Breastfeeding Basics

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By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC 

Breastfeeding is natural and the biological norm for feeding babies, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy! We’ve got you covered with top tips for getting started and avoiding common pitfalls. 

The human breast continues to develop milk-making glands, ducts, and other structures involved with lactation throughout pregnancy. For this reason, it is normal to experience breast changes including an increase in size, increased sensitivity, darkening of the areola and nipple, and even leaking of colostrum in late pregnancy. These are all great signs that your body is getting ready to feed your baby! 

After baby is born (more specifically, after the placenta is delivered) mom’s body experiences a hormone shift that triggers the production of breast milk.  For the first few days, women’s bodies make a thick, sticky liquid called colostrum.  Colostrum is a POWERHOUSE of nutrients and bioactive immune factors the help seal up your baby’s gut and protect him or her from illnesses.  Colostrum is small in volume but is just what baby needs in the early days.  Due to its thick, sticky consistency, colostrum can be difficult to express with a breast pump.  Many moms have more success using hand expression.  Here’s a great video with more information on hand expression in the early days:  https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html  Newborn tummies are tiny and are made to stretch as mom’s milk supply increases in the initial postpartum period. 

Placing baby skin to skin with mom and offering unlimited access to the breasts can have a huge impact on later breastfeeding success.  Latching baby within the first hour is ideal.  However, not latching in the first hour doesn’t mean breastfeeding will be unsuccessful!  Breastfeeding is a new sensation but shouldn’t be painful.  If you’re experiencing pain with latching or pumping, reach out for help from an IBCLC.  Frequent nursing helps mom’s milk supply increase faster.  Mothers make transitional milk (often somewhat yellow, very nutritious breastmilk) until about 6 weeks postpartum when transitional milk becomes mature milk (often whiter and more abundant breastmilk). If baby is unable to latch or is not nursing effectively, it is imperative that mom begin pumping with a high quality, hospital grade breast pump.  Studies show that 120 minutes/24 hours of good quality nipple/breast stimulation is needed to bring in and maintain a full milk supply. A full milk supply (after about 6 weeks postpartum) is between 750ml and 1035ml. 

Newborns nurse often!  We often hear that babies should nurse at least 8-12 times in 24 hours, but it is also normal for them to nurse even more.  If your newborn is producing 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours and 3-4 dirty diapers in 24 hours, along with maintaining appropriate growth, then breastfeeding is likely going well! Remember, painful latching is a sign that something isn’t quite right even if baby is gaining weight well.   

If nursing is going well, there is no need to pump right away!  Many moms stress over when to add in pumping once they bring baby home.  In general, if nursing is going well, there is no need to add in pumping until around 4-6 weeks postpartum.  Pumping and nursing can lead to an oversupply of milk, and in-turn, increased risk of clogged ducts and mastitis.  However, many moms choose to introduce pumping as they anticipate returning to work soon after delivery.  If your baby requires a supplement, or if you are pumping milk for bottle feeding, Paced Bottle Feeding is key!  Check out this great demonstration for tips on avoiding overfeeding and helping baby transition from breast to bottle and back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K3O3grKusA 

Confidence is key!  Moms and babies are made to breastfeed!  If you are struggling with breastfeeding (pumping is breastfeeding too) or just need reassurance that things are going well, don’t hesitate to reach to an IBCLC for help!  Our IBCLCs are available to support you as well.  Email us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com or set up a virtual consultation at www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices .   

 

Sources: 

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 

Nursing Positions To Try With Your Newborn

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Mothers and babies learn to breastfeed by breastfeeding. Exploring different nursing positions can help lessen nipple pain, improve milk transfer and allow you to get more rest. Read on to discover some of our favorite breastfeeding holds to try with your new baby. 

First things first, start every feeding with skin to skin. Remove all pillows, blankets, and comforters nearby; this can make latching more cumbersome and difficult. Baby should only have a diaper and bare chest for the parent. Skin to skin helps engage baby’s inborn feeding behaviors and reflexes while contributing to a powerful hormone feedback system between mom and baby. Skin to skin is powerful! 

