moms, babies, and breastfeeding experts, it helps establish and maintain latch on, provides the best possible support for baby, eliminates strain on mom’s body, and creates a secure, comfortable nursing experience so mom and baby can peacefully connect.

Source: Mybreastfriend.com

There is a lot of great information on the internet and good mom-to-mom support networks. Some favorites are:

Breastfeeding.com - A great resource for all kinds of information about breastfeeding. There are useful instructional videos and a great questions and answers section that covers many of the frequently asked breastfeeding questions from moms just like you.

Breastfeeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries (BFAR) - Many women who have had breast augmentation, implants, or reduction surgery have gone on to have beautiful breastfeeding relationships with their babies. You can find support and more information at the BFAR website.

International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)  – ILCA is the association of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Information can be found on this website that explains the role of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in helping mothers and babies breastfeed. It lists reasons why a mother may need to consult an IBCLC and links to a searchable online directory for United States-based IBCLCs and those based internationally.

Kellymom - This site has printable breastfeeding handouts, forums, links to help you find breastfeeding help and even tips on proper nutrition.

La Leche League International - When most people think of breastfeeding information they think of the La Leche League International (LLLI). This organization has been around since the 1950′s and has been an advocate for breastfeeding mothers everywhere. On their website you can find a LLLI leader in your area. There are lots of questions and answers too.

National Women’s Health Information Center - The National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) is a service of the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The OWH office serves as a focal point within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address the inequities in health research, health care services, and public and health professional education that have placed the health of American women at risk. Part of the OWH mission is to coordinate women’s health initiatives across the Department of Health and Human Services and to disseminate state-of-the-art information to women nationwide.

ProMoM - Promotion of Mother’s Milk, Inc. (ProMoM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and public acceptance of breastfeeding.

The Breastfeeding Cafe - A site loaded with information for both parents and health care providers about breastfeeding, mothering, and the nursing relationship.

Source: Lansinoh

Tips from HappyAha: I personally breastfed my son until he almost turned two, and we both benefited from the extended nursing greatly.  My son is very healthy, never had an ear or sinus infection, and never had constipation.  For me, I lost my pregnancy weight pretty quickly without the extra exercising and I just loved the feeling to have him in my arm after long day away from home.

We didn’t have an easy start.  Before my son was born, I already decided to breastfeed exclusively for as long as I could because of all the benefits of breastfeeding for both of us.  As soon as he was born, we started the latching exercise. That was the hardest thing to learn, and it was PAINFUL! My milk didn’t come in quickly enough so my son developed jaundice.  He was in NICU for 3 nights and for a moment, I thought I was wrong to insist on breastfeeding exclusively.  With the help of a lactation consultant, while my son was still in the hospital, I started pumping regularly using a hospital grade pump at home and also continued on breastfeeding when  I was visiting him.  That was the hardest time of our breastfeeding journey.  After he came home, and my milk supply has stabilized.  It started to get easier and easier.  I fed him whenever he needed to and I pumped extra for storage to prepare for me turning to work. At one time, I saved up more than a dozen of frozen milk bags and I was so proud.  Looking back, I would say breastfeeding it’s definitely worth the effort, but requires knowledge, assistance from experienced moms/lactation consultants, support from the families, persistence, and belief in yourself that you can do it!

Here are some of the breastfeeding products that would help you through the breastfeeding journey.

1.  Lansinoh HPA Lanolin

#1 treatment for breastfeeding moms that soothes, heals and protects sore cracked nipples.100% natural and safe for mom & baby. Does not need to be removed prior to breastfeeding. Put this on every time after you finish nursing.

2.  Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads

3. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags

#1 Selling breastmilk storage bag. Specially designed for convenient and safe storage and freezing of breastmilk. Leak-proof: double zipper seal,color-change zipper seal for proof of closure. Tissue Pack Dispenser for easy access and storage. 100% Bisphenol-A (BPA) Free. Bags store flat in freezer, take up less space. Pre-sterilized medical grade storage bags hold 6 ounces of breast milk each.

4.Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

A convenient, portable and discreet pump designed for occasional use at home or away. The unique ComfortSeal cushion creates a secure seal for more comfortable and efficient pumping. The ergonomic handle and lightweight compact design allow for easy one-handed use. 100% Bisphenol-A (BPA) free. Dishwasher Safe.  The manual pump is mainly for occasional use or pumping on one side while nursing on the other.  For the 1st month of breastfeeding, a baby with a correct latch is far better at establishing and maintaing a women’s milk supply than any pump, but if you can’t breastfeed your baby directly for some reason.  A hospital grade pump is always peferrable.

5.Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bottles

100% Bisphenol-A (BPA) free. Specially designed sealing disk prevents storage bottle from leaking. Fits Lansinoh Manual and Double Electric Breast Pumps and most other standard size breast pumps. Store in the fridge or the freezer. Containers are freezer and dishwasher safe.