Breastfeeding

For more information regarding breastfeeding, visit Lactation services at UT Medical Center.

Breastfeeding can be enormously beneficial to both you and your baby. Here is a short list explaining why.

Benefits for your baby

• Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs in an ideal form
• Breast milk provides the baby with some of the mother’s antibodies against disease
• Breast milk is easily digestible and always the right temperature
• Breast milk protects against allergies and diarrhea
• Nursing promotes correct teeth, jaw and speech development
• Breast milk reduces the risk of obesity and type I diabetes

Benefits for you

• A hormone that helps the uterus contract to its normal size is released during nursing
• Nursing helps you lose weight gained during pregnancy more quickly
• Nursing is by far the most convenient way to feed a baby
• Nursing provides a special way to bond with your baby
• A hormone that gives you a feeling of well-being is released during nursing

After your baby is born, it’s a good idea to try and nurse right away. The first milk that your baby will receive, colostrum, is especially rich in antibodies and nutrients. About two days after delivery, your milk will come in – your breasts may feel hard and tender. As your baby empties your breasts, the discomfort will disappear, and your breasts will make more milk. At first, they may make too much milk, so that your breasts leak or become tender again. As you continue to nurse, however, your breasts will adjust to make the right amount of milk needed – regardless of whether you’re nursing one baby, twins or triplets.

Most newborns eat eight to 12 times each day. It’s best to try to notice when your baby is getting hungry before he or she starts to cry – once a newborn cries, it’s overhungry and sometimes can’t feed as well. Make sure your baby is swallowing milk – occasionally babies suck but don’t get much milk. You can listen for your baby’s swallowing – and if your baby has at least six wet diapers per day, you can be reasonably confident he or she is getting enough milk. If not, ask your doctor for guidance.

Not all mothers find that breastfeeding their infants comes naturally. Sometimes both mother and baby have a hard time establishing breastfeeding – which can be frustrating. There are various factors that can contribute to this problem – when the baby was given bottles for a few days before having a chance to breastfeed, for example. Usually, a brief consultation with a lactation expert is all that’s needed to get you started. If breastfeeding isn’t going smoothly for you and your baby, ask your doctor for help.

Expressing or Pumping

Breastmilk can be removed from the breast by hand expression or by a breast pump. Hand expression is used by mothers when their breasts are too full for the baby to latch on.

Expressing just enough milk to soften the nipple and areola allows your baby to latch on and nurse effectively. Some women like to express just a few drops of colostrum or milk at the beginning of each feeding. This reassures them that they have some milk and it gives your baby an immediate taste, to encourage them to continue suckling. Remember to always wash your hands well prior to expressing milk and the nipples should be washed with plain water before beginning expression.

Breast pumps are also used to express milk for your baby. Not everyone needs a pump.

There are so many different types of breast pumps on the market; and many of them are not very good. You can also spend a lot of money on a breast pump and it may not be the right one for you. If you do use a breast pump make sure all parts are cleaned well with hot and soapy water after each use.

We suggest you talk to a lactation consultant before you purchase a pump. She can help you decide what pump is best for your situation and budget.

If you are separated from your baby, he is having difficulty learning to nurse, or he is very sleepy, the lactation consultant will assist you with the use of a hospital-grade breast pump. This will stimulate your milk to come in, so that your body is ready when your baby starts nursing. Any colostrum or milk that you pump can be given to your baby with a small spoon or cup. Remember to avoid the use of bottles at this time. Your colostrums and breastmilk is like precious medicine for your baby and we encourage you to pump for this reason.

When you are at home and more comfortable with breastfeeding, try introducing your baby to a bottle. You may want to pump between some of your feedings and store your milk in the freezer to use in a bottle. This will guarantee your baby has breastmilk when you have to be away from your baby or dad wants to give a feeding.

For working mothers, professional grade or hospital grade pumps are the most convenient. “Double pumping” with these pumps, removes the milk easily and fast. Most women have a 15 minute break to pump and store their milk. These pumps can get the job done so you can return to work quickly.

Remember, the best pump in the world is your baby. Your baby “milks” the milk out and can get more milk from your breasts than any pump on the market. Learning to be patient and relaxed is the key to learning to pump. With time, your body will respond to the pump and “let-down” your milk for collection

Returning To Work

Breastfeeding after you return to work is possible and very rewarding. With careful planning and a good breast pump, you will find many benefits to you and your employer!
For example

• You will be a happy, healthier employee with a happy, healthier baby.
• You will have no formula costs and less sick doctor visits, so you’ll save money.
• Your employer will likely save money on medical insurance claims and prescription costs.
• Your employer will save money because you will probably miss fewer days from work than a mother who formula feeds her baby.
• You will reap all the benefits of breastfeeding for a longer period of time.

Be sure to discuss your needs with your employer and pediatrician while you are pregnant. By law, your employer should be supportive of breastfeeding and allow you the time and place to pump or express your milk. Your employer may need information about breastmilk storage and safe methods for breastfeeding in the work place. Planning ahead makes it easier for everyone.

Even if you return to work, you can continue to nurse your baby before and after work hours, and on your days off. Babies adjust well to new schedules. It is an easier adjustment for you, too. Going back to work and leaving your baby is very hard. It helps to know that you are still providing the best nutrition for your baby. And at the end of your day, only you can snuggle, nurse and have that immediate bond with your baby. It is a wonderful experience.

Breastmilk Collection and Storage

Breastmilk expression and storage is easy and convenient. It allows you to give your baby the best food in the world. When you first express milk, you will probably express only small amounts. Cool the milk in the refrigerator, and add it to the same refrigerated container throughout the day. Avoid adding warm milk to already cool milk. Expressed breastmilk differs in color, consistency, and scent depending on your diet. You will notice that stored milk separates into layers and the cream rises to the top. Gently swirl warmed bottles of expressed milk to mix the layers when preparing to feed.

Many women use collection-storage-freezer bags designed for breastmilk. You may use glass or hard plastic bottles as well. Write the date on a piece of masking tape on the bag or bottle. Always place the individual bags or bottles into another safe container to prevent accidental punctures and place the container in the back of the freezer, in the coldest section.

• Store milk in 2-5 oz. portions. Small amounts will thaw more quickly.
• Never microwave breastmilk.
• Fresh breastmilk can safely be stored at room temperature for up to 8 hours, if you know you are going to use it. If you are not sure, place it in the refrigerator. Milk is safe to use up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. If you’re not going to use the milk within
• 48 hours, place it in the freezer.
• Breastmilk can be safely stored in the freezer for 3 months. You know your freezer is cold enough, if ice cream stays firm. (AAP guidelines)
• If you have a deep freezer, breastmilk can be stored for up to 6 months. Always use the oldest dated milk first. (AAP guidelines)
• Thawed breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Never refreeze thawed milk. You can thaw breastmilk in a bowl of warm water.
• Consult a certified lactation consultant for any questions.

For more information about Lactation Services or any other childbirth concerns or needs, please call 865.305.9300.