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A Lactation Consultant Answers Your Breastfeeding Questions

Aug 3, 2023

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The birth of an infant is a beautiful time, and a key moment is establishing a breastfeeding bond with your baby. Many 网曝门事件 Health medical centers are Baby-Friendly hospitals, meaning staff members undergo extensive training to empower mothers to successfully breastfeed their newborns from day one.

鈥淏reastfeeding is one of the most special experiences a mother can have. It bonds her with her baby like nothing else,鈥 says certified lactation consultant Monica Milton, RN, who supports new mothers at 网曝门事件 Health Simi Valley. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 not always easy, and that鈥檚 where I can help.鈥

Q: How is breastfeeding my baby beneficial for both of us?

Breastfeeding provides many benefits for both baby and mother, Milton says. 鈥淏reast milk is the perfect food tailor-made for your infant,鈥 she explains. 鈥淏aby formula can fulfill nutritional needs, but it can鈥檛 replicate the antibodies that help a baby鈥檚 developing immune system fight off illness or the cholesterol that aids brain development.鈥

As for moms, breastfeeding can protect them against diabetes and high blood pressure, and even reduce their risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer later on.

Q: When should I start pumping?

Generally, Milton says, new parents should wait at least one month before pumping breast milk. 鈥淚t鈥檚 best to get breastfeeding well established 鈥 if everything is going well, your baby should be the best 鈥榩ump鈥 there is,鈥 she says. 鈥淥nce a month has passed, you can determine the best plan for pumping based on your situation.鈥 If you are going back to work, for example, you may want to start pumping to have extra milk on hand.

Of course, there are always exceptions, and Milton recommends following your lactation consultant鈥檚 guidance for when and how frequently to pump.

Q: I can鈥檛 seem to provide enough milk for my baby. What can I do?

Many factors can go into low milk supply, so Milton recommends seeking help from a lactation consultant. 鈥淲hen a mother is struggling with milk supply, the first thing I do is have a conversation: What does your day look like? How often is your baby feeding? How does the latch feel?鈥 Milton says. 鈥淲e can figure out what鈥檚 going on and find a solution together.鈥

Milton adds that while breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, it isn鈥檛 always easy in the beginning. 鈥淚 like to be realistic with the women I work with: Breastfeeding and establishing milk supply can be hard,鈥 she says. 鈥淏ut if you are willing to put in the work and able to breastfeed, it is so fulfilling and worthwhile.鈥


Have questions about your child鈥檚 growth and development? A pediatrician or family medicine provider is a perfect person to provide answers and education. Find a provider near you.

Tags: Maternity