How long should I breastfeed my baby?
Many leading health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that most infants breastfeed for at least 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. This means that babies are not given any foods or liquids other than breast milk for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods (solid foods) are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.
How do I know if my baby is latching on correctly?
What do I do if my body is not producing enough milk?
If your body is not producing enough milk, there are ten easy steps that might help you.Learn more about producing milk. If you have concerns that you are not producing enough milk for your baby and you would like to speak to someone, please call the lactation office for assistance at 508-422-2960.
How do I pump or express milk?
Removing milk from your breasts is a learned skill, and the more you practice the easier it becomes. You can remove milk manually or with a breast pump. Expressing milk by hand is a useful skill to learn. It is free and you don't need special equipment. Learn more about pumping/expressing milk.
Does Milford Regional have breast pumps?
The Maternity Center at Milford Regional has hospital-grade electric breast pumps available to be used while you are in the hospital. We do not rent electric breast pumps. We do have electric breast pumps available for purchase. Call our lactation consultant at 508-422-2960 with questions or to place an order.
What details do I need to work out to continue to breastfeed when I return to work?
Are there any tips on ways dads can become involved with their babies during those first few months?
Most fathers are in favor of breastfeeding, but they also say it sometime makes them feel left out. Here are some tips that have helped other dads get involved with their babies right away.
If I become ill, should I stop breastfeeding my baby?
Some women think that when they are sick, they should not breastfeed. But most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, or diarrhea, can’t be passed through breast milk. In fact, if you are sick, your breast milk will have antibodies in it. These antibodies will help protect your baby from getting the same sickness.
Is it safe to continue to take my medications while breastfeeding?
Almost all medicines pass into your milk in small amounts, but most have no effect on the baby and can be used while breastfeeding. Very few medicines cannotbe used while breastfeeding. Discuss any medicines you are using with your doctor and ask before you start using new medicines. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements. For some women with chronic health problems, stopping a medicine can be more harmful than the effects it will have on the breastfed baby.
You can learn more from Medications and Mothers’ Milk, a book by Dr. Thomas Hale. This book can be found in bookstores and libraries, as well as in the lactation office at Milford Regional.
You may also call the Infant at Risk Hotline (806)-352-2519 or visit infantrisk.com.
