Which bottle is most like breastfeeding? That’s the million, make that billion-dollar question! The baby bottle industry in the United States is enormous. And not surprisingly, many of the bottles claim to be most like breastfeeding to win your dollar.

Despite the claims of various companies, mothers still want to know which bottle is most like breastfeeding. The answer is as unique as how your sweet baby latches and sucks, combined with the uniqueness of how fast your milk flows from your breast. One bottle cannot be most like breastfeeding for ALL babies, because each mother and baby pair is unique.

To choose the best bottle for your baby, first it is important that you understand what’s happening during breastfeeding. Your baby’s lips widen to accept a portion of your areola. Your baby’s tongue stays over the gum ridge and cups your nipple. Your nipple reaches far back into your baby’s mouth, clear back where the hard and soft palates meet. At the beginning of a feeding, your baby latches onto your breast, which typically isn’t dripping. When you have a letdown, your baby sucks and swallows many times in a row, then naturally pauses between your letdowns. Most moms have several letdowns during a feeding, and the baby’s pauses coincide with these letdowns.

The goal of introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby is to mimic the above elements of breastfeeding to the bottle. Of course it is impossible to perfectly duplicate breastfeeding with a bottle, but we strive to control as many of these details as possible.

There are two things to consider when choosing a bottle: shape and flow. These are of equal importance. Finding the slowest flow on the market will not protect breastfeeding if the latch is wrong. Likewise, finding a great shape will not protect breastfeeding if your baby chokes and sputters or works too hard.

Left nipple has gradual flaring. Right nipple has abrupt transition

First, to select a nipple, look at the nipple shape rather than reading the claims on the box. The nipple shape needs to gradually flare from nipple tip to base. This shape allows the nipple tip to reach far into your baby’s mouth, and then your baby’s tongue can cup the nipple length. The gradual widening encourages your baby’s lips to widen and rest on the base of the nipple, mimicking your areola.

Lips widening nicely on a nipple that gradually flares

Instinct, and packaging, may tell us that a wide nipple shape is most like the breast and will encourage a wide latch. This is not true for many babies. If the nipple shape has an abrupt transition between the nipple tip and base, often the baby’s mouth will close when s/he feels the nipple “stop.” When this happens, the baby looks like s/he is sucking on a straw, which is very different than breastfeeding!

Baby’s lips are pursed and looks like she is sucking from a straw.

There is an exception to choosing nipple shape. If a baby has a tongue tie that isn’t revised, the baby may latch better on a long nipple while using a closed mouth feeding position. This will help the baby’s tongue work more effectively until the tongue tie is revised. After revision, a new nipple will need to be chosen that allows the baby’s mouth to widen.

Second, pay attention to nipple flow. There is no industry standard for slow flow nipples; any nipple can be labeled slow regardless of how fast they flow. Nonetheless, make sure the package says “slow” or “level/stage1.” It is also important to use the bottle nipple with the correct brand of bottle; mixing brands can hinder flow.

Did you know it’s a MYTH that you can test how fast a bottle flows by turning it upside down? Turning a bottle upside down only measures dripping, which is different than flow.**(See note below.) Dripping is still important. Remember that your baby latches onto your breast when it’s not dripping. Do this with the bottle, too, holding the bottle at an angle where the milk is not in the nipple when your baby starts sucking. Tip it up after your baby has a nice latch and begins sucking.

To judge flow, you’ll need to pay attention to how your baby swallows. Your baby’s swallowing rhythm should be similar to the swallowing rhythm during breastfeeding. If your baby looks worried, pulls away, or sputters, the nipple is too fast. If your baby has to suck several times before swallowing, or takes more than 10-15 minutes to feed, the nipple is too slow.

So remember, don’t fall for packaging claims. Instead, watch your baby to determine the best choice for him/her. By selecting a nipple shape and flow that allows your baby to latch and swallow in a manner similar to breastfeeding, you can protect your breastfeeding relationship.

