How to Avoid Holiday Weaning 

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Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC 

Holiday weaning can occur accidentally when we unintentionally nurse or pump less as a result of the busy-ness of the season.  Parties, family gatherings, travel, passing baby around, and more can result in changes in baby’s overall feeding behavior and can also mean fewer successful pumping and nursing sessions. Don’t worry, mamas!  We’ve got your guide for how to avoid holiday weaning! Check out our top tips below:  

#1 Wear your baby. Wearing keeps baby passing to minimum and also insures you’re able to observe and respond to baby’s early hunger cues.  Get baby comfortable in your wrap, carrier, or sling of choice BEFORE entering the holiday gathering.  Your fellow party goers will be less likely to ask to hold baby if he or she is being worn. BONUS:  This also reduces the risk of others sharing their germs with your precious little one.  

#2 Make feedings a priority.  Whether you’re travelling across the country or just across town, make a plan to allow for on demand feedings. Call ahead to your hosts and let them know you’ll be feeding on demand. If your baby is easily distracted, consider asking for a quiet place to feed so baby can focus on the task at hand. If you’re pumping, be sure to make a plan to pump on your regular schedule.  Most airlines and other transportation companies have policies in place to protect nursing and pumping mothers.  If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call them and ask! Talk with your partner about ways they can support you in this as well! 

#3 Avoid overstimulation. Some babies respond to overstimulation by “checking out” or sleeping most of the day.  This is especially common when babies are continually passed from one admirer to another during gatherings. Other babies respond to overstimulation by becoming fussy and irritated.  They know they need some snuggly, calm moments, and the only way they can communicate this is to cry. Wearing baby can limit the requests to pass the baby without forcing you to continually tell others “no”.  It’s okay to be your baby’s voice and let others know if he or she needs a break. Sneaking off to a quiet room, even for just a few minutes, can help baby relax and reconnect with you. 

#4 Be prepared for unsolicited advice. It’s not uncommon for well-meaning family and friends to offer their two cents when it comes to baby care.  Remember that YOU get to decide what is right for your baby! Mentally prepare yourself to shrug off unwanted advice. It’s a good idea to be prepared with a few responses for nay-sayers.  Here are some of our favorites: 

Aunt Hilde: “Is he a good baby?” 

You: “Of course!  ALL babies are GOOD babies!” 

Uncle Bert: “Do you have to do that in here?” 

You: “My baby is hungry.  If you’re uncomfortable with me feeding my baby, you’re welcome to step into the other room until we’re finished.” 

Neighbor: “Is she sleeping through the night yet? If not, some formula might help.” 

You: “She still wakes to eat at night and that’s okay because it is completely NORMAL for babies to wake frequently at night. Did you know it’s actually developmentally normal for babies and toddlers to wake up at night until sometime around 2 or more years old?” 

Cousin Mel: “Are you still breastfeeding? How long are you going to let him do that?” 

You: “My doctor has encouraged us to continue breastfeeding as long as we are both still interested.  Breastmilk provides amazing nutrition and immune factors so I don’t want to limit it!” 

And mamas, don’t forget that PUMPING IS BREASTFEEDING! 

It’s still very possible to enjoy the holidays while also protecting your breastfeeding relationship!  If you need help preparing to breastfeed through the holiday season, reach out for a FREE consultation with one of our specially trained International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. You can also email us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com . From all of us here at Spectra Baby USA, “Happy Holidays! 

Exclusive Pumping: How To Get Started

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Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC 

Exclusive pumping or EP, as it is often referred to, is a term for providing breastmilk via expression rather than direct nursing.  Many mothers choose to exclusively pump for a multitude of reasons.  Most often, moms turn to EP because of latching or nursing difficulties which could include latching pain, milk transfer struggles, and weight gain concerns.  Often, these difficulties are a result of NICU stays or medical obstacles. Other mothers choose exclusive pumping because it fits their lifestyle and goals best.  Whatever the reason……PUMPING IS BREASTFEEDING!  If you’re considering EP, this guide can help you get off to a great start! 

Can I really make enough? Yes, you can!  It’s a myth that exclusive pumpers can’t make a full milk supply like their nursing counterparts.  In fact, many exclusive pumpers make MORE than enough milk for their babies.  Check out our recommendations below on how often and for how long to pump.  We also highly recommend reading up on Paced Bottle Feeding.  This feeding technique is essential for helping baby have more control of feedings and avoiding overfeeding.  HERE is a link to our blog all about Paced Bottle Feeding. Babies take an average of 25oz of breastmilk per day from ages 1-6 months old.  Typical pumping output for EP moms is 2-4 oz every 2-3 hours.  

