Feeding
How will you feed your baby? While this is not always a choice mothers can make, it is important to start to think about before the baby arrives to be prepared. If you want to formula feed, you should ask your pediatrician which formula is right for your baby.
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
Breast milk can protect your baby from illness since it passes on helpful antibodies, cells and hormones from the mother to the baby
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of mothers developing certain health conditions
Breastfeeding may help mothers lose weight gained during pregnancy
Breastfeeding is better for the environment (it does not produce any waste)
BREASTFEEDING TIPS
Successful breastfeeding requires having adequate support, especially if difficulties arise. Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a learned behavior. If you are struggling to breastfeed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many amazing lactation consultants in our area, and we are happy to provide referrals. If you have questions about lactation or would like a referral, please contact us.
Here are some tips to help with breastfeeding:
Skin-to-skin contact: Initiating skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth increases the chance of successful breastfeeding, and increases the length of breastfeeding.
No Supplemental Food or Liquids: Within the first few days of a baby’s life, studies show it is best for a baby to only consume mother’s milk, and not specific foods or liquids.
Recognize Feeding Cues: Babies may signal they need to be fed by opening their mouth wide and/or by moving their head from side to side.
Try Different Positions: There are numerous positions for breastfeeding. It’s good to try a few to see what is most comfortable for you and baby, but always bring baby to nipple height.
Get Comfortable: You may be in a certain position for a while, so get comfortable. Get a glass of water, bring your phone, have what you need to relax while nursing.
Getting a Good Latch: Baby’s lips should be flanged, or turned outwards, with baby’s mouth around your breast, not just nipple. If the latch feels painful or is on the tip of the nipple, gently break the latch by inserting your finger into baby’s mouth and try again. Additional information on latching can be found here.
LOCAL RESOURCES
SENTARA MARTHA JEFFERSON
At Sentara Martha Jefferson, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available to new parents every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their lactation consultants can also provide one-on-one outpatient lactation consults to assist you and your baby with successful breastfeeding after you’ve gone home.
Many new parents have additional questions as they embark on their breastfeeding journey, and the experts at Sentara Martha Jefferson are available to help. The first step is to sign up for one of their free breastfeeding classes. For breastfeeding support please call 434-654-8440.
LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
La Leche League offers peer support, education, and encouragement for breastfeeding parents and parents-to-be. All moms/dads/partners/breastfeeding families are welcome at the meetings, or may contact the trained, accredited leaders for breastfeeding help, information, and support at any time. Their services are FREE!
FLOW LACTATION
Flow Lactation was founded by local mom, nurse, and lactation consultant, Ashley Fore, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC. Flow Location is in-network with Aetna and offers both virtual and in-home consults in Charlottesville/Crozet that cover latching, pumping and prenatal prep. Read Ashley’s #herstory on our blog.
MILK & CRADLE
Milk & Cradle is a lactation and postpartum support service founded by local mom, Tikara Cannon, MPH, CBS, PPD, MiLC. Milk and Cradle offers both virtual and in-person consults, as well as postpartum doula services. Read Tikara’s #herstory on our blog.
If you have questions about lactation or would like a referral, be sure to bring them up during your next appointment! We recommend checking with your insurance to see who is in-network for your plan. (Some of these practices may not take insurance, or they may provide a superbill for you to submit yourself. Please confirm these details with your insurance before booking an appointment!)
Breastfeeding Tips from our Blog
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The Top 5 Challenges with Breastfeeding
We wanted to take the opportunity during National Breastfeeding Month to address some common challenges (to let you know you’re not alone) and provide general recommendations, as many of these early challenges can be overcome with the proper guidance and resources.