**Note: Amy and co-author Mindy have tested and ranked bottle nipples according to flow. This information is found in Appendix C of Balancing Breast and Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals. There is also helpful information on their website and in their book, Balancing Breast and Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals. Your lactation consultant (IBCLC) may also have this information on hand to help you choose the best bottle flow for your baby.

See also: Bottle Feeding: Your Baby Sets the Pace

Dad pacing the feeding for baby.

You may wonder why I have written a post about bottle feeding. After all, I am a lactation consultant. My job as a lactation consultant is, first and foremost, to help mothers and babies breastfeed comfortably and enjoyably for as long as they both desire. One hundred percent breastfeeding is often the goal. The reality is, however, that most of my clients use bottles as well—either to supplement an inadequate milk supply or as an alternative means of feeding for times when mom is separated from baby. In addition, many babies I see have challenges that make breastfeeding next to impossible until the challenges are resolved. If a baby cannot get adequate nutrition at the breast, a bottle may be a temporary solution. Bottles are a fact of life in the western world.

It’s true that whether a mother is feeding her baby breast milk or formula, that baby will likely get a bottle at some point. It’s also true that most people do not know how to bottle feed a baby properly. That is why I’m compelled to discuss bottle feeding.

When a baby breastfeeds, he has some control over the amount of milk he swallows and the pace of the feeding. He will swallow rhythmically, then stop, take a few breaths and swallow again. If he feels overwhelmed by the flow of milk, he can release the breast and take a break. When he’s had enough, he can simply let go and close his mouth. Your milk ejection reflex comes in waves—milk flows quickly, then slows down, then flows quickly again. In this way he gets built-breaks. He also has control over whether he takes the breast to begin with. You have probably already learned that you can’t MAKE your baby latch on to your breast! It’s completely up to him.

What typically happens during bottle feeding? The baby is a passive recipient. The bottle is often placed in the baby’s mouth. The bottle is tipped up so the nipple is completely full of milk and the baby is laying face up on her back. The milk keeps flowing into the baby’s mouth whether she asks for it or not. She MUST keep swallowing because the milk keeps coming. The flow of milk is constant—unlike the breast which provides breaks in between milk ejection reflex cycles. When baby slows down or pulls away and there’s just a little milk left in the bottle, what usually happens? The bottle is placed in baby’s mouth again and encouraged to finish the last little bit. I’ve seen bottles twirled, shaken and tipped totally vertical to encourage the baby to drink more and faster. I’ve also seen caregivers literally chase a baby with a bottle when the baby turns away.

Whether you use pumped breast milk or formula, try to mimic how a baby eats normally. Remember that normal infant feeding is breastfeeding and try to replicate that experience as much as possible You can prepare the baby to take the bottle by touching the bottle nipple to the baby’s mouth. When baby is ready, he will latch on to the bottle nipple. Be sure to keep baby in a nearly upright position. The bottle should be nearly horizontal. In this position the baby will be able to take the milk at his own pace. Your baby should be able to suck swallow and breathe in an easy rhythm and also be able to pause frequently. The goal is not “gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp….” But rather “suck, gulp, suck, gulp, suck, gulp” with occasional pauses.

The nipple does not have to be completely filled with milk. As soon as your baby creates a vacuum on the nipple, it will pull milk in so she won’t be “sucking air.” If your baby shows signs of distress (waving arms, alarmed facial expression, squirming) remove the bottle from her mouth or change the angle of the bottle so that the flow will be slower. In this way you are helping the baby pace the feeding according to her needs. Give her frequent breaks—every ounce or so—so she can burp, cuddle and register that she has had enough.

When you help your baby bottle-feed in a way that is comfortable for her, you’ll also help avoid over- feeding, and possible tummy upsets. Whether feeding from the breast or the bottle, remember to pay close attention to your baby and you will both enjoy the experience.