Laid – back
Breastfeeding in a reclining or laid-back position relaxes and stimulates reflexes in both mother and baby. Research shows mothers and babies have innate physical responses that are triggered with laid-back breastfeeding. Interestingly, mothers were found to stroke their baby’s feet at just the right time during latching and feeding, which triggers the release of the lip and tongue for a deeper, more nutritive latch. Babies feed using their whole bodies, not just their heads and mouth. Your nurs-ling is looking for a place to anchor their chin, push with their toes, and feel the warmth of their natural environment – mommy’s chest! 

Side-lying 
Mastering the Side-Lying Breastfeeding position can help you recover from a difficult labor or cesarean delivery and can naturally improve blood circulation as you recover from childbirth. Start lying down side by side with your baby. You should be facing each other – belly to belly. Your baby’s mouth should be even with your nipple. Next, lift your arm under your head and, with your other arm, cradle your baby on the back of the neck to assist them to the breast if needed. Cradling your baby with the opposite arm can keep your newborn close, preventing turning and unlatching from the breast. Baby’s arm should always be hugging the breast. 

Football 
Cradle your baby by supporting the back of the neck with the same arm you will be latching to the breast. With the opposite hand, lift your breast to aim your nipple above the baby’s nose. Wait for your baby to “gape” or open wide and quickly bring your baby towards you. Pillows should be used only to support YOUR arms and back, not the baby. 

Koala
Feeding your newborn in an upright position can lessen reflux and manage an overactive or forceful letdown. Sometimes called the koala hold, your newborn will latch to your breast, sitting up while straddled on your thigh or knee. Baby’s spine and head should remain upright throughout the feeding. With proper support, this position can easily be done with newborns and can be a convenient way to nurse older babies too! 

Practice these four simple to-do nursing positions that will ensure your baby is growing and thriving from your super milk. Remember that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” No matter if you are nursing at the breast, exclusively pumping or supplementing with formula – it’s still breastfeeding! We’re here to support you and offer any help we can as you navigate your breastfeeding journey. 

Email us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com or set up a free consultation with one of our IBCLCs at www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices. 

 

Sources

Milinco, M., Travan, L., Cattaneo, A. et al. Effectiveness of biological nurturing on early breastfeeding problems: a randomized controlled trial. Int Breastfeed J 15, 21 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-020-00261-4

Positioning. La Leche League International. (2020, August 6). https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/positioning/. 

Unboxing the S1 and S2

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With so many breast pump options, it can be overwhelming to make a final choice to meet your specific breastfeeding needs. Before you decide on the perfect breast pump for you and your baby, you’ll need to consider a couple of factors like where and how often you will be pumping. No matter your breastfeeding journey, all Spectra baby USA Electric Breast Pumps offer high quality and amazing comfort. Read on to learn more about Spectra’s most popular breast pumps, the S1/S2 Plus! 

Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump

The Spectra S2 Plus is a hospital-strength, closed system pump that allows for single or double pumping. With a suction strength of 270mmHg, it has 12 adjustable expression vacuum levels and 5 cycle speed settings. Massage Mode is also customizable with up to 5 levels of vacuum suction to help effectively elicit let-down. The S2 Plus is the perfect pump for moms who regularly express their milk or exclusively pump.  The multi-phase “suckle” makes pumping with the S2 feel comfortable and stimulates a more natural milk flow. The Spectra S2 Plus is a top choice for many breastfeeding moms and is covered by most health insurance plans. 

