Frequently Asked Questions:

This information is not meant to substitute for medical advice. If you feel your baby is having difficulty eating or aren't sure what you're experiencing is normal, call your pediatrician or call me to make an appointment to be seen the same day.

How often should I be breastfeeding my baby?
Newborn babies need to eat very frequently throughout the day. You should offer your baby the breast every two to two and a half hours during the day (counting from the beginning of one feeding, to the beginning of the next). There should be a maximum of one 3 hour break and one 4 hour break which should (preferably) take place in the middle of the night.

Should I wake my baby to eat?
Yes, frequent waking during the day will help your baby learn day from night and will help them learn to start sleeping longer stretches at night. They need to eat 8-12 times in 24 hours and, if left to their own devices, prefer to be up all night. Don't let them take their long breaks during the day or you'll be up all night.

What if my baby is eating all the time?
Babies typically eat every hour or so in the early evenings; this is called cluster feeding. They tank up (so to speak) like a camel getting ready to cross the desert. This frequent feeding prepares them for the long sleep which should be no more then 4 hours until they're back to birthweight.

When should my baby be sleeping through the night?
You should continue to wake your baby in the middle of the night (allowing them one 3 hour break and one 4 hour break) until they're back to their birthweight. Once back to birthweight (usually by 1-2 weeks), you can let them sleep as long as they want (max about 6 hours during the first month).

How do I know when to use different positions?
Alternate positioning and breasts, if possible, at every feed: football, cross cradle and side lying (the last position is a bit more difficult and should only be used if you're comfortable nursing while lying down). Think of your breast like the face of a clock and move around the hours; wherever your baby's chin points during a feeding is the area from which they get the most milk. Most of our milk is in the outside quadrant of the breast, so the football hold (with baby's chin pointing down or out) should be a primary position.

When should I see the baby's pediatrician or primary care practitioner?
All infants should be seen within 24-48 hours of hospital discharge. If your baby was born at home then he/she should be seen within the first 24 hours.

What is normal weight loss after birth?
All babies lose some weight after birth. It is not unusual for babies to lose between 3-7% of their birthweight. If baby loses more, between 7-10%, either a breastpump or a supplement may be necessary. When your milk increases (primary engorgement around day 3), your baby should start gaining an ounce a day.

What if my baby is not gaining weight?
This is one of the times you need to see a lactation consultant to check latch, milk supply, milk transfer, jaundice, etc. You may also need to rent a good hospital grade electric pump to help stimulate your milk supply.

How long should I pump? One breast or both breasts?
Always pump for 20 minutes and always both breasts at one time. You may need a custom pumping schedule to ensure both you and baby are maximizing your milk supply. This is where my services will help.

Is nursing for comfort OK?
Absolutely. In the early days (during the first 4-8 weeks), baby will be most comfortable on you, with you and next to you. If your breast offers comfort, why not?

My baby seems to be nursing all the time. Is this normal?
This is very normal as babies have a stomach the size of a golf ball and breastmilk is very easily digested (usually within 90 minutes). Your baby may be also be going through a growth spurt.

How soon can I give expressed breastmilk?
Breastfeeding should optimally be well established before offering a bottle. For some moms, for whatever reason, this may not be possible. In that case, a hospital grade electric pump and a Gerber Newborn Nuk nipple (Slow flow) B-6 month size will be the optimal way to give your baby expressed milk.

Can I use a pacifier?
Pacifiers should be used only after a full feeding but never instead of a feed or to hold off a feeding.

Is there a special breastfeeding diet?
No, when breastfeeding you can eat and drink whatever you want. Simply keep alcohol to moderation though (small amounts 2-3 times a week max), since baby gets whatever you eat or drink.

How do I know my baby is getting enough?
We're looking for a baby satisfied after feeding, that will drift off and sleep contentedly. You can also monitor the output by making sure baby is having at least 6-8 wet diapers a day and a minimum of one good yellow seedy or liquidy stool. There should always be moisture in the baby's mouth and he/she should not be irritable when being undressed or changed.

How long should it take to nurse my baby?
There are full feedings and there are snack nursings. Don't your eating times vary depending on what meal your eating? Baby may need a 5 minute snack (like you grabbing a cookie while passing through the kitchen) or take a full 40 minutes, both breasts and eating vigorously. It will vary throughout the day and you'll learn baby's pattern.

How can I tell when my baby's ready to nurse?
If you wait until baby is crying, that means you've missed all of his or her clues earlier on. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Try feeding routinely every two hours during the day but also paying close attention to early signs like: squirming, hands to the mouth, nuzzling, rooting, opening their mouths or sticking out their tongues.

How often should I burp my baby?
If baby keeps coming off the breast during a feed or squirming, stop and try burping. Otherwise, burp after each breast.