See also, “Guest Post: Choosing the Right Bottle for your Baby“

My daughter had been nursing exclusively until she was 4 months old. She was always colicky, hard to nurse, and would arch her back and scream during feedings. My nipples were constantly sore. She was diagnosed with acid reflux and put on medication, but it never really helped. We had to start her on solids early at 4 months because she always seemed hungry. Then, at 5 months, she flat out refused to nurse. This time, I knew it was more than just “reflux,” and decided to go digging.

I searched high and low and came across some information regarding tongue ties and lip ties.  I immediately made an appointment with our pediatrician to have our daughter checked. He told us that she did not have a tongue tie, and that her lip tie shouldn’t affect feeding, but I had a gut feeling about it and talked to other moms and eventually found Renee–an experienced lactation consultant. (IBCLC)  

Even though Renee practiced in another city, an hour away, I made an appointment and went to see her as she has experience in identifying ankyloglossia (tongue tie). It was a wonderful experience.  Finally someone listened to me!  She was able to diagnose my daughter’s lip and tongue ties, and help me figure out how to nurse her comfortably, without pain, while waiting to have her ties revised. Renee also contacted my OB and our daughter’s surgeon to fill them in, and helped us find a wonderful body worker (Michael Hahn) to take our daughter to after her revisions.  (Note: Body work is often needed after the ties are revised to resolve any residual tightness in the jaw and other areas.)

We had both the tongue and lip ties clipped. We saw an immediate difference. A few days after the procedure we took our baby for a session of body work with Michael which helped our baby even more.  I can’t even begin to describe the difference in my baby since her ties were released, but the short of it is that she is a much more settled, content, happy baby who is gaining weight and growing much more efficiently. For the first time, I have seen her content to nurse and know what “milk drunk” looks like. Her reflux and spitting up have also vanished.

I am forever grateful to have found someone to listen to me and help me figure out how to continue to breastfeed my sweet girl. I will not hesitate to seek help again with any breastfeeding issues, and when we have our next baby, I am absolutely hiring Renee to come to the hospital!

“Infant formula is almost always more hazardous for the mother and baby than is breast milk with a tiny amount of medication.”

The vast majority of medications, whether over the counter (OTC) or prescription, are considered safe for breastfeeding. Still, many mothers wean unnecessarily when taking a medication. Why is this the case?

When you visit your doctor regarding a health concern, she will likely consult the PDR (Physician’s Drug Reference) when recommending a drug. The PDR references the pharmaceutical companies’ own research regarding safety. If the pharmaceutical company does not have any large, controlled studies that prove the safety of the drug when breastfeeding, the listing will indicate “unsafe for breastfeeding.” According to Dr. Thomas Hale, .”… the PDR is the poorest source for obtaining accurate breastfeeding information.”

I’ve been lucky enough to hear Dr. Thomas Hale speak on 3 different occasions. Mind you, it was the same talk each of the 3 times! It took me that long to really understand all that he was saying. He’s a Ph.D. Pharmacologist and one of the smartest men I’ve ever met. His book, “Medications and Mothers’ Milk” is the Bible of drugs and breastfeeding. When a mom calls me to ask about a medication, this is the book I reference.

Before evaluating a particular drug for safety, there are many, many factors to consider. It’s usually not a question of yes or no. Rather… it depends. It’s a complicated subject but I hope to simplify things a little bit for you. Here are some of the important details when considering a medication.

The risk associated with artificial feeding (formula).
The age, size and health of the baby.
The length of time the medication is needed.
The dosage of the medication.
The time of day the medication will be used.
The volume of milk the baby is taking in. (Is baby eating solids? Is baby only partially breastfed?)
Is the medication really necessary?
Is the drug approved for use with babies?
Is there an alternative medication that may be less risky?

Here’s an example. Let’s say you have severe insomnia because of an unforeseen stress in your life. You usually sleep well. Your Dr. prescribes 2 tablets of zolpidem, a sleeping pill, and tells you that it’s not safe to take the medication if you are breastfeeding. It may make the baby lethargic. Your baby is a healthy, chubby 5-month-old and consistently sleeps for 6-7 hours in a row at night. He sleeps in your room, but not in your bed. The baby’s father is home and can help meet his nighttime needs. Looking at the factors above, you realize that you will take the medication at night when the baby is sleeping. Most of the medication will be in your bloodstream when your baby is not nursing. Your baby is big, so the relative dose of the medication is small, if he when he does nurse. Lastly, you will only take this medication for a few days at most.

