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Finding a Breastfeeding Friendly Pediatrician

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Breastmilk is a living substance loaded with nutrients, antibodies, and vitamins, providing the perfect nutrition composition for your growing baby. Experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or as long as the mother and baby desire. Some mothers exclusively express breastmilk for their babies, while others prefer to nurse directly at the breast. No matter how you decide to provide breastmilk for your baby, you will give them the very best start by feeding them your precious breastmilk. 

The pediatrician you choose for your baby will significantly impact your breastfeeding journey. Some pediatricians are more knowledgeable about breastfeeding than others, and it’s recommended for expectant parents to interview candidates for their baby’s doctor during pregnancy. Read on for questions you can ask and the answers you should look to receive. 

What percentage of babies are breastfed in your office?

The national breastfeeding rates published by the CDC depict that 45% of infants are exclusively breastfed at 3 months, and about 25% are fed only breastmilk at 6 months. Your pediatrician’s practice should have a high breastfeeding rate, but don’t be discouraged if they don’t know the current national breastfeeding statistics. However, they should know the average of breastfed infants in their office and be willing to listen and support you on your breastfeeding goals. 

Do you work with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) should any problems arise?

The IBCLC credential is the gold standard in lactation care, providing skilled, evidence-based breastfeeding support. Access to an IBCLC at your pediatrician’s office will make a big difference. It tells the pediatrician understands your concerns and values specialized lactation care for their patients. 

How much breastmilk should my newborn consume daily?

Breastfed babies consume between 25-30 ounces per day. The amount your baby will consume stays consistent for the first 6 months. If you are exclusively pumping, aim for that total, and if you are nursing and pumping about half (12-15 ounces). 

What growth charts do you use in your practice? 

Breastfed babies should not be compared to formula-fed babies. Research shows breastfed babies are leaner over time and grow in different patterns than their formula counterparts. Breastfed babies should be measured on the WHO growth charts, NOT the CDC growth charts. You can download a free WHO growth chart here. Remember, percentiles are just a comparison with your baby among 100 other babies. If your baby is not growing as quickly as their peers, it doesn’t necessarily mean feeding is an issue. Genetics should be considered, and seeking advice from an IBCLC. 

When is supplementation medically necessary, and how should it be given?

On average, your baby should not lose over 10% of their birth weight and be back at their birth weight at 2 weeks. If your baby requires supplementation, your pediatrician’s first advice should be to breast pump and provide breastmilk as a supplementation in addition to nursing directly at the breast. Alternative feeding techniques like a cup, spoon, or syringe should be suggested instead of bottle feeding. If bottle feeding is preferred, the paced bottle technique is the best way to feed your newborn with a bottle. 

When do you recommend introducing solids?

AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, introducing solids at 6 months, and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or as long as mother and baby desire. Your baby does not need any other food, water, or juice – only breastmilk for the first 6 months. 

When do you recommend weaning from breastfeeding?

The answer here should be until mother and baby desire. There is no specific timeline for weaning, and every family should make a personal decision on when to discontinue breastfeeding. Studies show there are benefits to breastfeeding at one year and beyond. Breastmilk continues to be a source of nutrients, antibodies, and vitamins through toddlerhood and early childhood. 

Be prepared and educate yourself before you begin breastfeeding. Finding a pediatrician that supports your decision to breastfeed is important and can influence the achievement of your breastfeeding goals. If your pediatrician is not supportive of breastfeeding, you can always opt for a second opinion. You are your baby’s advocate. 

Need help getting started with breastfeeding? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Spectra Baby USA IBCLC here. 

We’re here for you, and we support YOU! 

Source:

Kellams, A., Harrel, C., Omage, S., Gregory, C., & Rosen-Carole, C. (2017). ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate, Revised 2017. Breastfeeding Medicine, 12(4), 188–198. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2017.29038.ajk

All About The Simple Store Milk Collection Kit

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Our new Spectra Simple Store Milk Collection Kit makes pumping, storing, and feeding as easy as 1-2-3! This innovative technology allows breastmilk to be pumped directly into BPA-free collection bags for simple storage and bottle feeding. Spectra’s easy-to-use breastmilk storage system is convenient for busy parents and prevents the exposure of germs that are often present when transferring milk from one storage solution to the next. Assembly is intuitive, clean, fast, and simple. Always keep your milk safe and ready to use with The Spectra Simple Store Milk Collection Kit.

