Breastfeeding Questions
We want to know your breastfeeding concerns and questions. In August we want to help and support you in making good choices for your baby, helping you get out and about and feeling comfortable about breastfeeding whereever you are.
Do you have any questions to ask us?
I am a labor and delivery nurse/doula as well as a Registered Lactation Consultant. I would be happy to contribute to your efforts in advising moms and dads.
Hi Barbara.
Thank you. Your help and advice will be greatly appreciated. Please look out for posts over the next month on our blog.
Thanks Barbara. Your advice will be greatly appreciate. Please look out for posts on our Blog throughout the month.
Here is a question sent to me today by a mom who has some concerns about breastfeeding. Can anyone offer her some advice?
“My breastfeeding concern is that I have extremely small breasts, Will I be able to breastfeed and if so will I also be able
produce enough milk for my baby?”
Another question from a mummy about breastfeeding. This is from Layla:
“My biggest worry at the moment is should I buy a breast pump, and if so, which one?
This keeps me awake at night, as baby is due in September, and I am unsure if I should buy a manual or electric pump. I’ve also read comments on the internet about pumps, some good and some bad.”
And another comment on our Facebook page from Nicole:
“Hi moms. Anyone know what foods should be avoided whilst breastfeeding? My LB is 3 weeks old & has terrible wind & cramps! tnx xxx”
Dear Antoinette
As far as pumps go I can highly recommend the Avent manual pump (if you are going the manual as opposed to electronic route) - I could take it to work and express in a private spot without the need for an electricity source. It comes in a handy carry bag so no one knows what you are lugging around with you, it’s compact, silent and very easy to assemble and clean. Plus the avent bottles screw directly onto it. You can also source spare parts for it from most baby shops. Plus its really gentle on the breast!
Good luck and most of all relax and enjoy the mothering experience - it passes so quickly!
I have small breasts and was able to breastfeed till my daughter was 19 months old - I did battle in the beginning with milk as she only latched at 3 weeks but once we got going I didn’t have a problem. I even expressed milk for her once I went back to work.
To Layla: I tried manual pumps when my daughter wouldnt latch that I borrowed from friends - I tried the Pigeon one as well as the avent one and they did NOTHING for me (a few drops is all that came out) - the pumps werent faulty cos my sister tried them (she was pregnant at the same time) and she got enough milk out. I bought the Medela electric pump and that works fantastically, it is a bit noisy and aparently the medela swing is quiter but it’s about R2000. I paid R1000 for my pump and it was the best investment I could’ve made. Happy feeding
Layla I waited until Dylan was born before buying a pump and to be honest the best pump is your lo. If you want to express milk then a pump is ideal and maybe consider buying a manual that can be converted to electric. I didn’t use mine. I loved breastfeeding though. Just something to keep in mind is that should you express milk, please consider giving it from a cup to avoide nipple confusion.
Most importantly good luck and enjoy. Breastfeeding can be quite difficult to begin with so find yourself a good lactation consultant now already and go for a consult before baby is born. Knowledge is power.
xxx
I use a Pigeon manual breast pump and it works very well-plus it doesn’t take very long about 15 minute max to get 150ml. I haven’t used an electric one. Using a breast pump is tricky in the beginning, but you do get used to it. The trick is to be relaxed and I’ve heard that being around your baby or having a picture of your baby can help. Its most effective after a bath or shower.
Hi, my Q is how do you know if your milk is still sufficient? Our little boy picked up 400 grams these past 3 weeks (he is 5 weeks now) & now he didn’t pick up anything this week even drinking every 3-4 hours? Is it normal for them to get a week where they are not picking up? The Sister asked me if my milk is still enough - How do a person know?
The size of your breasts doesn’t matter when it comes to breastfeeding (if it did, from an evolutionary perspective, all the babies of small-breasted woman would have died long ago and the world would be filled with big-breasted women ;) ). What counts is the glandular tissue that actually makes the milk, and it’s very rare for a woman to not have enough of that. Your body will produce enough milk to feed your baby as long as you feed on demand. If you’re very worried, you can always express whatever milk is left over after a feed to stimulate your breasts to make more.
To Layla - I bought my breast pump before my son (who is now 3 months old) was born. This was because I planned to breastfeed for as long as possible (exclusively and then still for evening milk), while being a working mom. If you are heading back to work, seriously consider continuing breastfeeding for as long as possible. My biggest reason is that your baby gets your antibodies through your milk which helps protect him from illness, especially important if he is in contact with a lot of people. Another really good reason is that for breastfed babies, the poos don’t smell bad :)
If you pump during the week for your babys feeds while you’re at work, feed him directly from your breast at night and on weekends to help keep your milk supply up.