Let’s look at another scenario. Your baby has just come home from the hospital after a premature birth. She weighs 5 1/2 pounds and has had some episodes of sleep apnea. She is sleepy and has a difficult time staying awake for feedings. You are stressed and having a hard time sleeping. You have a history of chronic insomnia. Your Dr. prescribes zolpidem (15 tablets) and tells you it’s not safe to continue breastfeeding while on that medication. This situation is completely different from the first scenario. The premature baby could be seriously impacted by the zolpidem via your milk because she is so small, (making the relative dose bigger) nursing very frequently and already having trouble staying awake to get enough nutrition. You are also likely to take the medication more often and for a longer period of time than in the 1st scenario.

So you can see how the same medication, with the same warning label, can have a very different impact depending on the individuals involved. Before you wean unnecessarily or give your baby formula during the course of the medication, please consider the situation and the characteristics of the baby. The characteristics of a particular drug are also important and will be described in a separate post.

If you have any concerns about a medication, please don’t try to figure it out yourself. Ask your Dr. or lactation consultant to look it up for you in the most recent edition of Hale’s “Medications and Mothers’ Milk.” It is very likely that you will be able to continue breastfeeding!

Milkmakers Cookie.

If you’re concerned about milk supply, you probably already know that there are herbs, medications and even foods that can help. Herbs and medications often come with risks and side effects. But foods that help boost supply are simply foods! Foods have basically no risk and have an added benefit of increasing your nutrition and overall health!

Unfortunately, we don’t have much good research regarding human milk production. Much of what we know about milk supply comes from bovine research. Dairy farmers have a big interest in how much milk Bessie produces! We know from our bovine friends that decreased nutritional status can result in low milk supply. Lactogenic foods work because they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Even if your milk supply doesn’t noticeably increase, you can be confident you are increasing your health! What follows is a partial list of lactogenic foods from various sources.

From bovine research:
Calcium rich foods–broccoli
Fiber rich foods-Think whole grains—oatmeal, flax, etc
Iron-rich foods—dried apricots, raisins, spinach, red meat.
Brewer’s yeast

Good human research:
Mulangaay (Go Lacta is one brand)
Barley—affects prolactin.

Traditional
Pig’s feet soup
Chicken soup
Green drinks—spirulina, alfalfa, greens
Quinoa
Sesame/Tahini
Green papaya
Seaweed soup
Oatmeal
Flax

Herbs and Spices:
Anise
Caraway
Coriander
Cumin
Dill
Fennel
Fenugreek

Recipe for Barley Water:
Soak ½ c barley in 3 c water overnight (or Boil 20 min.)
Strain—discard barley
Pour 1 c over 1 tsp fennel seeds and steep 30 min.
Can sweeten with cinnamon.

The first line of defense for milk production is the law of supply and demand. In other words, the more milk that is removed, the more you will produce. If you aren’t making enough to help your baby grow adequately, a supplement of donor milk or formula may be necessary until your supply catches up. Be sure to check with your lactation consultant before you embark on any plan to increase milk supply. She will help you determine whether you have inadequate supply and help you develop the best plan for you and your baby.

A big thank you to Lisa Marasco* for her incredible talk on this topic at the LLL of Washington Health Care Professional Seminar which provided the inspiration for this post. Lisa is co-author of the book, “The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk.”

Sometimes babies are “stuck.” Developing in a small space, the baby may grow with a shoulder pushed up against her jaw. Or with her head turned to one side. When that baby is born, she may continue to tilt her head to one side, or her jaw may look asymmetrical. I pay attention to this because all that muscle tension and asymmetry can interfere with normal infant feeding.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Leah. A beautiful 2- month-old baby whose tight jaw was causing her mother to have extremely sore nipples. A thorough evaluation showed me that this baby’s structural issues were contributing significantly to the breastfeeding problems.

