1. What is a lactation Consultant and how can one help me? 

As a specialist in the field of breastfeeding, they have spent  thousands of hours helping new moms nurse their babies. They assist moms to understand the normal course of breastfeeding as well as helping them through difficult breastfeeding situations.

It is very important to remember that the first two weeks of nursing a baby lays the foundation for the milk supply. Getting off to a good start is very important. A lactation consultant can help you improve your latch on technique and show you the best position to have your baby to nurse comfortably and effectively. Here at Baby’s Way, we are dedicated to helping you make breastfeeding a wonderful experience you will never forget.

2. Why should I breastfeed my baby?

 Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift to your child. It is specially tailored by your body for your baby. It actually changes to meet the baby’s needs.  If you get sick, your breast milk has just the right antibodies to protect the baby. If your baby has a growth spurt and starts nursing more often, your body makes more milk to keep up.

Not only does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend it, they advise that babies should receive only breast milk for the first 6 months and then breast milk in combination with solids for at least the first year.  After the first year you may breastfeed for as long as you and the baby want and are still enjoying it!  It is an intimate dance between you and your baby, and we are here to help you learn the steps.

3. How will I know if my baby is hungry? 
   
               Babies are easy to read. They give clear signs when they are looking for their mom.  They wiggle and squirm in their beds, they make chewing motions and smacking sounds, they move their heads from side to side searching for food, or they may even suck on their arms or fingers.  All of these are signs that say, FEED ME. Crying is always a late sign. If the baby is crying, you missed all the hints that were given.
    

4. How often do I feed my baby? 
   
              Whenever the baby wants to feed!  Technically the answer in 8-10 times a day but that can change depending on mom’s milk supply and baby’s needs. As long as the baby is gaining weight appropriately and having plenty of wet and dirty diapers, you are feeding enough. We suggest the baby be brought to the MD within one week after discharge from the hospital for a weight check and to let the MD check out the baby to make sure all is well.
    

5. How do I know that my baby is getting enough to eat? 
   
             Again, usually babies give pretty clear signs that they are content.  If your baby is always crying and never seems content, something is going on. A baby should be very relaxed after a good feed.   Is your breast softer after a feed? Is it past the fifth day of birth and you still don’t feel that your milk is in? Is your baby having many wet and dirty diapers?  If it is going in it should be coming out.  In the hospital the diapers are dark, tarry and sticky. Once your milk starts to come in they will be more greenish and the consistency is thinner. By the 4-5 days you baby should be getting into a more yellow, seedy runny looking stool. This is a mature breast milk stool.  Also the baby should also be gaining weight. At first in the hospital the baby will lose some weight but as your milk comes in the baby’s weight should start coming up pretty rapidly.  Always call your MD if you think there is a problem. Always remember Baby’s Way is here to help too but if we feel there is a medical problem we will always confer with your pediatrician.
    

6. Can I put my baby on a schedule?
   
             This one is really easy. The answer is no. Breast babies are fed on demand. That means when they ask for it, you give it to them. In the first few weeks it is very often. Around 8-12 times a day. As your milk comes in and the baby’s stomach stretches, the time between the feedings usually stretches too.  But for now, no schedules please.
    

7. Isn’t formula scientifically better than breast milk?
   
            Another easy answer, NO!  Formula has a place in very rare situations but breast milk is always best. It was made by your body specifically for your baby.  A mother who has a premature baby has different components in her milk that a mother that has a full term baby. Breast milk is a living fluid filled with bacteria eating cells to keep your baby healthy. It has special fighter cells that attack foreign intruders to help the baby’s intestinal track stay healthy.  If we could find a way to manufacture breast milk (which we never will) we probably could not afford to buy it. That is how complex it is.  That is why we call it liquid gold.
    

8. Does breastfeeding hurt? 
   
             It shouldn’t. There is a little soreness in the first few days as you get used to a baby’s latch on. It is a pretty intense pull and tug that your body needs to adjust to but it should not be painful.  The initial latch is a little tender but as the baby nurses the tenderness should fade. Within two weeks the tenderness is usually gone. If nursing is painful, Baby’s Way can help!!! We want to do everything we can to help you nurse your baby. We nursed our kids too and we want you to feel the pride and satisfaction that comes with nursing a baby.
    

9. When can I give my baby pacifiers and bottles?
   
            Babies learn to breastfeed by breastfeeding. If a baby needs comfort it should be put to the breast. At Baby’s Way we suggest that no bottles or pacifiers be given for at least 4 weeks, especially if baby is having trouble with latch on.  The only exception is if an MD recommends that the baby be supplemented. Baby’s Way can help you supplement without a bottle during the first month while the baby learns to breastfeed. After four weeks the baby is usually pretty proficient at the breast and will go back and forth from breast to bottle with no problems. If a bottle is introduced too late you may have problems getting baby to take it, so that’s why we suggest the four week mark.
    

10.  What diet should I follow while I am breastfeeding? 
    
             There is no special diet for breastfeeding. Eat when you are hungry and drink when you are thirsty.  Your body will take from you and give to your baby just like it did during pregnancy. Gas producing foods don’t produce gas in babies. Everything in moderation. Eat a well balanced diet like you did when you were pregnant. Some proteins in foods will irritate a baby so if you find a certain food makes the baby cranky then stop it for a while and introduce it when the baby is a little older.  Some research suggest that babies like the taste of garlic and vanilla in mom’s breast milk so try to eat vanilla ice cream or a garlic filled spaghetti sauce and see!
     

11. Can I take pain medication after delivery if I am breastfeeding?
    
             Yes, just make sure your MD know you are breastfeeding so he can make the best choices for you.
     

12. Can I continue to breastfeed when I go back to work?
    
             Absolutely!!!  Baby’s Way can help you keep up your milk supply while you go back to work. We sell breast pumps designed for nursing moms returning to work. We are also available for your phone calls with any concerns or questions about going back to work. We even have a special hand out just for the working mom with great hints to keep that milk supply going!!
     

13. Why does my baby have diarrhea after breastfeeding?
    
             Mature breast milk stools are VERY watery. They are yellow, seedy and have a yeasty smell to them. That is a normal breast milk stool. Breast babies are very noisy gastro intestinally and are not worried about being polite. If your baby is nursing well and acting normal it probably is not diarrhea. As always, call your MD if you are not sure.
     

14. Can I exercise while breastfeeding?
    
             Of course. As long as you have been released by your MD to go to normal activity. This is usually at about 6 weeks. Exercise is great for the milk supply. It brings more blood to the breast area which helps it perform better. Most mom notice an increase in their milk supply after exercise. When you are ready to exercise, feed the baby and empty both breasts. This will make exercise more comfortable for you.  You may notice that the baby won’t nurse right after you exercise. This is due to the lactic acid that accumulates in the breast during exercise. Wait 30 minutes and try again. Once the lactic acid is cleared by your body the baby will nurse normally.  Most babies won’t even notice the difference. Mine didn’t.