What’s included? 

The Simple Store Milk Collection Kit includes one bottle connector and (10 ct) 200mL milk collection bags. The connector adapts to a Spectra flange when pumping, and seamlessly converts as a bottle with a wide neck cap and nipple (wide neck cap and nipple sold separately). If you are double breast pumping, you will need two Simple Store Milk Collection Kits. Replacement collection bags (30 ct) are available here.  

How does it all work? Easy as 1-2-3! 

Step 1 Pump 
First, remove and set aside the small plastic cap from the collection bag. Next, use the bottle connector included to attach your Spectra flange to the collection bag. Last, sit back, relax, and double breast pump for 15-20 minutes with a hands-free bra to save even more time! 

Step 2  Store
Seal the collection bag with the small plastic cap you set aside prior. Your milk is now ready to be frozen or refrigerated for later use. Learn more on milk storage guidelines here. Expert tip! Remove excess air by gently squeezing the collection bag and freeze flat to optimize space. Use a plastic bin or an empty soda can box to organize your frozen milk stash. 

Step 3 Feed
It’s simple! Feed your baby right from the collection bag. First, twist on the bottle connector. Then, connect the wide neck cap and nipple. All set and ready! Time for a feeding. 

All Spectra Milk Collection Bags are double lined and provide a strong seal ensuring leak-free insulation families can count on. Collection bags come with a built-in temperature sensor, displaying when breastmilk is perfect for your baby. 

Have more questions about The Simple Store Collection Kit? Email us at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com.

Happy pumping! 

 

 

I Think I Want to Use a Breast Pump. Now What?

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by Bonne Dunham. IBCLC

Ok, you are making milk and you want to pump…now what?  What kind of pump do I use? How often should I be pumping and when? How much milk should I expect to see come out? These are just a few of the many questions that new mothers often ask when taking their first journey down Pumping Lane. You are not alone!  Here are some tidbits that should help with this journey.

What kind of pump should I use?  Not all pumps are created equally.  When selecting a pump, you need to ask yourself what kind of use you will want from it; will you be an occasional user or a daily user?  For the occasional-use-mother, who plans on pumping once or twice a week, a manual pump, also called a hand pump, might be a reasonable and affordable choice.  For the regular-use-mother who is planning to use the pump daily while away at work or school, an efficient, electric double pump will likely be the best pump choice.

A hospital strength pump is a more powerful machine; it’s the Cadillac of pumps! It is oftentimes issued by a Lactation Consultant as a multi-user pump or obtained through insurance as a personal use pump.  This pump is used to help mothers build a milk supply when separated from their babies, as in, preterm deliveries or when baby needs to spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  There are a handful of other maternal health conditions that make it more difficult for a woman to make milk. A hospital grade pump might be a good option if you fall into this category. Speaking with an IBCLC for specific guidance in these scenarios would be the best option.

How often should I be pumping and when?  If you are planning on exclusively pumping, then you will want to pump at least 8-12 times a day to keep your milk supply up, especially until your baby starts on solids.  If you are breastfeeding and hoping to create a milk stash, here are some tips for you:

The bottom line is, you can pump whenever you have a free, and often hard to come by, moment. If you want to maximize your pumping output, pumping in the morning hours when  milk supply is at its highest is the best time. Waiting about 30-60 minutes after a breastfeeding session is ideal. Pumping once or twice a day is often enough if you are looking to make your storage stash, but if you are separated from your baby for whatever reason, you will want to try to pump as often as your baby may have fed during that time. This often looks like every 3 hours or so.

How long should I pump each time?  Most moms need to pump for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 20-30 minutes is the simple answer. It’s always a good idea to pump 5-7 minutes past the last drop of milk.

How much milk will I be able to pump?  A good thing to know is that if you are pumping between breastfeeding sessions, the average mom will express between 1-3 ounces per session combined breasts  (not per breast).  If you are pumping in lieu of a missed feeding, expect to pump around 3-4 ounces. Keep in mind that this amount can vary based on your breast storage capacity.  If your pumping output is less than this and you are concerned, please reach out to a qualified lactation consultant to help you troubleshoot your concern.

Try not to compare yourself to your friends or co-workers, as some mothers may be able to express far more than the average bear. Every ounce is precious and pumping output is not a good indication of milk supply. So, always seek professional guidance from a trained specialist in the area of lactation (IBCLC).  You can find a Spectra Certified IBCLC near you here.

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