Leah’s parents generously gave me permission to photograph her in order to show you what a difference bodywork can make!

Before treatment.

Baby Leah before treatment. Notice the angle of her head and the asymmetry of her jaw. You can also see how her body twists and her right shoulder is kind of scrunched up into her jaw. One eye looks a bit more “open” than the other.

During treatment.

After asking permission, Michael began the treatment. This is Leah receiving very gentle, relaxing treatment. Baby is comfortable in mom’s lap.

After 15 minutes of treatment.

Here is Leah after about 10-15 minutes of treatment. She can now hold her head in midline and her body is straighter. Notice the difference in her eyes!

Bodywork for babies is very different than for adults.  It is gentle and respects the baby’s comfort level.  Michael Hahn (whose magic hands are shown in the photo above) contributed a post for my website so you can read about it in detail.

Leah’s mom reports big changes after the bodywork.  Her nipples are healing and feeling better every day. Leah also seems more comfortable during breastfeeding.  If your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, or if you have persistent sore nipples, please see a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In addition to her help, she may recommend a bodyworker who specializes in infants.  It may be just the help that you and your baby need!

Baby with tight frenulum. No tongue elevation present.

I met a darling baby last week who was obviously tongue tied. By obvious I mean that his tongue was not only visibly anchored to the floor of his mouth, but the mobility of his tongue was severely restricted. All signs indicated tongue tie. He cried frequently through the day with severe gas pains. He could not move his tongue side to side and there was almost no elevation when he cried. When he nursed, his tongue “snapped back” repeatedly. The snap back prevented him from keeping a strong vacuum at the breast, leading to noisy breastfeeding, slipping off the breast and sore nipples for mom. He was so noisy with smacking sounds and squeaky swallowing that his mom nicknamed him “Squeaker.”

I did what I could to help with comfort measures for the mom—optimizing the latch so she would be more comfortable, and we discussed options for addressing the tongue tie. Dad had had his frenulum released just a few years earlier so they were familiar with frenotomies and were positive about the procedure for their son. They scheduled the procedure with an experienced Dr. right away.

About a week later I saw the baby again. Now it’s important for the reader to know that good lactation consultants are very curious people. And we tend to be extremely interested in frenotomies and the appearance of the tongue after it has been released. I would expect to see a diamond shape at the base of the the tongue—indicating that the frenulum at been clipped deeply enough for maximum effect. I would also expect to see little or no frenulum remaining.

I took one look inside this little guy’s mouth and saw, not a diamond shape, but a frenulum. Not as restrictive as before, but definitely still there. The parents had noticed it too, and we talked about the possibility of having to go back and have it clipped again. But then I did the assessment. Elevation? Good. Lateral movement? Excellent. Snap back? Non-existent! Then the baby breastfed and there were no more “smacking” sounds. No more loud swallowing. And no more losing vacuum. The parents also reported that baby was happier—no more painful gas!

This baby and the skilled Dr. who released the tongue, taught me a lesson that day. Appearance is just one piece of information when deciding about tongue ties. Function is everything. The Dr. likely saw the effect of the clip as he was doing it and made an on-the-spot decision about clipping deeper. He made a good call. And the baby is “Squeaker” no more!

See also: “Tongue Tie: More than “Just a Breastfeeding Problem”

Getting some reassurance from an IBCLC

You have just had a baby. You’ve always known you would breastfeed, but things are not going well. Perhaps your nipples are sore. Or you’re struggling with engorgement. Maybe you’re worried about milk supply. Or your baby has hard time latching. Or maybe you just have a lot of questions. In any case, you and your healthcare provider have decided you need the help of an expert. It’s time to call a lactation consultant.

You’re happy to hear that the lactation consultant (IBCLC) your doctor recommends will come to your home to help you. You make an appointment with the consultant, and then you wonder….”What should I do in preparation for her visit?”