Get to know your pump. Having a high quality, hospital strength, double, electric breast pump is a must!  We highly recommend our S1 and S2 models as they provide loads of customization, durability, and up to 270mmhg of suction. The S9+ is a fantastic model for on the go or as a “travel pump”.  It weighs only 0.5 pounds and provides up to 260mmhg of suction. No matter which pump you choose, it’s important to know the recommended settings, how to sterilize and clean the accessories, and which parts might need to be replaced at regular intervals.  You can find all this information and more in our Spectra Baby USA Learning Library and Mama Blog. You can even get personalized assistance, when getting to know your pump, by scheduling a free consultation with a Spectra IBCLC! 

How often and how long should I pump? If you’re pumping from the start, we recommend 8-12 sessions, of 15-20 minutes each, every 24 hours.  Research tells us that new mothers need at least 120 minutes of good quality nipple/breast stimulation per day to establish and maintain a full milk supply.  Most moms pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night. Prolactin levels peak during our deep sleep hours, so don’t miss those middle of the night pumps!  Frequently draining your breasts is key when building a supply.  Full breasts result in the buildup of a polypeptide known as Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL).  FIL does just what its name says and tells your breasts to slow down production if your breasts remain full too long.  As time goes by and your supply becomes more established, you will very likely be able to reduce pumping sessions.  

Check your flange size.  This topic gets a lot of traffic on social media, and for good reason!  Having the right flange size means more comfortable and efficient pumping.  Don’t suffer through weeks of pumping pain…..reach out!  Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants can help with sizing for free!  Check out our printable flange sizing guide and flange sizing blog post. We recommend waiting until after about 2 weeks postpartum to get sized. 

Set small goals.  Though your overall goal may be to pump until baby is at least one, setting smaller sub-goals can be super motivating!  Your first goal might be to EP for two weeks, then 1 month, then 3 months, then 6 months, and so on.  Every time you hit a goal, CELEBRATE!!!  You’re giving your baby an amazing gift and that absolutely deserves a bit of fanfare! 

Make it easier.  Hands free bras, all in one collection and feeding systems, tracker apps, extra pump parts, the Pitcher Method, and more can make the pump life easier.  Think about the most time consuming and inconvenient parts of pumping and consider ways to streamline. Connect with other EP moms for tips and hacks that can reduce frustration and time spent. 

Make a plan for storing milk.  The CDC has a printable handout listing the general milk storage recommendations.  We highly recommend printing it out and keeping it handy!  It’s also important to store milk in useable portion sizes.  Storing milk in 2oz and 3 oz portions often works well.  Consider how you will rotate your stash.  Many moms pump and refrigerate milk for the next day’s feedings while others pump and freeze milk while pulling from their oldest freezer stash. 

Connect with other EP moms! Exclusively pumping is tough, and having the right support can greatly influence your success!  Consider finding an IBCLC to help customize a pumping plan and to provide guidance for any obstacles you make face.  It’s 100% okay to vet your support system.  Ask potential IBCLC’s if they have experience supporting exclusive pumpers.  If a lactation or healthcare professional doesn’t seem supportive of your EP journey, switch to a new provider who does.  Connecting with other EP moms is also essential.  Look for local exclusive pumper support groups and consider joining our Exclusively Pumping SpectraMoms! Facebook group for tips, hacks, and tons of support. 

Exclusive pumping is an amazing gift for your little one!  We know that EP moms face unique challenges and we salute you!!!!  If you’re looking for help with pumping or just need a few words of encouragement along your journey, we’re here for you! Schedule a free pumping consultation with one of our Spectra IBCLCs HERE. 

Sources: 

Bonyata, K. (2018, January 02). Exclusive Pumping • KellyMom.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/ 

Bonyata, K. (2018, January 16). I’m not pumping enough milk. What can I do? • KellyMom.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/pumping_decrease/ 

Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2016). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. 

Mohrbacher, N. (2012, November 27). How Much Milk Should You Expect to Pump? Retrieved July 27, 2020, from http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2012/11/27/how-much-milk-should-you-expect-to-pump.html 

Sisters, Not Twins

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Breasts are asymmetrical which means they can come in different shapes and sizes. They can also vary from side to side too! They’re sisters not twins. In fact, it’s pretty common for breasts to be uneven by a cup size or less, and more than half of women have some variation between breast size. No matter the size and shape of your breasts and nipples, rest assured mamas they are perfect for your baby. 