On the advice of my lactation consultant who took us for antenatal classes I bought the medela mini electric. I reckon if you’re going to want to express more than once a month go for an electric - it’s much quicker and easier. And I recommend the medela. I’ve only tried the mini electric but there is a whole range to suit whatever you need.
My question is the same as Antoinette’s. I would also like to know if I need to buy a breast pump and which one is best.
“My breastfeeding concern is that I have extremely small breasts, Will I be able to breastfeed and if so will I also be able produce enough milk for my baby?”
REPLY: I had the tiniest breasts. My breast grew during pregnancy and I happily and successfully breast my son, whose favorite five times in a day are feeding time.
I think all Mom’s should remember one important thing about breastfeeding - that’s why we have them, breasts that is. There is no physical reason why a woman should not be able to breastfeed and produce ample milk for her youngin’.
When woman say they ‘can’t breastfeed’ what they usually mean in that they gave up trying to get baby to latch, for what ever reason.
Don’t worry. You are woman. You body is incredible, esp when it comes to caring for your baby. It will do what it needs to, regardless of the size. Just relax and let it!!
TO LAYLA: I had the same question. Don’t buy one yet. You shouldn’t pump in the first 6 weeks after birth anyway. Otherwise your body will think that there are two babies and produce milk accordingly - at least that’s what the midwives told me at the hospital.
I bought a manual pump and have used it like 6 times. My son is 6 months old now. I find a bottle more a hassle. The milk is my body is perfect when it comes out for him and there’s no washing up after either. I love that.
But, once I put him on solids, I used to express milk to add to the steamed vegies and porridge to thin it. But I have to be honest. I hate it. It takes to long and makes my hand tired. I use cooled boiled water now instead.
So, what I’m saying is that if you really want to express, get an automatic, wall socket driven one, not a hand held one. Spend the extra. Maybe Mom’s who one have another opinion?
Hi there
I also had small boobs but breastfed beautifully. Had so much milk and loved my boobs whilst b/feeding. Unfortunatley they are back to being small, if not smaller ;-) look fwd to doing it again. Just stay healthy to make sure you have enough milk.
As for pumps, my advice is to only buy one once you’ve had your baby and you know whether or not u can breastfeed. However, the Medela electric pump is by far the best pump out there. I tried a manual but never looked back after the electric.
Good luck both!
Re: breastfeeding and small breasts. The size of your breasts won’t influence how much milk you produce. I think the most important thing is that you see a breastfeeding/lactation consultant while in hospital and as soon as possible. It took 4 days for me to see one and it made such a difference when she arrived. Also make sure you are well rested (nap whenever you can) and keep hydrated. Jungle juice is a winner (recipe in Baby Sense).
Re: Manual or Electric pump? I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this one. It really depends on what your circumstances are. If you are going back to work and will be pumping a lot, an electric will be a boon (but can be a bit noisy). Manual pumps work well, but having tried both, the electric ones do seem to work a better. The Avent electric pump was certainly the most comfortable and was pretty easy to use. I stopped expressing for a while and when I tried it again, I only got a few mls out. When I later tried the Medela Swing, it seemed to be more effective, but was less comfortable and pretty fiddly. Hope this helps.
Hi, I am looking for some encouragement on continuing with breastfeeding an 11 month old, and being 10 weeks pregnant. The Drs are srongly against it, but in my heart, I know it can be done!
Hi there
Dont stress about the size of your breast they will produce milk and sufficient for your baby. Size in this case doesnt matter.
I have tried the nuk breast pump and found it a bit fustrating to us, the best one I think you should get is the AVENT breast pump it works wonders and its fast, just the normal manual one, no need for electrical one. Good Luck,
Hi Mums.
Can you help this mum with some tips on boosting her milk supply? I have suggested Jungle Juice to her - find the recipe in your Baby Sense Book. Any other tips would be greatlty appreciated. Here is a question from Lorraine:
“My milk seems to be drying up although my baby is still very small. I do not wish to give formula, is there a way that you can boost you milk supply?
Please advise.”
Does anyone have tips for this mummy of twins:
“I am breastfeeding with twins which are 10 weeks at the moment however it seems as tho the one little one gets nausious when she is feeding? What can the problem be and what can I do?
I top up with formula which she seems to take with no hassle but dont want to switch her completely. Please help.”
Gazell
To keep your milk supply up, simply feed your baby more, or express as much as possible so you produce more. Keep your fluid intake up. Lots of water !!!
Good Luck
Hi there
I have a 3 week old and after some initial challenges with breastfeeding in the first week, we’ve settled into it. My question is about overfeeing: is there a point where you’re over feeding your baby when breastfeeding? I’m feeding on demand at the moment, but she goes through stages where she feeds (properly drinking) for 3+ hours at a time, or otherwise won’t go longer than 40 minutes without a feed.