Before we talk about what you can do in advance of the visit, here’s what I do NOT want you to do: Clean your house, put on nice clothes or make a batch of cookies! Now for how to prepare:

This may seem obvious, but in order to help you, I must be able to see your baby breastfeed! (Yes, there have been times when I have arrived to help a mom and baby is blissed out with a full tummy!) I usually recommend that my client plan a feeding time close to the middle of my visit. That way, if baby wants to eat earlier or later than expected, there is still plenty of time to work around it. On the other hand, please do not pump immediately before my arrival.

If you want to rent or purchase a breast pump or other products,  let the IBCLC know in advance so she will have the items with her and she can schedule extra time if necessary.

If you have been partially bottle feeding or using some formula, record the amounts the baby has been taking for 24 hours or so before the visit. It’s really helpful to know the daily tallies of formula and/or pumped milk–especially if you are concerned about inadequate milk production.

Think about where you want the consultation to take place. If you usually nurse in bed, for instance, that is where I will help you. Most lactation consultants have no problem climbing on the bed with you to give you the help you need.

Be aware that the IBCLC may suggest a different chair or a different configuration of pillows. This doesn’t mean that you have been doing something “wrong;” it simply means she wants you to be comfortable.

It’s a good idea to arrange for a helper to entertain your older children and your pets. You will want to concentrate on the task at hand without distractions. I love animals, but if your pets are climbing all over me, I can’t give my full attention to you and your baby.

Make a list of questions. At the end of the consultation, look over your list to make sure your questions have been answered. Remember that you can always call or email as other questions come up.

If you have been using a breast pump, make sure it’s handy and the kit is clean and ready to go.

Do you want your partner to participate? What about your mother or other helpers? Whatever you want is fine with me!

Your lactation consultant will ask you about your baby’s weight history. Have his birthweight and any subsequent weights handy.

If you can’t be home for the scheduled visit, try to give the IBCLC at least 24 hours notice.

Keep in mind that your lactation consultant is traveling to see you and is also traveling to see other clients. Be respectful of her time and realize that she may be a few minutes early or late to your appointment.

Locate your insurance information, checkbook or credit card ahead of time.

And finally, if you do absolutely nothing to prepare for the home visit, it will be just fine. Those of us who routinely do home visits are a very flexible bunch. We can go with the flow. All you really need to do is be there, with a baby who will be willing to eat during the visit!

Engorged breasts and nipple shields

In the process of hearing her story, I learned that she had been told several times by nurses and doctors that it was important to pump after each feeding to make sure the milk would come in. She was also told to feed her baby every 1.5 to 2 hours day and night. . She wanted to do everything right. She wanted to make sure her tiny newborn got plenty to eat.

So she did as she was told. When he was too sleepy (or too full) to wake up, she called her pediatrician. How could she feed her baby when he wouldn’t wake up? As per his advice, she stripped him to his diaper, tickled his feet and used cool washcloths when necessary. She continued to pump after feedings—terrified that her baby was not getting enough to eat. She even hand-expressed milk into his mouth—so worried he wasn’t eating enough. She was also concerned about her baby’s very frequent, mucousy stools.

Unfortunately, no one had bothered to ask about her health history. If they had, they would know she had a late miscarriage a few years prior. They would have known that after the miscarriage she had a full milk supply for several weeks and had a terrible time with engorgement. They would also have know that she has PCOS—which can result in copious milk supply. (Mom’s with PCOS can also have issues with low milk supply.)

When her milk came in she was in trouble. She felt she had to keep pumping because she had so much milk. Her baby was choking and gagging. He would only nurse for 3-5 minutes–and it was a struggle. Then she would pump 6 additional ounces!

I showed her how to help her baby to the breast, letting him “take the lead” and latch in a way that worked with his reflexes. He nursed beautifully through her strong let down and handled her supply with no trouble. When the milk came too quickly, he cleverly let go and she helped him regroup and burp a little. He ended up nursing on both breasts contentedly for about 15 minutes. When he decided he was full, he was relaxed and happy. His mother was amazed at the difference!