Factors that contribute to shape and size
During puberty, a girl’s breasts will begin to bud right under the nipple. It’s not unusual for one breast to start to develop first. Breast unevenness during puberty is normal and usually improves over time. A person’s genetics, body fat, and age can all influence the shape of the breasts, areolae, and nipples. A few of the most common breast shapes include: bell shaped, athletic, slender or tear dropped shaped. Nipples can be elongated, short, wide, flat or inverted. Moms can even have a supernumerary or extra nipple! Breasts / nipples types can vary from side to side and can have a combination of types and features. 

Changes in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding 
The response to fluctuating hormone levels such as with pregnancy and breastfeeding can influence changes in breast characteristics. During the first trimester (1-12 weeks), as a mother’s body starts to prepare for breastfeeding, breasts can become tender and sensitive. This is usually the first indication a mom might think she’s pregnant…sore breasts. As estrogen and progesterone levels continue to rise, the size of the breasts will increase and moms can sometimes continue to feel tenderness and swelling as the months progress. Pregnant moms will notice as they get closer to delivery their nipples and areolae will begin to darken. Why does this happen? Pregnancy hormones can cause skin pigment to darken making the areola a direct bullseye to baby’s food source! Your breasts! 

The size of your nipples will also change when you begin to breastfeed. We recommend sizing your nipples about 1-2 weeks after delivery to find the right flange fit. Check out our sizing guide! It’s normal for nipple size to fluctuate throughout your breastfeeding journey especially when there are changes to your routine. Skipping the middle of the night pump, returning to work, or transitioning to exclusively pumping can be some examples that can impact the shape of your nipples. The return of menstruation can also cause tender or swollen breasts / nipples as well as temporary dips in supply. Resizing your nipple diameter and switching flanges sizes can be helpful to keep you pain free. 

But what about milk output? What’s normal? 
Babies between 1-6 month old will consume between 25-30 ounces per day of breastmilk. This is a great goal for moms exclusively pumping and wanting to keep up with baby’s intake. Moms who exclusively pump or pumping for a missed feed will see about 3-4 ounces (combined, both breasts) each pumping session. While moms who pump in addition to nursing at the breast will see about half (.5-2 oz , combined both breasts).

Pumping and Flange Sizing 
Breast and nipple size can vary on each side and it’s quite common for moms to respond differently with adjusting cycles on each side. It can be frustrating but quite common for one breast to produce more milk than the other. Do you notice one breast is producing significantly more than the other? Check out our previous blog When One Breast Produces More Than The Other. Sometimes moms will need to use different flanges on each side to accommodate and that’s OK! Maybe one side is more prone to clogged ducts or one nipple is more elastic. Troubleshooting the flanges can help! Lubricating with coconut oil can ease discomfort and create a better seal. Repositioning flanges while pumping may also be necessary to keep the nipple centered and milk flowing freely. Tip: Instead of double pumping, try single pumping for 15 minutes on each side while keeping it steady on expression 54. Try the other breast steady on expression 38. Vacuum is always to comfort. Is there a side that responded better? Single pumping allows for more concentration on one side and can help find your “magic Spectra number.” Don’t forget to use your hands before, during and after! 

It’s important to know the signs when something isn’t right. Perform routine self breast examinations and keep up with your yearly well checkups. Studies tell us, breast / nipple shape and size typically return back to normal after breastfeeding. Phew! That’s encouraging news! Remember mamas your breasts are sisters not twins! Your body is perfectly designed to create, birth and feed your baby. 

Got questions about flange sizing? Are you having pain when pumping? Connect with our free lactation services hosted by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. You’re not alone on your breastfeeding journey. We’re here for you and we support you! 

Sources:

de Holanda AA, Gonçalves AK, de Medeiros RD, de Oliveira AM, Maranhão TM. Ultrasound findings of the physiological changes and most common breast diseases during pregnancy and lactation. Radiol Bras. 2016;49(6):389-396. doi:10.1590/0100-3984.2015.0076

Butte NF, Garza C, Smith EO, Nichols BL. Human milk intake and growth in exclusively breast-fed infants. J Pediatr. 1984 Feb;104(2):187-95. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(84)80990-7. PMID: 6694010.

https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-shapes