The Spectra S2  Plus Features include: 

  • Closed Pumping System with Backflow Protection
  • Single or Double Pump capability
  • Customizable Dual-Phase Settings with Adjustable Suction 
  • Hospital Strength at 270 mmHg
  • Weighs 2.5 lbs
  • Soothing 2 level illumination light 
  • Touch screen LCD with timer control 
  • ( 2 ) Years Warranty

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump 

A favorite among exclusive pumping moms, the Spectra S1 Plus includes all the features and functions of the S2 Plus in addition to a rechargeable battery!  The freedom of outlet-free pumping is often offered with a reasonable upgrade charge through health insurance plans.  Countless moms have reported the additional cost of the S1 as being “worth every penny!”  It’s no doubt that the 3-hour battery life delivers convenience that can make a pumping mom’s life easier, and when you’re already juggling a thousand things, convenience really does matter. Unplugging this pump doesn’t compromise suction like some other battery-powered pumps. You still get up to 270mmHg of suction, whether plugged or unplugged! If you want a portable and discreet pumping experience anywhere, the Spectra S1 Plus is the way to go! 

The Spectra S1 Plus Features include: 

  • Closed Pumping System with Backflow Protection
  • Single or Double Pump capability
  • Customizable Dual-Phase Settings with Adjustable Suction 
  • Hospital Strength 270 mmHg
  • Weighs 3 lbs
  • Soothing 2 level illumination light 
  • Touch screen LCD with timer control 
  • Rechargeable 3-hour battery life
  • ( 2 ) Years Warranty 

The Spectra S1 / S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump BPA Free Accessories:

  • Two (2) 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
  • Two (2) 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges
  • Two (2) Spectra Tubing
  • Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves
  • Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
  • Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each bottle
  • One (1) Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter 

Does your health insurance plan cover a Spectra pump? Learn more here. Can’t decide on which Spectra Breast Pump is right for you? Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants today! We’re here for you and we support you! 

Milk Supply: What’s Normal?

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By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC 

Moms want what is best for their babies and are often concerned they won’t make adequate milk throughout the breastfeeding process.  Couple that concern with daily social media posts about huge freezer stashes and 10+ oz. pumping sessions and moms can get full on anxiety about whether their production is “normal”.  Don’t worry mamas!  We’re here to let you know what a full milk supply looks like and to hopefully calm your fears about just how much milk you’re likely going to need. 

THE AVERAGE BREASTMILK INTAKE FOR A BABY FROM 1 MONTH TO 6 MONTHS IS 25oz. PER DAY.  Research tells us that the range is from about 19oz to 30oz. per day.  Milk production usually peaks at around 40 days postpartum as well. Medically speaking, a full milk supply ranges from 750ml –1035ml per day. It’s also normal for this amount to fluctuate from day to day.  It’s normal to see pumping output fluctuate from session to session as well.  

FOR MOMS WHO ARE PRIMARILY DIRECTLY NURSING THEIR INFANTS, TYPICAL PUMPING OUTPUT CAN RANGE FROM 0.5 oz to 2 oz. PER SESSION. We talk to so many moms whose babies have been growing and thriving while nursing at the breast, but then mom becomes concerned when her first pumping session only yields about an ounce from both breasts combined.  We can literally hear the relief in their voices when we tell them that THIS IS NORMAL!  Mamas, you don’t have to be pumping 5-10 oz per session to be successful at breastfeeding!  The amount you can pump is not necessarily an indicator of the amount your body is making.  Pumping is a learned skill that takes time to develop for many moms. Take cues from your baby….if they’re growing well and making adequate wet and dirty diapers, chances are you’re making the perfect amount of milk for them.   

EXCLUSIVELY PUMPING MOMS TYPICALLY SEE A PUMPING OUTPUT OF 2oz. – 4oz. EVERY 2-3 HOURS. Pumping is a learned skill and can take some time to get used to.  The above output range is for moms whose supply is established (after 40 days postpartum).  Unfortunately, some moms have been told that exclusive pumping will not allow them to make a full milk supply.  This is just not true, mamas!  With a high-quality, hospital strength pump, a consistent pumping schedule, and well fitted flanges, moms can make a full milk supply (and more) with exclusive pumping. 

While it’s true that most women can make a full milk supply, it’s also true that a small percentage cannot.  If you suspect you have low milk supply or just need reassurance that things are going well, don’t hesitate to reach out to an IBCLC. Our Spectra Baby USA IBCLCs are here to help with free virtual consultations.  Click HERE to schedule. We can also help via email at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com  Happy pumping, mamas! 

 

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