Breastfeeding

Whether you are a first time parent or have breast/chest fed before, we provide caring and expert advice to help families along on your breastfeeding journey!

Here are a few frequently asked questions to help start your breast/chest feeding journey

What are the benefits of breastfeeding or chest feeding?

There are benefits for both you and your baby!

  • For your baby: decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs), obesity, ear and respiratory infections, asthma, eczema, and diabetes; baby receives antibodies to help boost immunity and fight infections
  • For you: decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, ovarian, endometrial, breast, and thyroid cancers
  • For both: great way to bond with your baby!

When does my breastmilk tend to “come in”?

Typically a birthing parent’s breastmilk “comes in” about 3-4 days after delivery.

Although it may seem like you are not producing very much, your baby’s tummy after delivery is very small and can only handle a small amount of milk at a time. It is important to continue to offer the breast often to help establish breastfeeding habits

It hurts when my baby latches on. What should I do?

We recommend trying different positions for baby, including the cross body and football hold. Ensure that baby has a deep latch to avoid over pulling on the nipple itself. We are more than happy to asses your baby’s latch and help with positioning during a visit 

Does my baby need any extra vitamins while they are drinking breastmilk?

It is recommended that all breastfed babies receive Vitamin D (400 IUs) drops once a day.

What if I choose to exclusively pump and bottle feed?

That is totally fine too! It is recommended to empty the breast about the same amount of times per day as your baby would feed. This helps establish and maintain a milk supply.

How often should I breast/chest feed throughout a 24 hour period?

On average it is recommended that newborns (0-2 months of age) eat every 2-3 hours in a 24 hour period (about 8-12 feeds per day).

How long is it recommended to breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends that infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life with introduction of solid foods between 4-6 months of age. Please ask your provider when is the right time for your infant to start solids.

Can my infant have water if they seem to be thirsty?

It is NOT recommended that your infant to have water prior to 6 months of age and only in very limited amounts before 12 months of age (no more than 4 oz per day).

Breastmilk storage guide

Type of milk Countertop Refrigerator Freezer
Freshly expressed 4 hours 4 days Best within 6 months but ok for up to 12 months
Thawed or previously frozen 1-2 hours 24 hours NEVER refreeze human milk after it has been thawed
Leftover milk (baby did not finish bottle) Use within 2 hours after baby is done feeding

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