We recently held an enlightening and helpful teleclass for expectant and new moms, generously sponsored by Lansinoh and expertly presented by Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Gina Ciagne.
Gina covered such topics as preparing for breastfeeding before baby arrives, tips to overcome some of the most common breastfeeding issues – like engorgement and milk supply concerns, preparing to return to work as a breastfeeding mom, and how your partner can support your breastfeeding goals.
Participants ended this session with important information and practical tips that be implemented immediately to make the breastfeeding experience a positive one!
In case you missed the class, or would like it as ongoing reference and support, you can find a link to the recorded teleclass HERE.
A common questions that arose during class was, “Is my baby getting enough milk?” Here is a great article on this very topic from the Lansinoh site:
If you are worried about not being able to produce enough milk, you are not alone. This is one of the most common breastfeeding concerns for moms around the world.
The truth is very few moms physically cannot make enough milk, so chances are there is nothing for you to worry about. Feeding in response to baby’s hunger cues is the best way to avoid issues with your milk supply.
It is important, especially in the early days, to understand that baby is the best teacher and will help your body learn how much milk to make. It’s also important to remember that baby can’t tell time. If you take your cues from your baby rather than watching the clock, you won’t need to worry about your supply.
Pumping can help (and for many moms who go back to work shortly after baby is born, it’s a necessity) but it’s not a true substitute for breastfeeding, so feed baby on demand at your breast as often as possible. Finally, while well-intentioned relatives may offer to feed baby at night to help out, it is important that baby is at the breast as much as possible because that’s really how your body learns how much milk to make.
Here are some factors to watch for to make sure baby is getting enough milk:
- Babies lose weight when they are born, but should quickly regain it. A 5-7 percent weight loss during the first 3-4 days after birth is normal. Baby should regain birth weight by 10-14 days. If your baby is not gaining weight, it’s important to get in touch with your baby’s healthcare provider and a lactation consultant so the underlying issues can be addressed.
- You can also gauge your milk supply from baby’s diaper changes. Baby will generally have six or more wet diapers each day once they’re four days old. Urine should be light and mild smelling.
- Expect 3-4 (or more!) poopy diapers each day by day four. Baby’s stools should be yellow and mustardy with no meconium (baby’s earliest stool, which is usually very dark green and sticky like tar) by day five. The baby’s stool could be seedy and a little chunky or like cottage cheese curds.
- After a feeding, your breasts will feel softer and the baby should seem full and calm. When baby is alert and more active each day, these are also great signs of a good milk supply.
It is normal to worry and to question your body in the early days. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or just to check with a breastfeeding educator if you are still worried or need confirmation all is going okay.
Additionally, here are some other very helpful resources on breastfeeding topics:
- Soreness, Engorgement and Plugged Ducts
- Kelly Mom: a web site dedicated to providing evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting
- Lansinoh has an enormous breastfeeding advice section of their site.
JOIN the Lansinoh Moms Club where you can get emailed advice both during pregnancy and after birth on breastfeeding and preparations!
LIKE Lansinoh’s Facebook page, which is chock full of tips. They also have a lot of fun ways to engage – including contests, guidance, support, sharing stories, asking questions on Facebook during their ask the expert sessions!
Founded by a breastfeeding mom, Lansinoh has been committed to helping moms succeed in breastfeeding for 30 years. Famous for its award-winning cornerstone product, HPA® Lanolin, today Lansinoh is the market leader in breastfeeding accessories. Lansinoh’s commitment to drive innovation and maintain the highest quality standards in the industry has led to an expanded product offering that includes premium toddler mealtime and baby toiletries products, all designed to help moms, babies and families live a healthy life. The Lansinoh family of brands, which are available in more than 25,000 retail stores nationwide, includes breastfeeding accessories and the mOmma® bottle feeding system. For more information, please visit www.lansinoh.com, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/lansinohUSA or facebook.com/mOmmaUS, and follow us on Twitter at @LansinohUSA and @mOmmaUS.
Gina Ciagne, Lansinoh’s Vice President, Healthcare and Media Relations is a nationally recognized expert on breastfeeding. As a Certified Lactation Counselor and La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor, she has worked with and provided advice and support to thousands of breastfeeding mothers around the world. A sought after speaker and media resource, Ms. Ciagne is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, and has appeared on The Bump, CNN, Fox News and many other radio and television news programs. In her role as Vice President, Healthcare and Media Relations for Lansinoh, Ms. Ciagne oversees the company’s outreach to and engagement with healthcare communities. She received her masters degree in Public and Community Health at Trinity University, and is the mother of two breastfed children.
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The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.
