Breastfeeding FAQs - AmedaBaby.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. Are there any support organizations I can contact for help with breastfeeding?
Yes, you can contact support organizations by phone or e-mail:

• La Leche League International (LLLI), a non-profit volunteer organization. 1-800-525-3243 or www.lalecheleague.org

• International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), to find a professional certified lactation consultant anywhere in the world. 1-919-787-5181 or www.ilca.org

• Doulas of North America trains lay people to provide childbirth education, labor support, and assistance with breastfeeding. 1-801-756-7331 or www.dona.com

2. Are bottles (Part #'s: 17250, 17253, and 402324) OK to freeze? Yes.

3. Are all parts and bottles OK to boil? We recommend using warm soapy water, especially polycarbonate parts.

4. Should I boil parts and bottles for first time use? Again, warm soapy water is recommended.

5. What is the recommended way to wash the parts and bottles? All parts and bottles may be washed with warm soap and water.

6. Can you pump directly to the Freezer Bags (Part #: 17241)? Yes, you can by using a twist tie or rubber band to secure them to the breast flange.

7. Can I share my replaceable parts or use someone else's? Replaceable parts are single user items and should not be shared.

8. Are the 4-ounce Polycarbonate Bottles (Part #: 402324) disposable? This item may be reused indefinitely, therefore they are not considered disposable.

9. I haven’t had my baby yet, but I’m leaking fluid from my breasts. Is that normal? Yes, it’s a normal by-product of pregnancy and lactation to leak milk even before you deliver. Some women never experience this but it is common. Use breast pads inside your bra to help keep you comfortable and your clothes dry.

10. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? Weight gain is the most accurate way to tell. A 4-8 oz. increase per week is normal, but it varies. Also, keep track of diaper changes, which may start at one or two wet diapers per day. After your milk supply increases, baby should have five to seven wet diapers and three to five bowel movements every day. Always consult you doctor if you are concerned about your baby.

11. When should I start breastfeeding? Start breastfeeding as soon after birth as possible, ideally within the first half-hour after delivery.

12. How often should I breastfeed? Nurse frequently the first week or two: about 8-12 times every 24 hours. Once your milk supply is established and your baby has grown, your baby will probably have a fairly regular feeding schedule.

13. How long do I breastfeed per session? From 20-45 minutes at first, but it will decrease as you and your baby become more experienced at breastfeeding.

14. How do I know when baby wants to eat? Look for signs such as sucking fingers or fist, fretful sounds, open lips, or turning head to the side with mouth open to suck when the side of baby’s mouth or cheek is touched. Eventually, crying will become a "late" sign for hunger. Avoid reaching the stage when baby is upset and crying hard because it's more difficult for a distraught baby to settle at the breast. Calm your upset baby before trying to nurse.

15. I have an uncomfortable fullness in my breasts. What can I do about it? Try breastfeeding your baby more often or use a breast pump to relieve that hard, hot, or painful feeling known as engorgement.

16. My nipples hurt so much I may quit breastfeeding. Is there something I can do? Sore nipples are a common complaint at first and may indicate that your baby is not positioned properly at the breast. Please contact your local lactation consultant if you wish to continue but feel uncomfortable.

17. What is milk let-down? Milk let-down, or milk ejection reflex (MER), is a hormonal release. During MER your body pushes milk out of the alveoli and the milk ducts into the nipple area. Some women feel a physical sensation and others do not. It varies from woman to woman.

18. I plan to breastfeed, so why should I consider a breast pump? A breast pump helps if you are separated from your baby (for instance, while working), if you become engorged, if you need to increase a low milk supply, or if baby has trouble latching on because of inverted, flat nipples or if the baby has palate irregularities.