My lactation consultant says she’s having growth spurts (likely, she grew 4cm taller and 400g’s heavier in week 2 alone) but I’m concerned about overfeeding as well as the fact that the feeding cuts into her sleep time, so that she’s not getting enough sleep.
Any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Mums. Please can you help Chantal with her question:
“Why is it that no one in the world mentions the fact that you are going to be walking around with leaking breasts and even having a schedule in place does not stop this from happening and the breast pads don’t work all that great either. Is there any way to avoid this embarrassing occurrence from happening?
Thanks for your awesome products, it was my security when the first child was born and the quality is all worthwhile too.”
And another question. This one is from Sam:
“I am really looking forward to breastfeeding my baby - it looks so amazing and it will save us a lot of money not having to buy formula. However, I have a major concern: that I can’t do it.
I have two friends who have successfully managed to breastfeed for a decent period of time (months rather than weeks) but more friends who have not been able to go more than a few days and this worries me. I’ve heard that there are issues with sore and cracked nipples, painful feeding and even a horror story from my sister-in-law kindly telling me that her eldest already had teeth as a newborn when she was feeding! I just hope I can persevere through the pain and am determined to do it…I hope!
I have recently attended a Parent Information Evening at our local hospital where I got some leaflets and information about a drop-in for breastfeeding which is excellent news considering the class for breastfeeding is already full and we will not be able to attend.
Another concern is breastfeeding in public - I’m quite shy and not really looking forward to feeding in front of my family or when out and about and I know from friends’ experiences that this can be fairly problematic due to the lack of facilities nearby where we live. Already I am on the lookout for areas and shops which are ‘baby friendly’! My friend in Australia has sent me a breastfeeding apron though and she swears by these. I am glad that I have friends who have been there and who I can turn to for advice because even though my mum breastfed my brother and me that was over 30 years ago and I’m sure she can’t remember the techniques! Besides, I’d really like it to be a private bonding experience between my baby and me and without an audience.”
Heidi,
Eventhough a lot of people think that it is impossible to overfeed when breastfeeding, this is a reality in many babies. Vomiting after a feed is a sign of over feeding. Remember that breastfeeding takes 6 weeks to establish. Your milk might just sometimes flow a little slow. Don’t stress too much about feeding and sleeping times. Your baby will take as much as he needs and they tend to drink happily in their sleep. I had the same with my first, and doc said: “She’s probably sleeping well at nigh?”. The answer: “yes!”
Layla asks:
“My biggest concern about breastfeeding is about buying a breast pump. I plan on going back to work after Mat leave, so I will need a pump for expressing, the only worry I have is: Manual or Electric?
The brand concerns me as well as I have read some worrisome reports about Pigeon pumps, and there is such a wide selection of pumps, how do I know which one to buy. Price is another issue, as no salary on Mat leave is another concern”
Please help! I’m feeding every 2 hours throughout the night! My baby is now 7.5 months old and has been breastfed from birth. In the last month she’s been breastfeeding less and less during the day and now will not have any breast or any other form of liquid during the day. I’ve tried various teas, juices, water and formulas in different bottles and sippy cups to no avail. She eats 3 solid meals a day and eats very well. At bedtime she has a good feed off both breasts and does a 3 hour stretch but then wakes up every 2 hours for boob. I’ve tried to shush her back to sleep but that only works for 10 or so minutes and she’s calling again and will not settle until she has boob. I’ve tried giving her a formula and an expressed bottle feed at night but she won’t have any of it and becomes hysterical if she can’t have boob. She does have a good drink each time so I don’t think she’s just using me as a dummy (although I feel like one!). I’ve also got a very busy 3 year old, I’m so exhausted I can’t think straight! Any suggestions on what I can do to get her to drink more during the day and less at night???
Hi Heidi, overfeeding is one of my concerns as well & I think with breastfeeding the questions are always are he getting enough or is he getting too little or too much…Can anyone please give us some light on the overfeeding issue?
Should I give my baby the nipple or allow him to search for it? He is now 3 weeks old and found it very easy, but now seem to bop over it.
And the other question is regarding juandice. I had to wake my baby in the first week for feeds due to the risk of juandice, any one else experienced this?
Hi, I got my baby sense book as a prezie and it has really been highly helpful. From 2 months my baby slept 8 hrs from around 7 in the evening after a feed till around 3am. Then the next feed would be in 4 hrs time. I couldn’t wait for when my baby would drop the 3am feed like it is said in the book. Now my baby turned 4 months last week and to my surprise she now changed to sleeping only 6 hrs at night. My question: could it be that she is not satisfied when she goes to sleep? She was born 3.5 kg now is 7, she sits supported and doesn’t roll yet. I really want to breastfeed exclusivley for 6 months like I did with my first child. Thanks.
It sounds like your baby may be starting to need more nutrition now. This article may offer you some advice.
http://www.babysense.com/articles/feeding-sense-for-healthy-sleep/