If you want to nurse your baby,
we would want you to be as successful as possible.
We have Certified Lactation Counselors on staff,

Kellie Kelbaugh, RN, CLC and Jennifer Majors, RN, CLC

Contact them at 919-544-5900
Make an appointment at 919-488-4094

Top 10 tips for making breastfeeding work for you

10. Realistic expectations. Many women expect to be able to get a baby on a schedule. Often time newborns are unpredictable. Realistically, moms should pay attention to the babies feeding cues and feed on demand rather than on a schedule. Just be patient and before you know it your baby will be sleeping well and seem to develop a feeding pattern.

9. Know that you are giving your baby the best. Your milk has been specifically designed to nourish your baby. Breast milk contains so many natural elements that formula will never be able to mimic. It contains antibodies to protect you child against illnesses. Studies have shown repeatedly that IQ scores are higher in children who were breastfed. Breast milk also has growth factors and enzymes, which aid in proper digestion, resulting in fewer occurrences of constipation and/or diarrhea. This really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits breastfeeding provides a baby.

8. Take a prenatal breastfeeding class. Having a base of knowledge is useful before you start any new task, hobby, or job. Breastfeeding is no different. If you have an idea of what to expect, have been instructed on techniques, and how to head off specific problems, your chances of being successful go through the roof! It is such a great way for dads to learn how they can help and support you.

7. Talk with your friends and family. Find out which of your friends or family members breastfed. Ask them about it-was it easy? What kind of problems did they have? What did they love about it? Why did they choose to breastfeed? If you have friends or family that you are really comfortable with and they are still breastfeeding, ask them if you can see how the baby latches and observe.

6. Know your resources. There are so many wonderful resources for breastfeeding moms. There are websites devoted to breastfeeding such as www.kellymom.com. There are many local resources as well as support groups. La Leche League and Nursing Mothers of Raleigh have support groups and meetings. WIC has some great programs and resources as well as Wake County Health services.

5. Take care of you. Make sure you are eating a well balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Try to rest when your baby sleeps if you don’t have a lot of help at home. The housework can always wait!

4. Know when it is okay to give a bottle or pacifier. We aren’t anti-bottle or anti- pacifier, but keep in mind that in the early weeks these can cause you unnecessary headaches and feeding difficulties. Giving bottles early on can cause a baby to refuse the breast. It is much easier for a baby to get milk out of a bottle than out of the breast. Babies are smart-if there is an easier way to get food, then they are going to take that option. We do understand that sometimes mom needs a rest and dad may want to feed the baby, or mom may have to go back to work early so you must give a bottle. It is recommended that bottles not be introduced until baby is very effective at latching and feeding at the breast, usually when baby is 5-6 weeks old. Pacifiers can cause some nipple confusion as well, but the main concern with pacifiers is they often mask early feeding cues.

Many babies are quiet with a pacifier in their mouth but they may really be hungry. It is very important not to use a pacifier to stretch the amount of times between feedings. Pacifiers are usually okay to give once the parents are familiar with baby’s feeding cues and the baby is gaining weight well.

3. Know the signs that your baby has had a good feeding. One of the biggest concerns with breastfeeding is that moms aren’t able to visualize how much milk the baby is taking in. Many eventually switch to bottles to calm their anxieties and know how much baby is taking in. There are many ways to know that your baby is feeding well. The number of wet and dirty diapers, weight gain, how your breasts feel after the feeding, and how the baby behaves after the feeding are all ways to know if your feedings are successful.

2. See a lactation consultant before things get frustrating or difficult. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Make sure you see the lactation consultants in the hospital and ask your nurses lots of questions! They are trained as well to assist with breastfeeding and know plenty of tips and tricks. Once you have left the hospital, make an appt. to see one of the lactation nurses at Growing Child if breastfeeding is anything less than perfect. Even if things are going well, it may benefit to sit with a lactation nurse to discuss any questions or concerns you have and to get extra tips on how to make the most of breastfeeding.

1. Patience is key. Right after you have your baby, you will be exhausted and feel many emotions. It is often a roller coaster. As parents, we expect that we will be able to do everything based in instinct. Sometimes breastfeeding can be difficult and trying. Try to remember that it is a learning experience for mom, dad, and baby. None of you have done this before. Patience is so very important because with time and effort, and using your resources, most are able breastfeed successfully! Breastfeeding can be so rewarding and a wonderful bonding experience.