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Home > Patient Information > Service Listing > Buffalo > Lactation

Lactation Consultant Services

Guide to Breastfeeding

A Healthy Start Makes the Difference

Lactation Helpline: 716/857-4401
Lactation Pager: 716/448-8107
Board-certified lactation consultants are here to help you with breastfeeding or lactation. They are:
Carolyn Putzbach, RNC, IBCLC
Margaret Furlong, RN, IBCLC

Feeding Cues

The best time to nurse a baby is before the baby cries.

Signs to look for include:

  • Baby opening mouth, turning head side to side.
  • Putting hands to mouth / sucking on fingers.
  • Baby moving around in the crib.

Frequency

Early and frequent nursing of the baby brings mom's milk in faster. Attempt to breastfeed the baby every 1.5-3 hours during the day (8-12 times in 24 hours) .

Latching Baby Onto the Breast

Correct latch-on helps prevent sore nipples, enables baby to get on more of the areola and compresses the milk sinuses to get the colostrum/milk.

  • Support breast with thumb on top, fingers underneath, well behind the areola.
  • Tickle baby's lower lip with nipple; encourages the baby to open mouth wide.
  • Football or cross-cradle hold works best for newborns (support baby's head with opposite hand).
  • Any pain or pinching: take baby off and relatch onto the breast.
  • Hand expressing a few drops of colostrom or milk onto the nipple can stimulate baby to latch on.
  • May take several attempts - be patient!

Proper Positioning

Prevents sore nipples and effectively empties the breast.
  • Baby and mom should be tummy-to-tummy.
  • Use pillow to bring baby up to the breast.


Signs That Your Baby Is Breastfeeding Well

  • Baby is nursing every 2-3 hours.
  • Baby has a minimum of 6-8 wet diapers and 2-3 yellow seedy stools within 24 hours after your milk comes in.
  • Baby is content after nursing.
  • Baby is gaining weight, approximately 1/4 to 1 ounce per day.
  • Baby has normal skin color.

Sore Nipples

  • If breastfeeding is painful, then break the suction and relatch baby onto the breast.
  • Breast shells (plastic shells with multiple air holes) or "Soothies®"(hydrogel pads) may be worn.
  • Apply colostrum/ breastmilk to the areola/ nipple after feedings (it has natural lubrication and healing properties).
  • May apply Lansinoh® or PureLanTM ointment in a thin layer after nursing. Does not need to be wiped off prior to next feeding.
  • Contact the lactation consultant if pain persists or if nipples are cracked or bleeding.

Breast Engorgement

  • Usually lasts only 24-36 hours.
  • Can be prevented by not missing a feeding and making sure baby is swallowing.
  • Can be prevented by frequent breastfeeding (every 1.5-2 hours).
  • Help reduce swelling by applying cold compresses for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
  • Can alternate putting cold green cabbage leaves and ice to the breasts.
  • Hand express or pump just enough to soften the areola.

Leaking of Breastmilk

More common in first few months.

  • Apply pressure with heel of your hand or fists while your forearms are crossed in front of you to prevent leaking.
  • Carry an extra sweater with you to cover any wet marks.
  • Wear washable breast pads.

How to Wake a Sleepy Baby

  • Skin-to-skin contact.
  • Undress baby.
  • Attempt to burp baby; change diaper.
  • Sit baby up and rub your hand up the spine.
  • Apply cool washcloth to face.
  • Hand express some colostrum/breast milk onto nipple for baby to smell and taste.

Growth Spurts

  • At 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months.
  • Baby may want to breastfeed more often for about 24-36 hours. This helps increase your milk supply to meet the baby's new demands. Try not to give supplemental formula during this time.

Prenatal Vitamins

Continue your prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. It helps ensure adequate nutrition. Try to eat a sensible, well-balanced diet; an additional 500 calories a day are needed to make milk.

Weaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life. Many cultures breastfeed for several years. This is an individual preference and weaning should occur when it is best for both mom and baby.

Obtain breastfeeding support from your partner, friends, family, lactation consultant, obstetrician and pediatrician. Breastfeeding should be pain-free and enjoyable.

Congratulations on giving your baby a healthy start in life!