Breastfeeding Basics: What to Expect and How a Lactation Consultant Can Help

If you’ve never done it before, breastfeeding a newborn infant may seem like a challenging task. However, it is really an instinctive act that is a special experience between mother and child. Not only does it allow a mother to bond with her baby, but it is also nature’s way of providing healthy nutrition for her baby.

Nevertheless, breastfeeding is a learning process and new mothers usually need guidance when it comes to learning how to do it correctly – especially when a baby is delivered prematurely or if the mother has diagnosed health problems.

Here is a primer on what to expect when breastfeeding and how a certified lactation consultant can make the process easier.

The Keys to Proper Breastfeeding

Although every baby and mother’s experience with breastfeeding is different, one common requirement is that your baby has a good latch to order to suck, swallow, and get enough breast milk.

When your baby is born, your breasts produce a thick, yellowish substance known as colostrum. It contains nutrients and other substances that help your baby develop their immune system. At first, there will not be a lot of colostrum, but the amount will gradually increase, and your baby will get enough nutrition over the first few days. Once you begin breastfeeding, your baby’s nursing will signal your body to start producing milk. In most cases, a thinner and whiter form of milk will come in about three days after birth or shortly thereafter, and your baby may want to breastfeed more frequently when this happens.

During the early days of breastfeeding, you may encounter a few temporary issues, such as:

• Leaking breast milk – This should slow down as your body adapts to breastfeeding. In the meantime, you can place disposable or cloth pads in your bra.
• Engorgement – Your breasts may become larger, firm, warm, and uncomfortable during the first few weeks after birth. This should improve as your breasts become used to filling and emptying as you feed your baby. You can feed your baby frequently to prevent severe discomfort.
• Sore or sensitive nipples – This is common during the first few weeks of breastfeeding as your breasts adjust to your baby’s sucking. If you experience cracked or damaged nipple skin that does not improve after two weeks, talk with your lactation consultant, doctor, or nurse.
• Pain while breastfeeding – This may be due to an improper latch, a clogged milk duct, or a breast infection. In any case, consult with your doctor or nurse.
• Teething or biting as your baby gets older – Since babies use their tongues to breastfeed, you can continue to nurse once your baby starts to get teeth. As long as your baby latches well and sucks, you should not feel teeth. If you do, talk to your lactation consultation on how to teach your baby not to bite.
• Your baby is refusing to breastfeed – This is usually a temporary occurrence that may be due to teething, illness, stress, or a change in environment. There are several ways to help your baby continue to breastfeed:
  • Keep offering the breast.
  • Spend more time cuddling your baby.
  • Offer the breast in a quiet space and when your baby is relaxed.
  • Avoid things that may distract your baby, such as bright lights or TV.

In the meantime, pump or express breast milk frequently to keep your supply up for when your baby is ready to breastfeed again.

Eventually, you will need to wean your baby off breastfeeding. This is not recommended until your baby is at least 12 months old but may occur before then. Consult with your lactation advisor about when and how it is appropriate for your baby.

Lactation Consultant in Wooster, Ohio

As a health professional who has undergone specialized training and certification, a lactation consultant can provide support, advice, and guidance to women who choose to breastfeed by teaching you:

• How to increase and maintain your supply of mother’s milk

• How to recognize your baby’s hunger cues
• How to make sure your baby is latching properly
• How to find the best breastfeeding position
• How to ensure that your baby is gaining weight
• How to use a pump to express breastmilk
• Much more

At the Women’s Pavilion at Wooster Community Hospital, we offer private, one-on-one breastfeeding consultations designed to meet your particular needs. We know how important it is to bond with your newborn during breastfeeding, which is why we help make that experience as memorable as possible.

For more information, speak with one of our lactation consultants by calling (330) 202-5567.