I saw this mom a week later and she was a new woman. Now she lets her baby decide when he wants to eat. She used cabbage leaves to reduce her swelling and milk production and stopped pumping after feedings. Her baby’s stools are normal and he is happy and growing well.

If you find yourself with an oversupply brought on by pumping, gradually decrease the pumping over time. Cabbage leaves (green) rinsed and placed under your bra a few times/day will help reduce engorgement and may reduce your supply somewhat. Some foods may help you reduce supply as well. Your baby may be more comfortable nursing side by side in bed. You can also try leaning back and letting your baby nurse prone.

Many mothers worry about not having enough milk. It’s natural for a you, as a new mom, to have doubts. But try to keep in mind that the vast majority of mammals—including humans– have plenty of milk for their babies. It’s relatively rare to be unable to produce adequate milk. If you feel you have too little milk, or too much, please contact a lactation consultant and get help as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can relax and enjoy your baby and breastfeeding.

What now?

So you are pregnant. You are planning to breastfeed. You know that it’s normal, natural and that all other mammals breastfeed. You’ve heard about breastfeeding classes, but why should you take one? Isn’t this something that mothers and babies just do?

Mothers and babies are equipped with very helpful instincts* and, in the case of babies, strong reflexes to ensure successful feedings. A baby’s survival depends on his ability to find the breast, latch on* and suckle with just a little help from his mother. But here in the United States, and many other industrialized societies, birth practices and our very culture can mask and even undermine what come naturally.

New parents often assume that they will get breastfeeding help in the hospital. There may be excellent lactation consultants on staff, but many are only available during the week day—not at night or weekends. Even if you are one of the mothers who will see a lactation consultant, it is likely your “visit” will be 15 minutes or less. In addition, it is highly unlikely that the consultant will be able to time her visit for the moment you are actually attempting to feed your baby.

Mothers usually leave the hospital less than 2 days after giving birth. Will a lactation consultant be visiting you on day 3 or 4 when your breasts are swollen*? Will anyone be automatically checking on you and the baby to make sure that baby is hydrated*, gaining weight* and your nipples are healthy*?

“I always tell people that taking a class before the baby came was the best thing I did. I’m so glad that my husband was there, too! He remembered tips and tricks we learned and was also super supportive after learning how beneficial it is!” Cathy Y.

If you are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends who have nursed multiple babies, it probably doesn’t matter that you are not provided with a lactation consultant to ensure all is well. You will likely have all the help you need. But, honestly, this is a very rare occurrence in the U.S.

It’s likely that you have never seen a baby breastfeed up close and personal. If you’re like most of my clients, you have seen babies breastfeed from across the room, maybe under some kind of shawl. You probably averted your eyes. That is normal in our culture. We know it’s happening, but it is not ok to look! How can you possibly learn any new skill without seeing it happen and asking questions about it?

A prenatal breastfeeding class will provide you with information, a safe, encouraging place to ask questions and see pictures and videos of babies breastfeeding.

“It’s important to know at least the basics: latch*, hunger signs*, what’s normal in your infant and from our body. All good to know this before you are overwhelmed.” Audrey L.

Here are some topics that are typically covered in a breastfeeding class:

Basic physiology of lactation
Basic information about the content of human milk
What to expect in the first hours and days after birth
How to know if your baby is getting enough milk
Normal newborn behavior and reflexes that assist with feeding
How to help your baby with feeding
Signs that everything is going well
Common challenges and how to avoid them and/or overcome them
How to identify when things are NOT going well
Who to call for help

“What I loved about the class was seeing videos of real babies breastfeeding. They really helped me to understand breastfeeding.”

A breastfeeding class can’t prepare you for every eventuality, but it can give you confidence and information that can make all the difference after your baby is born.

*You will learn about these things and much more in your prenatal breastfeeding class!

For a private, prenatal breastfeeding class in the Seattle area, contact Renee directly. Or you can register for Breastfeeding Fundamentals if you’d rather have a group class.