I Need Help Breastfeeding! Answers to Common Questions
I Need Help Breastfeeding! Answers to Common Questions, authored by Sara Skiles
Many parents know: breastfeeding isn't always effortless! You might have a lot of questions and concerns. You might be experiencing pain. Whatever the situation may be, support and information are valuable while you learn how to breastfeed and at Wichita Doula we are delighted to provide both.
So, here are some common breastfeeding questions and our answers!
Q: When will my milk “come in”?
A:
Although you will have colostrum (the first milk) in your breasts during pregnancy and right after birth, mature milk won't start to come in until approximately
3-4 days postpartum.
Q: What if I don't have enough milk?
A:
This is a very common fear among parents, so thankfully there is an easy way to find out if your baby is getting enough breastmilk. You can count the number of wet and dirty diapers your baby makes in a 24-hour period – a new baby should make 5-6 wet diapers during that time, as well as 1 dirty diaper for each day of life up to day 4. (Day 1 – 1 dirty diaper, Day 2 – 2 dirty diapers)
You can also take your baby to a lactation clinic and weigh the baby, have a feeding, and weigh again.
If the baby is showing signs of not getting enough milk, you should talk to your lactation professional and pediatrician to work on a plan for increasing supply and/or supplementation.
Q: My baby wants to nurse all the time, is that normal?
A:
Long feedings, frequent feedings, and “cluster feeding” (near-constant nursing for long periods of the day, typically the evening) are all
normal parts of breastfeeding a young baby.
Some of the common growth spurt times where you may especially notice some of these feeding pattern variations are at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4-6 weeks.
Q: How can I tell if my medications are safe for breastfeeding?
A:
Although many medications are safe for breastfeeding, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor and do some research to be sure.
and
are some good resources to start with.
Q: If my breasts are no longer engorged or feeling full to the touch, does that mean my milk supply has diminished?
A:
No – after 6-12 weeks of breastfeeding, it's normal for your breasts to start feeling softer after they learn to adjust to the specific needs of your baby.
You may also notice less leaking.
This all means that your breasts have learned how much milk your baby needs, so as not to overproduce.
Q: Are there breastfeeding support groups in Wichita?
A:
Yes! You can find support for your breastfeeding journey at local
Wichita La Leche League meetings,
at the lactation clinics of
and
, and our Facebook group,
Sedgwick County Pregnancy Support Group.
Looking for breastfeeding support in Wichita? Our trained labor and
can help you troubleshoot or refer you to an appropriate professional.
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Source: New feed